Goin' Barefoot

My One Day Without Shoes

Cause: a person or thing that gives rise to an action, phenomenon, or condition
a principle, aim, or movement that because of a deep commitment, one is prepared to defend or advocate

Courage: the ability to do something that frightens one
strength in the face of pain or grief

Courage: The children that daily go without shoes. They might walk miles to find clean water, food or medical help. They might need shoes before they can attend school. Cuts and sores on their bare feet may cause diseases that could have been prevented.

Today Cory and I got involved with a cause:
TOM's One Day Without Shoes
Fortunately for us, the weather was nice (heard it was 40 in Colorado). My feet were colder inside the house. We soon discovered that not too many establishments allow bare feet. I had an idea which ones didn't but we found out more along our journey.
We should have walked miles to see what it felt like--I walked a mile on a paved track after grimacing over stones along the way. Children in third world countries don't have the luxury of paved walkways.
Our first negative encounter came at the gym. After walking into the gym, and paying our fees, we were asked to leave since we didn't have "athletic shoes". (Are combat boots considered athletic?) The indoor track was also off limits to us. So, we quietly left after getting a refund.
Next we made a stop at the grocery store--but wore our flip-flops. I felt badly but rationalized that some children may actually have those.
Growing up in California and going barefoot a lot--driving with no shoes was not a problem. We stopped by Nashville Clothing Company to check out the TOM's shoes. A sales rep asked if we were shunning our shoes. I explained and she wished she had known about it. Evidently she wasn't selling the shop TOM's shoes.
The mall would not allow barefeet so we stopped off at Lifeway bookstore, then Target. Surprise! no one said a thing.
We returned to our warm cozy home, washed our dirty feet with soap and clean water and sat down to a yummy snack and TV show. What luxuries we enjoy while most of the world goes without.

A good reminder for me though--I may not have dozens of shoes lining my closet, but I do have 3 pair.
How many do you have?