I hate my feet. I hate them. They are gross and just... gross. I mean really. That's the only word I can think of for them. My goal in this life is to not wear shoes as often as possible. I walk around barefoot no matter where I am. I wear flip flops in winter and that's my life.
So it came as a shock to me today when a friend of mine came up to me and said, "You have beautiful feet." I of course said "Excuse me? They are disgusting." And he said "No, you have beautiful feet. I was reading about them today in Romans."
I'm gonna be straight up with you all. This kid almost made me cry out of sheer appreciation for his words. He was referring to Romans 10:15, which says in the NIV
And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
But, I am not one of those girls who just likes to read it in one version. (Thanks to T.Scott Womble and SLCC) So I got onto handy dandy www.Biblegateway.com and checked out some other versions.
ESV
And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
NASB
How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “ How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”
KJV
And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
This last one those is just for kicks and giggles.
Hawaiin Pidgin
An how dey goin tell peopo if nobody send um fo go teach? Jalike da Bible say, “Wen peopo go fo tell da Good Stuff From God, eh! dass so awesome!”
Now, all except for the last one keep the word beautiful. So, why? Why do they all keep the same word? That rarely happens with the versions I chose. When I looked into the Greek word that was used it means "blooming or beautiful" and it is only used in relation to the body. I found it interesting that the word "blooming" is used with this passage. But, the word blooming means "glowing, as with youthful vigor and freshness."
I took you through my whole thought process to get to this point. We need to be spreading the gospel with youthful vigor and freshness! As I have told you all, I recently started dating this pretty cool cat (not an actual cat this is just a figure of speech) named Ryan. And, I am so excited. I desire to tell every one about him and how he has changed my life. And everyone's reply is the same "oh, young love." Yes, we are definitely in that young love stage. But, how we both desire to keep it!
Now how does this relate to my spiritual life? I remember being a young Christian! My relationship with Jesus was so new and I wanted to tell everyone about it; just like my relationship with Ryan. I was so incredibly in love with my Father and I desired for the world to know about it!
It is with this youthfulness that we are to tell of Jesus to the whole world! With freshness and vigor! This was a "beautiful" reminder of why I am going to Africa. Why I am serving at Oil Belt this summer. I am so blessed to be going on this adventure at a young age while I still have some tenacity and can go with joy!
So, Zach, whether you ever read this or not you have totally inspired me. You already think I have beautiful feet. I know they can use a little polishing, but thanks for helping to fan the flame of my passion for the gospel!
