Feet

Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. – Ephesians 6:15 (KJV)

Recently when Muslims were feeling increasingly isolated and vulnerable, some Jews and Christians conspired to show our cousins some love. We met outside the mosque at Friday prayers: to be there as Muslims arrived and to be there still – arms interlocked, smiling, nodding Salaam – as they departed. We hoped to demonstrate that everyone should feel safe worshipping in their house of faith.

But the weather was perishing: single digits with sharp winds driving itsy snow-needles into eyes. We were going to be there for hours. Standing in place. Freezing in place.

So that morning I bought a pair of Sorel boots. My first. Thick soles with dense, felt inserts and exteriors of sturdy, waterproof rubber. Advertised to be good to -40ᵒC.

It got me thinking about the feet of Jesus and his followers. How much walking they did, lugging the gospel of peace here and everywhere on sandaled feet. How often they were outside in the weather. How Jesus must have noticed the toll it was taking, because one Thursday evening, the Savior of the world bent down to sponge their aching feet with soapy water.

We’re going to be on our feet a lot in the coming days and months. Outside. Marching. Crossing borders. Standing in solidarity.

Make ready. Resistance is personal. It is intimate and physical. We do it with our bodies and our souls.

Prayer
God, bless our aching feet to the work before us.

About the Author
Nancy Taylor contributed this devotional (edited for length) to Rise Up! Spirituality for Resistance, a collection of devotionals to keep you bright without burning out. Order Rise Up! here.