by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT
Shoes are a big topic for many women. Some have closets filled to the ceiling, and others have a few classic styles that work with many outfits. As a physical therapist, I opt for timeless, comfortable styles that provide sturdy footing. No six-inch heels for me!
As conference season kicks off, some of you are shopping for spring outfits with matching shoes. You want to appear professional and stylish as you meet with agents, editors, and other industry professionals. But have you considered that you need to pack another set of shoes? These shoes are not sold in stores—not even Amazon or Temu carries them.
Writing Is a Battlefield
When you write for God, the dark forces want to stymie your efforts. Satan will sow seeds of discouragement, disillusionment, and doubt all along your path because he wants you to stumble, fall, and give up your efforts to share the hope of Jesus.
The only way to walk victoriously through the mire of the battlefield is to wear the shoes of peace. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he wrote, “Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace,” (Ephesians 6:13-15 NIV).
No pair of stylish shoes will suffice without a heart and mind filled to overflowing with God's love and a deep commitment to following His ways. If you are a believer, put on the shoes of peace and allow God to lead your fight against the dark forces.
The Best Shoes for Standing
You may notice in those verses that Paul uses the word “stand” three times. Standing still for long periods is more demanding than most realize. As a physical therapist (PT), I've assisted many people to walk again after surgery, illness, or an accident. While PTs help patients regain mobility, we also work on standing. Standing with good balance for long periods requires more strength and endurance than walking.
It's fascinating to me that Paul talks so much about standing firm. When there's nothing else to do but stand, we are to stand and hold our position. You need a stable base of support to stand for long periods, which is why flat soles and low heels work best. The higher the heel, the harder it will be to stand because your feet will ache and your legs will tire.
As you prepare to stand your ground as a writer for God, expect to face opposition that may last for long periods. Without the proper footwear, you will tire and give up. Those spiritual shoes of peace will endure longer than any others. When relaxed and peaceful, your heart and other muscles do not burn excess energy. If you are anxious, angry, or double-minded, you will burn yourself out, give up, and retreat from the spiritual battlefield.
The Shoes of Peace Match All of Your Outfits
Whether you wear classic black or the latest spring colors, the spiritual shoes of peace will match everything in your wardrobe. Pair those shoes with a warm smile, an encouraging word, and a helping hand; no matter what comes your way, you will conquer it with God. And when the forces of darkness attack—and they will— you can stand at ease for as long as it takes for Jesus to win the battle.
Writing for God is not easy. Just as a warrior prepares for battle by wearing and carrying the proper equipment, we must adorn our feet with the shoes of peace to stand and defeat the enemy. And thankfully, the shoes of peace take up no room in your suitcase.
How many pairs of shoes do you typically pack for a conference?
TWEETABLE
No comments:
Post a Comment