“Who’s Shoes Are You Wearing?”

I’m not asking if you’re wearing Nike, Adidas, or some other brand. Frankly, I don’t care what brand of shoes you wear.

I want to know “who’s” shoes you’re in.

Are you wearing “your shoes”? Are you wearing “shoes nobody can fill”? Are you wearing “the other guys’ shoes”? Maybe a combination of these? Maybe none of these? 

Heck, are you even wearing shoes?

What condition are your shoes in? How would you describe your shoes? Are the shoes you’re in comfortable? Are they uncomfortable? What color are they? What are your shoes made of? Do your shoes tie, slip on, or Velcro close?

How much did your shoes cost? Would you recommend them to someone else? 

Okay, enough of that. 

Really though, who’s shoes are you in? 

Are you comfortable in your shoes? Maybe even a little too comfortable, maybe fearful of trying a new pair? Fear is a liar. Go ahead. Try new shoes!

Are you stepping in and filling a role nobody else wants to fill? Is it a huge role you’re fearful you can’t fill? Fear is a liar. Go ahead. Fill those shoes!

Are the other guys’ shoes not your style? Have they walked where you’ve never walked so you’re afraid to go where his shoes will take you? Fear is a liar. Go ahead. Wear his shoes!

“Argh! Stop with the “shoe metaphors” Dan! Get to the point already!”

It may be called “judging” or “criticizing”.  It could be considered “profiling” or “bias”. It’s common and we all do it; often without even realizing we’re doing it. It’s like we don’t think about it until it’s too late.

Honestly, what’s the first thing that pops into your mind when you see someone “not well off”, smelly, dirty, living in the streets – you know “homeless”?

Do you try to avoid walking by them; maybe even switch the direction you’re walking or cross the street a block or two earlier?

Why? What have they ever done to you? What are you afraid of? Again, fear is a liar.

Put yourself in their shoes. How would it make you feel if people avoided you based on appearance, economic  status etc?

Do you walk up to them and offer assistance? Do you lend an ear so they can tell you their story? Fearful of the conversation being “too real”? Yup, you know what’s coming next…fear is a liar.

Matthew 7:1 says “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.”  

So, why do we continue to judge others; especially those we know nothing about? Heck, we haven’t even walked in their shoes or even considered it! 

What does THAT say about us?

Why? Why write this now?

The answer to that is easy. The Christmas season is upon us. The time of “good cheer to all” is here. It just frustrates me so that for the next 4 or so weeks we will actually be kind and helpful to others. We’ll offer a hand to those who need it. You know, we’ll all spread that “Christmas cheer”.

But why do we only do this at Christmas? Shouldn’t we be acting this way regardless of the time of year? How different would our world be if we did?

I don’t know the answer to that. Although, I think it can be summed up in a single word “FEAR”.

Fear that “I’m not any better than the next guy”.

And really now, isn’t that what a it’s all about –  “being better than the next guy?”

Hopefully not.

We need to realize and accept one simple thing – God created us in His image and as such we are all children of God. He loves each and every one of us the same…today, tomorrow and forever. 

So, knowing that, what do we have to fear?

Nothing. 

Why? 

Because fear is a liar.