ITS ALL ABOUT THE SHOES

What is this strange relationship women have with shoes? It is another one of those special qualities we possess as women that most men will never understand. My husband, who has more shoes than he will admit, cannot comprehend why my closet contains two rows of black shoes, a row of blue, one of various shades of white, cream, brown and taupe, another of all the colors of the rainbow and finally a row of casual shoes. His idea of a complete shoe wardrobe is black and brown dress shoes, black and brown casual shoes, a pair of athletic shoes and a pair of sandals. He actually owns more than that only because he never gets rid of anything. I have tried to explain that one pair of black shoes may not compliment every outfit or that some events call for a conservative look while a wild pair of shoes may be the perfect accessory to express exactly who I am on another occasion. Unfortunately, his problem-solving, matter-of-fact brain cannot process such information of higher understanding.

My latest acquisition was a gorgeous pair of bright yellow heels. I am convinced that an outfit can go from mediocre to spectacular when paired with the perfect shoes. On the other hand a stunning outfit can be forgettable when no thought is given to your feet. I can be transformed from a dowdy house wife into a gorgeous femme fatal simply by donning a outrageous pair of shoes. It may only be a mental transformation but we tend to act out the mental picture we have of ourselves, so watch out!!!

Several years ago, my sister Deb, stated that she loved shoes so much that when she died she wanted to be buried with only her feet showing clad in gorgeous purple shoes. Since everyone who passes by the coffin always seems to remark on how good the deceased looks, she wanted to give them something really beautiful to talk about. I agree with her totally except I want my coffin closed and surrounded by a display of my fabulous shoe collection in lieu of flowers.

Shoes are very important to God also. As the children of Israel were preparing to leave Egypt, God gave them explicit instructions. Exodus 12:11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’S Passover. The women fully understood the order to have their shoes on their feet and without being told that they should be of the best quality. As the next verse tells us they had to travel a long way to get to the next Dillard’s or Macy’s. Deuteronomy 29:5 And I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your clothes are not waxen old upon you and thy shoe is not waxen old upon thy foot. That verse makes you a believer in the Grace of God. In our own strength it would be impossible to have tolerated 40 years of the same style shoe.

Moving into the New Testament, we again find the important role that shoes play. In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the father falls on his son, kisses him, puts the best robe around him, a ring on his finger and don’t forget; shoes on his feet. Luke 15:22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: That’s right, we find shoes listed right up there with the fatted calf. After all how could he attend a party in his honor and enjoy such a grand feast in the same shoes he had worn in the pig pen.

Speaking of footwear, one of the most important verses in the Bible is Ephesians 6:13. After we have been born again, we are instructed how to withstand the onslaught of Satan that will inevitably come our way. God gives us very specific wardrobe advice and because He is God, He includes footwear. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Whether you like pointed, square, round or toeless shoes; leather, patent, suede, or canvas; black, red, yellow, pink or polk-a-dot; boots, spike heels, sandals or flip flops; don’t forget to slip your feet into “the preparation of the gospel of peace” every morning. Our ensemble may include a skirt of truth, blouse of righteousness, a Sunday hat of salvation, our sword of the Spirit covered in lace and a matching handbag of faith, but to make a lasting impression don’t forget your shoes of preparation. We can make an eternal impression on everyone we meet; IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SHOES.