The dust billowed behind my tires as I drove way to fast into the dirt parking lot behind the church. I slammed on my brakes, jumped out of the car, and ran inside.
I was late. I had spoken at a Women’s Luncheon and had not been prepared for the 3-½ hour drive home. It was Good Friday so I should have expected it but I was now 15 minutes late for our church service.
I had to go to the bathroom really bad but had refused to stop, knowing I would arrive even later. I ran past the greeters and straight into the bathroom stall. I could hear the music coming from the worship center and hated to miss one minute more.
As I rushed out the stall, I fell out of my new big girl shoes. I had just come out of two back-to-back speaking engagements and had done so well on my new five-inch trendy high platform shoes!
That evening, I wrapped ice packs around my ankle and propped it up, all the while thinking, “I just bought another pair of shoes for Easter! They are so cute and I have to wear them!” Finally, with the return of platform shoes, I can go with really high again!
Pleased that my ankle only slightly hurt the next day, I put on my other new pair and headed off to Easter services!
I fall off my big girl shoes in life too! I get in such a hurry that I slip up. I say things I should not. I get flustered with too much to do and I make bad decisions. My soul feels downcast and I step back from activity, isolating myself from interaction with others.
Yet, life is about getting back on and finishing the work! “His mercies are new every morning.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) I am so thankful that God shows us grace no matter now many times we fall.
I don’t think God cares so much about the falls as much as about how we get back up, wipe off the dust, rub the wound, and walk on.
I know I will fall off a lot more shoes in my life. So, I will say along with the Apostle Paul, “Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above.” Philippians 3:13-14 NCV
Wonderful application, Shanda! And darling shoes. Tell me what purse you're putting with them. :)
ReplyDeleteAnyway, when we fall, we get back up, back in, and back on track. I'm so thankful that His grace is sufficient.
Haven't worn those type of shoes since the 70's and never thought we'd see their dangerous return, lol! Somehow God's peace and rushing don't go together and He often has to get my attention in the physical realm if I won't slow to listen in the spirit. Praying you are having a great week now!
ReplyDeleteLove this analogy. You brought a tear and then a big smile. Always love visiting here.
ReplyDeleteFIRST OF ALL! THOSE SHOES ARE CUTE!!!!
ReplyDeleteSecondly :) I love this story :) I know exactly what you mean... I do so good & then... I have a slip up.. I'm learning not to let it get me down... I tweeted last night something about life being a playing field, so we should run hard & fast and if we fall, we should get back up and run harder. :)
Those shoes are just so cute!
Love this blog, the shoes, and you! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat lesson there, Sorry you got hurt but you made me smile as I read this and made me think too. Thanks
ReplyDeleteWhat a symbolic and meaningful post today! The shoes are really pretty, but I would kill myself in them. So glad you were not hurt too badly!
ReplyDeleteAt least you didn't fall out of your big girl panties!! Ha Ha! Ooops, I guess that was inappropriate!
ReplyDeleteNice post, and so true.
ReplyDeleteNIce shoes and good to be reminded that no matter how many times we fall, we can rise up again and God will lend us His hands.
ReplyDeleteI had to stop by a blog that says "I fell off my big girl shoes." Glad you're ok, and I love platforms! Come by for a giveaway honoring my father's 84th birthday!
ReplyDeletehttp://georgie-hornpuddinnpie.blogspot.com/2012/04/time-travel-thursday.html
well, yes, by golly, your shoes are cute. i wouldn't make it out of my house without falling down! falling is how we learn. bumps and bruises are a blessing really, aren't they? visiting from imperfect prose - howdy :)
ReplyDeleteGreat analogy. Next time I'm wearing my heels, I'll be thinking of this. Hopefully though, I don't slip :)
ReplyDeleteIt is true that it is not the falls, but that we get back up clinging to our Savior, that really matters. Love your analogy!
ReplyDeleteJust the fact that you TRIED to wear those shoes is saying something. I'm not that brave...but then I have to juggle a 10 month old on my hip. Gravity is against me.
ReplyDeleteIts so nice to meet you through IP. I look forward to reading more of your posts. You seem to have a way of applying the things in your life to the things of God.
True analogy! As the retro 70s-ish shoe styles of today imply, "Keep on Truckin'!"
ReplyDeletehence, why i don't wear high heels :) you're so brave to wear those shoes. well, they're very beautiful, but incredibly high. and i think it takes a bravery of sorts to have the kind of faith to do precarious things for the Lord, too, and trust him to catch us when we fall. to help us get back. and to try all over again. lovely post dear shanda. so glad to be back with you.
ReplyDeletei love your platform shoes! i have been wanting to buy a pair but they seem to be too high! and in life, on the other hand, sometimes we are not brave enough to do something and we miss doing God's work! i think i will go look for a pair of platforms! thank you for sharing, a blessed Easter season to you! peggy aplSEEDS
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate. There are so many times I fall off my big girl shoes. More than I would like to admit. Everyday is a learning experience. I am so thankful for God's grace.
ReplyDeleteI could not wear shoes like that today! Surely I would fall flat on my face. And in my life, I do fall flat on my face. But God is right there beside me, cheering me on as I pick up myself and try again. I love that He is so patient and never gives up on me. Thanks for linking up!
ReplyDeleteJoining you from Think On These Things. I'm thankful to that God never leaves me. A wonderful analogy today.
ReplyDeleteI am encourage so much by this post! Especially the part about getting flustered with too much to do and losing focus. My Big Girl shoes aren't as tall (or as cute) as yours but the message is great. I really enjoyed my visit with you and thank you for linking to Think on These Things!
ReplyDeleteKindly, Lorraine
This is so true Shanda. I love your connection between how we "fall off" as well as the shoes (which are nice by the way!). I frequently slip up and am so thankful that God's mercies are new every morning and that He gives me the grace to try again. -Nicole at Working Kansas Homemaker
ReplyDeleteso true. Love this post. Thank you for linking up to the Thursday hop. Sorry I'm behind in saying thank you. My Monday post will explain my delay.Hope to see you again this Thursday. xo
ReplyDeleteHulk wins and this really is why.
ReplyDeletemy site superman stamina free full download
Can men and women with gout use herbalife goods?given that
ReplyDeleteit is a soy items,Im afraid my uric acid will jump
from the chart..but I require to loose fat.
.
Here is my webpage :: precision nutrition pdf
Terrific article! That is the kind of information that are meant to be shared across the net.
ReplyDeleteShame on Google for not positioning this submit higher!
Come on over and talk over with my website
. Thank you =)
my blog :: vigrx plus reviews before and after
very personal gym at home. Right here are handful of good home equipment and fitness center equipment, which can
ReplyDeletehelp you in creating muscle at your own personal house
Visit my web site: diet plan to gain muscle mass for men