Today is National Shoe The World Day. The day began in 2014 in recognition of the estimated 300 million people globally who are considered impoverished and cannot afford a pair of shoes.
Here in America, there is an infatuation with shoes. It is suggested that the average woman owns 20 pairs of shoes but only wears five pairs on a regular basis. While some may believe this to be a slanted and sexist poll, it might surprise you that men fall into the same category of owning close to 20 pairs of shoes.1 However 50% of those polled own more than 20 pairs of shoes.2
What is the proper number of shoes to have? The shoe experts say that we should have at least seven, one for every day of the week so that your shoe can “rest” – having a day off. If I have seven pairs of shoes, doesn’t that mean that every shoe gets a WEEK off? Wouldn’t that be ideal for us? Work one day and get seven off. Float that idea at your workplace and see where it gets you.
Now, if 300 million people are shoeless, my question is, how many of those people are in cultures where footwear isn’t desired? Native Americans made shoes from the hides of the animals they killed. Couldn’t many in shoeless cultures do the same if they really wanted shoes? I think that out of the 300 million, there are many who are like kids in the summer and they want to feel the grass and dirt between their toes.
For a guy that doesn’t like feet, I would prefer that 100% of people globally put on shoes. And not those silly flip flops or sandals. I mean shoes…close-toed and fully covering that foot. Nobody needs to see those 10 toes other than your podiatrist, pedicurist, or spouse. If you feel restricted in a pair of shoes, then please wear a nice, comfy pair of socks. Give your feet a hug with that cottony goodness.
I know that the Lord loves feet and calls them beautiful but not just any feet. Romans 10:15 says, “And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”
And I know that God loves good footwear but not just any footwear. Ephesians 6:13-15 says, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (15) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace…”
Perhaps I’m stretching this just a bit (or not!) but couldn’t we make an argument that getting some good shoes is symbolic of God’s forgiveness? Remember the story of the prodigal son? Evidently, his life of debauchery left him barefoot. When he comes home, his dad is waiting and lovingly forgives. What happens next is important to today’s devotional.
Luke 15:21-24 says, “And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. (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: (23) And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: (24) For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.” The boy came home broke, barren, and barefoot. His dad took care of it all, reversing his circumstances.
Hmmm…seems that shoes just might be important to which I joyfully say Amen and Amen!
1https://fashioncoached-com.custommapposter.com/articles/how-many-people-in-the-world-do-not-own-shoes#toc-0
2https://fashioncoached-com.custommapposter.com/article/how-many-shoes-should-i-own-revealing-facts-about-your-soles-lifestyle-fifty#toc-3
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