After writing the previous post (“fabulous footwear”) I now find myself focused on footwear much more than is typical for me or is necessary for that matter. I myself am wearing the same old shoes that I typically wear every day, being a firm believer that if you find something that works for you, stick with it, right? I am not making a statement with my shoes – fashion or otherwise. BUT –

I work in a high school and I have noticed that footwear is very important to the students here. Shoes seem to be more than just a fashion statement. Shoes here are symbols signaling status, identity, and perhaps power. Apparently, it’s all about the brand – the name brand. The name conveys the status, the name is the identity, the name confers the power to the wearer of the shoe. Who knew?

And I thought footwear was just to keep your feet warm, clean and dry? Turns out, footwear fills a much more important function for these teenagers than just utility, fashion or wardrobe choice. Their footwear defines them. For these teenagers, it’s all about the name – the name brand of the shoe.

However, I think Shakespeare would disagree. His view on the subject was revealed when he said – “What’s in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” However, that doesn’t seem to ring true anymore. Today it’s all about the name – probably why we have expressions such as “making a name for herself” or “name dropping” or “name brand.” It is all about the name after all.

So it’s not surprising that when a shoe bears the name of “Jordan”, it is a more expensive, more popular and a more impressive shoe, simply by virtue of the name. (of course I’m referring to the basketball star, Michael Jordan) Likewise, when I’m wearing shoes “fitted with the readiness of the peace of the gospel” that my Heavenly Father provides for me, I am wearing name brand shoes too. BUT – not just any name. No, these shoes bear the name of Christ. And that’s a big deal. How do I know this? Well in Acts I read this –

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

Peter acknowledged this truth to Jesus when he said –

“Simon Peter answered Him (Jesus), ‘Lord to whom shall we go? You alone have the words of eternal life.’ ” (John 6:68)

The psalmist said –

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:1)

“Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens.” (Psalm 148:13)

When I’m wearing the shoes God has provided for me, shoes that fit my feet perfectly with the readiness of the peace of the gospel, it’s like I’m wearing Jordans but infinitely better. Jordan is a really big name in the shoe world and in the sports world BUT – my name brand shoes bear an exponentially bigger name – a name described in this way –

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5-11)

Wow! That’s the name my God given shoes bear – the name of Jesus. What a privilege to wear the shoes that bear His name – His holy name that is above all names. I had better walk well when wearing these shoes so as not to dishonor or disgrace Jesus’s name. If I’m going to wear such fabulous footwear, this is my prayer –

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)

What a privilege to wear such fabulous “name-brand” footwear every day!

sincerely, Grace Day