SHOES IN CHURCH: I have seen this before,maybe even shared it before but here it is again and it touches my heart every time I read it. It
really hits close to home as I have always been poor not that I have ever really gone hungry but we have been homeless and my children were raised poor. We always had our basic needs met but sometimes I wondered and worried but I tell you true, God is very good and has never let us down. I've let Him down a lot I am sure, We didn't have much but we were always neat and clean if not fashionable and I have always felt not quite accepted in church, the churches around here even been called poor white trash to my face by a "church lady" and was not accepted here until recent years when God made a name for me in the writing profession, now people want to be my friend because I am known and have won a few awards. No thank you, that isn't why I write or why I go to church to show off my talent or my fashion and that non-acceptance has helped to turn my kids sour on church and on God. I know how that man felt. I pray more people learn about God and the heart of man not mans outward appearance. Love,
Annie PLEASE READ
Shoes in Church:
I showered and shaved................ I adjusted my tie.
I got there and sat................ In a pew just in time.
Bowing my head in prayer............ As I closed my eyes.
I saw the shoe of the man next to me....... Touching my own. I sighed.
With plenty of room on either side......... I thought, 'Why must our soles touch?'
It bothered me, his shoe touching mine.. But it didn't bother him much.
A prayer began: 'Our Father'............. I thought, 'This man with the shoes, has no pride.
They're dusty, worn, and scratched. Even worse, there are holes on the side!'
'Thank You for blessings,' the prayer went on.
The shoe man said................. A quiet 'Amen.'
I tried to focus on the prayer....... But my thoughts were on his shoes again..
Aren't we supposed to look our best. When walking through that door?
'Well, this certainly isn't it,' I thought, Glancing toward the floor.
Then the prayer was ended............ And the songs of praise began.
The shoe man was certainly loud..... Sounding proud as he sang.
His voice lifted the rafters........ His hands were raised high.
The Lord could surely hear.. The shoe man's voice from the sky.
It was time for the offering........ And what I threw in was steep.
I watched as the shoe man reached.... Into his pockets so deep.
I saw what was pulled out.......... What the shoe man put in.
Then I heard a soft 'clink' . As when silver hits tin.
The sermon really bored me.......... To tears, and that's no lie.
It was the same for the shoe man... For tears fell from his eyes.
At the end of the service........ As is the custom here.
We must greet new visitors, And show them all good cheer.
But I felt moved somehow........... And wanted to meet the shoe man.
So after the closing prayer........ I reached over and shook his hand.
He was old and his skin was dark..... And his hair was truly a mess.....
But I thanked him for coming.......... For being our guest...
He said, 'My names' Charlie............ I'm glad to meet you, my friend.'
There were tears in his eyes......... But he had a large, wide grin..
'Let me explain,' he said............. Wiping tears from his eyes.
'I've been coming here for months...... And you're the first to say 'Hi.''
'I know that my appearance...........'Is not like all the rest.
'But I really do try....................'To always look my best.'
'I always clean and polish my shoes...'Before my very long walk.
'But by the time I get here........'They're dirty and dusty, like chalk.'
My heart filled with pain............ And I swallowed to hide my tears.
As he continued to apologize.......... For daring to sit so near
He said, 'When I get here............'I know I must look a sight.
'But I thought if I could touch you....'Then maybe our souls might unite.'
I was silent for a moment............. Knowing whatever was said
Would pale in comparison.... I spoke from my heart, not my head.
'Oh, you've touched me,' I said.......'And taught me, in part;
'That the best of any man..............'Is what is found in his heart.'
The rest, I thought,............... This shoe man will never know.
Like just how thankful I really am.... That his dirty old shoe touched my soul
You are special to me and you have made a difference in my life. I respect you, and truly cherish you. God made you special.
