If your shoes could talk, what would they say about you?

If your shoes could talk, what would they say about you? We live in a world where maintaining an image has become more relevant than remaining authentic. How many fake worlds would crumble if suddenly our silent witnesses could talk? Shoes go everywhere with us. They accompany us on all our adventures. They know our weaknesses and strengths. They have seen us in our best and worst moments. If they could talk, they would have many tales to share. Humor me, imagine your shoes could talk; would you let them talk? Would you be ashamed or proud of what they say? 

Nowadays, with all the social media frenzy, people have become very resourceful in creating fake facades and manipulating reality just to fit in or be accepted. Instead of presenting the truth, they keep immersing themselves in the mainstream game by showing perfect lives that do not exist. Just open your Instagram account to see how deep this problem has become. Why is it so hard to present yourself like you are? Why is it a problem to show your vulnerability to others? Why is it so crucial to portray yourself as perfect? Why do people have this need to be approved by others? People have become seekers of likes and thumbs up. They have been placing their value and worthiness in other people’s hands. Unfortunately, this is a recipe for disaster. 

I must confess that I have been working on detoxifying myself from this necessity of approval, and it has been the most freeing and rewarding experience. I have learned that my worthiness should not depend on others. No one should have that power over you, not even the closest persons to you. I have also learned that this necessity for constant approval comes from our insecurities and low self-esteem. When you are confident and know who you are and what you have to offer, you do not need the likes to feel accomplished. I have regained control and know that my value is inside me and not on something external. I do not seek anyone to accept or approve of me because I have learned to love myself and love what I do. 

If someone does not value you, that is their loss and problem. I have learned to concentrate on the people who know how valuable I am. The only approval we need is God's approval. We must see ourselves through God’s eyes. We are the apple of His eyes, valuable and worthy of Him. He sees us completed and redeemed. In Him, we are strong. We must not be afraid of what our shoes could tell because we must present ourselves like we are, with all our flaws and insecurities in sight. We must not be afraid to show our vulnerability and insecurities because everyone has them. 

As human beings, we often feel the need to present a certain image of ourselves to the world, even if it means hiding our true selves. However, this leads to a vicious cycle of feeling inadequate and disconnected from our true selves and others. Instead, we should strive to embrace our authentic selves and let go of the pressure to conform to societal expectations. 

Several passages in the Bible encourage us to be authentic and honest with ourselves and others. One such passage comes from Ephesians 4:25, which says, "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another." This verse reminds us that we are all interconnected and that when we are honest with ourselves and others, we can build stronger relationships and create a more authentic life. So, I invite you to come out of the vicious circle and embrace the real you. I assure you that it would be a freeing experience like no other. Let us free ourselves from the pressure of appearances and start showing ourselves as we are. 

I challenge you to post something vulnerable today and show your true self to everyone. Maybe share your insecurities or talk about your flaws. Allow others to see you as you are, and let them walk in your shoes today. You’ll be surprised at how much it would bless you and others.