Gò0dNews for Everyone
Shoes Worn Well by Virginia Piper
T
hese shoes have been worn well. They wrap around a pair of feet that have danced until steps could no longer be taken due to exhaustion. They've walked halls of schools and run to unknown places going exploring. They've jumped to the beat of music or to sink the ball in the basket for an impressive three pointer. These shoes are on feet that doctors predicted would be clumsy
others who struggle with mobility. Or that they would carry this young man to pulpits to pray. These feet have carried the gospel to those who feel unworthy or too far gone to be loved. Isaiah 52:7 tells us, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns’” (KJV). Perhaps the feet who bring good news are not as you imagined. It is sad to miss the treasure inside because we ignore the package it comes in. The outside may appear disheveled or unkempt wearing mismatched clothing. The words we hear may be garbled or shared with a stutter. Perhaps we don’t give merit to the message because it is comprised of short, hesitantly spoken words or even communicated with gestures. Does the message hold less value because of the way in which it is delivered? Jesus taught and lived inclusion. and slow. Feet belonging to a young man with Accessibility is organic to the gospel message. Down syndrome for whom doctors, and some To overlook or intentionally exclude those teachers had low expectations. Indeed, these with disabilities from the church undermines feet were slower to learn to walk but they foundational gospel truths. I Corinthians 12:12 walked right on time for the race that this young states "There is one body, but it has many parts. man is running. But all its many parts make up one body. It is What doctors failed to share about these the same with Christ” (KJV). feet was that they would walk to the alter Demonstrating the profound beauty of the in response to another’s pain and need for gospel can sometimes be seen from those we compassion and forgiveness. Or that they would least expect wearing shoes that have been worn walk across rooms to intentionally acknowledge well as God’s instruments carrying the joy and hope of Jesus. 42 // May 2020
