shoe analogy

cowboy boots... these are one of my favorite pairs of shoes, but i don't wear them as often as i would like. wearing my cowboy boots would display a confidence that i do not usually or always have. they are not the most stylish shoes or are in style really, but i love them and they are a part of who i am. my boots remind me of the country atmosphere where i was raised, small town charm. where everyone knew everybody and were friends of many. i think of the little old ladies in my church that were very tender hearted and loved everyone like we were their own children, the smallest thing we did for them touched them deeply. that is part of me.

chacos - there are very few outdoor enthusiasts that do not own a pair of chacos. these shoes remind me of people who are always out on an adventure or just getting back from one. chacos are comfortable no matter what you are doing. i can run in them, hike, kayak, or just walk around campus. they make me think of exploring and searching for something. that is part of me.

tennis shoes - these represent being an athlete and all the blood sweat and tears that is involved in training. as i look at my tennis shoes sitting here in the floor i see stains from the mud that i stomp through when i go running, or the fraying shoe lace from being pulled tight too many times. these shoes were once strong when i bought them, but now they are worn out and in need of repair or replacement. that's me i want to be strong on my own, but i need Jesus to repair and provide renewal. that is part of me.

barefeet - when i go barefooted i feel like a kid again. i feel an overwhelming sense of joy and that i am truly alive. when i was a young child there was a sense of freedom. i want freedom from the bondages that hold me back from truly being alive in Christ. i want that to be not just part, but all of me! to have an alive and growing relationship with God!

this past year has been a lot of going through trials, but learning from it. learning who i am apart from my family and friends that i grew up with. who i truly am in Christ and what i believe!