Better than Jimmy Choos

There’s dust gathering in the section of my closet where strappy stilettos, fancy pumps and four-inch platforms live.  Purple suede, black patent, and caramel leather now plays second string to the durable and comfy classification of footwear I like to call: “Mom Shoes.” 

Do you have a few pairs of those? Sturdy kicks perfect for taking on a day of chasing kiddos around the playground, racing through the grocery store and battling whatever life brings each day?

I’d like to think that my “Mom Shoes” are a little bit like what Paul had in mind when he says in Ephesians 6:15, “On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong.” (CEV) 

Just as my go-to, sturdy pair of sneakers help me safely navigate my way through toy obstacles and hurdle over the coffee table to catch a dare-devil one-year old, the Good News of God’s peace—His peace in us and with us because of Jesus (Romans 5:1)—helps us stand strong and stay moving when life presents its inevitable challenges and hurdles.

In John 16:33 Jesus reminds us, “I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world." (MSG)

When we trust Him, we can stand firm. We will be:

Unshakable.

Assured.

Deeply at peace.

What a promise!

I wish I could say that I wear my shoes of peace as much as I wear my Mom Shoes.  With a husband deployed overseas and a little son with special needs, I daily stumble on anxiety and fear. Like stepping on a sharp toy barefoot, these attacks send stress and pain into my heart.  All I can do is run to Jesus and claim His pledge of peace to me, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 (NLT)

With His peace covering us and securing us, we can walk strongly and serenely through difficulties, moving without fear to share His love and message of reconciliation to others.  We can face our enemies, seen and unseen, confident that the One who has conquered the world is on our side.

Peace Be With You, 

Christine Caldwell