Beautiful Feet

If you know me, you know that I am not a fan of closed-toe shoes! Since I moved to Florida in 2004, I have probably only owned two or three pairs of closed-toe shoes. I am much more comfortable in a pair of sandals or flip flops. Now that I have gotten a bit older and have a problem with my knee and some arthritis in my feet, I can't wear just any sandals. I need something with support, but I still much prefer opened-toe shoes to closed-toe ones! 

The only drawback with sandals is it makes me much more conscious of my feet and how they look. One of the ways I practice self care is getting a pedicure on a regular basis. First of all it makes my feet feel better, but it also makes them look better! I'm not sure I have the most beautiful feet in the world, but they will do after a good pedicure!

This week I am attending the Annual Conference of the Florida UMC in Lakeland, FL with Ralphie Segar, Nick Smith and Liz Yongue. The theme this year is Faith Rising and the Scripture is Romans 10:14-15:

14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Notice verse 15. Paul is quoting the Old Testament prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 52:7). 

 How beautiful on the mountains

    are the feet of those who bring good news,

who proclaim peace,

    who bring good tidings,

    who proclaim salvation,

who say to Zion,

    “Your God reigns!”

In ancient times, messengers would run for miles over rough, dusty terrain to deliver critical news of victory or peace to a waiting city. The "feet" of the messenger, while likely dirty and tired, are considered beautiful because of the precious, life-saving message they bring. It highlights the great value and honor placed on those who bring the message of peace with God through Jesus Christ. These verses serve as a call to action for the church. They emphasize that God's primary method for saving all of us is to use human messengers to share God's grace, love and compassion. 

So, no matter what our feet actually look like, they are beautiful when we share the light, love and hope of the Gospel message with the world. I think I will continue with my pedicures, but I pray that God will remind me that the true beauty of my feet comes from the life I live and the love I share with others. 

How are your feet doing today?

Grace and Peace

-Pastor Madeline