As we conclude our July, “Fireworks, We’re Lit” month
which centers around helping others, we take a look at an inspirational poem called "The Shoe Man"...which
encourages us to connect with others despite outward
appearances...
"The Shoe Man"
by Leanne Freiberg
I showered and shaved............. I adjusted my tie.
I got there and sat............. In a pew just in time.
Bowing my head in prayer.......... As I closed my eyes.
I saw the shoe of the man next to me...... Touching my
own. I sighed.
With plenty of room on either side....... I thought,'Why
must our soles touch?'
It bothered me, his shoe touching mine... But it didn't
bother him much.
A prayer began: 'Our Father'........ I thought, 'This man
with the shoes, has no pride.
They're dusty, worn, and scratched. Even worse, there
are holes on the side!'
'Thank You for blessings,' the prayer went on.
The shoe man said A quiet 'Amen.'
I tried to focus on the prayer....... But my thoughts were
on his shoes again.
Aren't we supposed to look our best, When walking
through that door?
'Well, this certainly isn't it,' I thought, Glancing toward
the floor.
Then the prayer was ended........... And the songs of
praise began.
The shoe man was certainly loud...... Sounding proud as
he sang.
His voice lifted the rafters......... His hands were raised
high.
The Lord could surely hear. The shoe man's voice from
the sky.
It was time for the oering........ And what I threw in was
steep.
I watched as the shoe man reached. Into his pockets so
deep.
I saw what was pulled out.......... What the shoe man put
in.
Then I heard a soft 'clink' . As when silver hits tin.
The sermon really bored me......... To tears, and that's
no lie.
It was the same for the shoe man... For tears fell from
his eyes.
At the end of the service...... As is the custom here.
We must greet new visitors, And show them all good
cheer.
But I felt moved somehow....... And wanted to meet the
shoe man.
So after the closing prayer...... I reached over and shook
his hand.
He was old and his skin was dark.... And his hair was
truly a mess.
But I thanked him for coming......... For being our guest.
He said, 'My names Charlie..... I'm glad to meet you, my
friend.'
There were tears in his eyes....... But he had a large,
wide grin.
'Let me explain,' he said......... Wiping tears from his
eyes.
'I've been coming here for months.... And you're the
first to say "Hi."'
'I know that my appearance.........Is not like all the rest.'
'But I really do try.................To always look my best.'
'I always clean and polish my shoes. Before my very
long walk.'
'But by the time I get here.........They're dirty and dusty,
like chalk.'
My heart filled with pain ...........And I swallowed to hide
my tears.
As he continued to apologize.........For daring to sit so
near.
He said, 'When I get here...........I know I must look a
sight.'
'But I thought if I could touch you. Then maybe our
souls might unite.'
I was silent for a moment........... Knowing whatever was
said would pale in comparison...
I spoke from my heart, not my head.
'Oh, you've touched me,' I said......'And taught me, in
part.
That the best of any man............ Is what is found in his
heart.'
The rest, I thought, ......... This shoe man will never
know.
Like just how thankful I really am... That his dirty old
shoe touched my soul.
To God Be The Glory that this poem about The Shoe
Man causes us to rethink how we judge and treat
others. We never know what may be going on in their
lives, but God does. Will we take the risk and the time
to connect so they will see Jesus? If so, We may be the
one whose soul is truly touched.
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