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Email me anytime: coreen.velvetoversteel@gmail.com

"The Greatest gift that you can give to others is the gift of unconditional love and acceptance!" ~Brian Tracy

All post and stories are the sole property of Velvet Over Steel aka Coreen Trost. I write and create post in order to help others, so share as you want. I just ask that you link back or give VOS credit. Some of the stories are going into a book in progress. Thank You ALL.. for your support and help!!
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." ~ John Quincy Adams

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Shoes in Church ~ Anonymous

from Google free
Many have seen this already, however this is such a good reminder for everyone!  It brings tears every time for me, thinking of the some of the people I have met in my life who so appreciated the smallest amount of kindness.  Even eye contact and a smile can make someones day and give encouragement and hope!

Shoes in Church
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 offering...... 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.

You are special to me and you have made a difference in my life.
I respect you, and truly cherish you. ~ Anonymous

Send this to your friends,
No matter how often you talk,
Or how close you are,
And send it to the person who sent it to you.
Let old friends know you haven't forgotten them, and tell new friends you never will....
Remember, everyone needs a friend....
Someday you might feel like you have no friends at all.
Just remember this e-mail and take comfort in knowing that....
Someone out there cares about you.....
And always will.

Live each day as your last, it could be!!!!! Amen

13 comments:

  1. That is really moving.
    And I doubt God really cares what we look like when we appear in church. he's just glad we're home.

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  2. Such a wonderful, tear jerking story. I agree with Alex it is not so much what we wear but that we come home.

    Thanks for the reminder :)
    Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

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  3. Oh my COreen what a very touching story...such a gentle reminder we shall not judge:)

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  4. This is very touching. Only God does not judge by outward appearances, he knows our heart.

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  5. This was wonderful Coreen,I enjoyed the read very much.

    Take care.
    Yvonne.

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  6. thats very special Coreen thank you for allowing us to read it xx

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  7. I love this - very moving. Hope that you are keeping well,

    Jane

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  8. This is really touching! Hadn't read it before.

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  9. So beautiful!!! I've never seen this!!! Thank you for posting it!!! It brought tears to my eyes...what a wonderful reminder of what is really important!!! ~Janine XO

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  10. Awww. This made me cry. It was soooo beautiful. I am going to copy it somewhere to remember.

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  11. Oh my! So beautiful and heart-felt! Touched my heart for sure!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  12. This is very beautiful, it is so sad that the exterior is judged, when it is in the inside that counts. I was thrilled to read this today. thanks for sharing it. hugs.

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