A Walk in New Shoes

I have to head to work, but wanted to share this first...

As I spent some time journaling this morning, the only explanation I can think of is that the words below poured from God's heart into mine. I've never been a poetry writer, but these words just spilled out onto the page. 

A Walk in New Shoes

The other Day, God summoned me

to take a walk with Him,

He planned to prepare me for a journey,

although I didn’t know it then.

He said, “I want to give you these,

I’ve made them just for you.

You may not understand it now,

they’re a gift; your new shoes”

I managed to whisper “Thank you, Father”

as tears welled in my eyes.

I looked down at the pair of shoes

and simply asked Him “why?”.

You see, these shoes my Father made,

they are ugly and they’re cold.

It hurts my body to walk in them

but, I’ll do as I’m told.

When people look upon me now,

it’s with sympathy and sorrow.

I limp along in these new shoes

just praying for tomorrow.

Maybe when tomorrow comes,

or down the road some years

I’ll find myself walking taller,

in less pain; with fewer tears.

Maybe then, these shoes will feel

more broken in; worn down.

Maybe I’ll finally find comfort

In these shoes which I’ve been bound.

 “Excuse me Father, I don’t understand

How these are a gift for me.

They’re uncomfortable and painful

And as ugly as can be.”

“You see, my child, I give you these

They’re modeled after mine

I’ve walked the road in these same shoes

As I too, watched my son die.

You do not understand it now,

But somewhere down the road,

You’ll find they make you stronger

You’ll find they make you grow.

Right now you may fall often,

you’ll stumble and you’ll cry.

The pain and grief unbearable,

 you’ll often ask me “why?”

Keep walking in these shoes, My child,

just trust me and you’ll see,

the sorrow and pain of wearing them

will ease as you walk with Me.”

For each, these shoes are custom made,

they’ve been hammered, chiseled and filed

If you’ve been handed a pair of these

Then you too have lost a child.


You, too, have dropped down to your knees
as you begged, pleaded and prayed,
and were then forced to say the hardest goodbye 
to your child who could not stay. 

Yet, Our Father’s own hands molded these shoes

with love and joy and tears.

They are made to grow stronger, yet comfortable

as we carry this burden for years.

My friend, I have even considered it,

But won’t trade my shoes with you

No one should have to bear this burden

And already, too many do.

These shoes, you see, they are a gift,

as unbearable as they may be.

I’ll wear them because He asked me to

and they’ll forever be part of me.

Maybe I'll add more at some point, but just wanted to share what God put on my heart this morning.