It is said, Imelda Marcos left behind at least 1,220 pairs of shoes, along with a vast collection of clothes and accessories, when she fled with her husband, President Ferdinand Marcos, during a 1986 uprising.
Now, I don’t have anywhere close to 1220 pairs of shoes, but I do enjoy the ones I have; and am always on the lookout for more. I have shoes that I wear to work, shoes I wear if I’m planning to walk a lot, shoes for warm weather and cold, and shoes I wear just because they look good. I have house shoes that don’t have the dirt of walking around outside on them and shoes I’ve never worn at all. They complete our outfits, make us comfortable (and sometimes not so much), and protect our feet – some would say. But at the end of the day, most of us can’t wait to kick them off.
My closet of shoes got me thinking…my favorite shoes are not shoes at all, they are simply my bare feet!
I think for many people, we put on shoes like we put on masks. We clothe ourselves with just the right pair for what that situation requires, protecting ourselves (at least we think we are) from the world around us. We create a persona we believe is what others would like to see; yet, all the while, we long to be authentic.
Consider the lilies of the field. Consider the birds of the air. They do not sow or toil; yet, God cares for them (Matthew 6:25-34).
I think it is said best in 2 Peter – Everything we need for life and godliness has been given to us through divine power by God.
So, if we have everything we need already, why do we find it necessary to clothe ourselves in other things?
I have a necklace, given to me a few years ago by a friend – It is a constant reminder to be authentic. It says, “If you are your authentic self, there is no competition.”
My authentic self; not clothed with a cleverly crafted persona, but barefooted; knowing I AM that I AM.
I AM…
…Son of God
…Christ Eternal One
…Divine Radiant Light
…Portal for Miracles
…Infinite Potential
…Boundless Limitless Love
I AM not a mere person flailing aimlessly in this world, hoping God’s promises really are YES and AMEN
So, if we have everything we need already within, why do we find it necessary to clothe ourselves in other things? Why, because we don’t really believe it! We don’t know our true Self! We have so perfected the persona of (place your name here), we don’t realize that person is not real. We are comfortable in the shoes we’re wearing, and don’t see a need to kick them off.
“But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that is illuminated becomes a light itself. So it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time…” (Ephesians 5:13-16).
Matthew 5:14 say, “You are the light of the world…let your light shine.”
Beloved, it is time to Awaken to True Self! You are Light and Everything you need, you already have! Let this Truth emanate (reflect from SOURCE) outward! Let it expose every falsity, every lie that says, “You are a person separated from God.”
We are not of this world! We don’t have to look like it, behave like it, compete with it, or be buried in it. It is time for authentic Self to rise, shake off the slumber of death, and walk barefooted in Truth.
Are you ready to be still and listen to Truth with your heart, not looking outward, but inward for the answers? Are you ready to get rid of your closet full of shoes?
Father, You are Love and so am I. You are Light and so am I. Let Light and Life and Truth and Love awaken hearts today. May we no longer look through the eyes of this persona created to live in a fantastical world You did not create. But, let us realize Authentic Self, perfect in Your sight; lacking nothing; totally connected to You. Amen!