We admit it, we’ve been a bit fixated on shoes the last few days. Except for fashion considerations, most people don’t really think much about shoes & here in the islands perhaps even less than most other places. Here we feel like we’re being formal if our slippers (flip-flops) match.
But we’re farmers too, so we know the value of good, sturdy working shoes. If you haven’t read the post from Sunday about Craig R. & his donation to the Makanalani Kids, it’s worth a look – a truly heartwarming story.
Shoes are important for more than just protecting our feet, though. They have a place in society not held by many other articles of clothing. Your shoes can say a great deal about you: what you do for a living, your economic circumstances, your age, your culture & more.
From the Egyptians who made sandals from straw that were not unlike our ubiquitous Hawaiian slippers to the famous wooden shoes of the Dutch, shoes are molded by where you live. Wooden shoes protect from marshy ground, sandals let your feet breathe in hot climates.
And, of course, the Bible mentions shoes. Not only mentions them, but tells us that our shoes are part of the Whole Armor of God! So take a moment & appreciate your shoes, for they too are a gift from the Maker.
From Ephesians 6:
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15 As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
(our emphasis)
