The Word of God
Blue Shoes: The Gift That Walked Through My Door
If April is the cruelest month, then October is the most compassionate. Watching the temperature ease down, if even just a little, and hearing and feeling that unmistakable cool wind blow through the gathering leaves early in the morning is certainly enough reason to be grateful for the autumnal shift in our existence. It has also provided an amazing backdrop for yet another blessing to be shared.
You see, two years ago, around the hottest and meanest of arid seasons, I came across a homeless couple living in an abandoned storage building with no electricity, plumbing, or the necessary tools to fight off equally hungry rodents and other stray animals. The reasons for their current plight were as numerous as the destinations at the local bus station, with back stories too harsh to mention here. Suffice to say, they were lonely, tired, hungry, lost, and truly abandoned.
After discovering them because of a complaint lodged by a school bus driver concerned about the safety of his cargo when he stopped nearby, we were able to find a grant opportunity, some truly wonderful people who would consider hiring them, and a sweet landlord who turned a couple of rooms into a very nice, livable, and actually charming place to live. It was as exciting as it was heart-warming. I grew to appreciate them as good friends, and they often called the agency where I minister just to see how I was doing months after everything was completed, and they finally had a life to live.
Last month, I received a call from the “lady of the house,” and right away, when I saw the message, I began to “awfulize” about what might have happened. I am afraid the worry began to consume my soul, maybe just a little, until I could make contact with them. It had been over a year now since we visited, and I just assumed they were all fine. Thankfully, my fears were laid to rest, and all they wanted to do was find out if I still worked at the same office. When I answered in the affirmative, all I heard was, “Okay, see ya!” and that was it.
Then there was last week when my friend and front-desk coworker called me at my desk to say that I had two visitors. I knew immediately who it was. They had traveled over on one shared bycycle with a small cardboard box in tow. “Here.” That’s all they said. Again, I wasn’t sure what this was all about, but I waited. They began to let me know that they were always very concerned for me because I did not have any good shoes to wear to work. I tried to explain that I always wore very well-worn and torn shoes to move furniture and make welfare visits, but they weren’t hearing any of it.
I opened the box to find a pair a really beautiful blue shoes, much like younger men would wear these days. They told me it took them 11 months to save for them, and they insisted I try them on immediately. They fit. I asked sheepishly how they knew my size. “We guessed,” came the reply.
I told my friends last Sunday that I never want to part with these shoes. They mean more to me than just a fashion statement. They are pure love. And maybe there are cruel months and ugly people in our lives, but I know two wonderful souls who helped me remember that life is still worth living.
Share your thoughts (19 thoughts)
A true testament of seeing Christ in others, and they in you.
What a blessing to be wearing a gift that carries your feet, to places of purpose!
May your blue shoes walk with you until they are worn, and your spiritual armor be strengthened with every soul you bring to Christ.
P.S. So thankful for every reminder, and share them with my family and young son (11). This generation needs strong spiritual guidance and encouragement.
It’s the ones that have the least and give that we should appreciate the most. It is easy to give when you have it. God will always bless those who bless others. Thank you for sharing, Monsignor. God bless you always
Monsignor beautiful stories. You are in my daily prayers to Our Lady undoer of knots. God gave you a beautiful mind.
I loved this story. It reminded me of our losses last year. Our wonderful friends showed us so much love and cared for us in various ways. I continue to remind them how special they are to us and how much they are appreciated.
What a beautiful story on gratitude! Despite harsh life lessons in certain situations the spirit of gratitude always shines forth and speaks loudly!!
You have the amazing gift to touch people’s lives in ways very few can. God is still using you to bring souls to Him.
Thank you for everything you do and thank you for sharing your stories that reflect the goodness of God’s love for all of us!!
Wow! What a beautiful way to show you love, but most of all to come back to say thank you in a way you’ll always remember! Thank you for bringing Jesus to so many people! God has you exactly where you need to be at this very moment! We love you so much and pray that God grants you so many more years of great health with us on this Earth!
What a beautiful story! You are always helping your neighbor and reaching out to those in need whether they ask for help or not. Most important you truly help people to help themselves. And, this experience resulted in blessings going both ways.
Truly a wonderful story. I was wondering when you were going to come out with another one. God has a way of putting people in our lives that really surprise us sometimes. They are the true image of what he intended us all to be… loving and kindhearted.
Oh my goodness! What an amazing story and absolutely beautiful experience. Truly, the hand of God has touched you, and the arms of angels have embraced you. May God continue to bless your ministry, and those whose lives you touch. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story!
Monsignor what a touching experience for you to have been able to witness your act of kindness to help the homeless and then the homeless paying it forward back to you with so much Love. God was using you to be his hands and heart to find what they needed. God used his heart to bring Love back to you with their sacrifice to save the little money they had so you can feel the joy they felt getting back on their feet. “Shoes a perfect gift in return “. Blue shoes to think of Mama Mary who is surly happy with you doing what Jesus would do. May God continue to bless you in all you do.
God is good!
I loved this story! Thank you for sharing and for reminding all of us that there are still good hearted people in this world.
Monsignor, You are a True Treasure! Blue Shoes, was just what I needed to read at exactly this moment. I am so Blessed to know that, when we are low, or feeling a little down, The Truth can be revered in a Message from Reading your Beautiful story, Showing me all the Blessings I have in my life! At just the right time! Those Blue Shoes, show so much Love and Appreciation for you and all you do! God is Good! All the Time!
You will always be that priest I found when I almost gave up. You are the one who continues to teach me that our catholic faith is the best! Thank you for always sharing.
Life can turn on you in an instant and what was a seemingly blissful life can be upended. Where we had shelter and security, we find hopelessness and despair because our situation has changed and our stable life with a steady income has ended. Faith, family, friends, and fellowship are integral to the outcome of this beautiful story. You capture all four of these traits through your kindness and generosity.
Thank you Monsignor. You are a true blessing in my life. It always seems like you send me these things at the right moments. In adoration right now I love your book and can’t wait to read the next one ❤️️
Thank you very much for those kind words. God is like that. He sends us messages through all kinds of ways! God bless you always!
Too many don’t get to see the fruits. You were and are blessed. And they also are blessed to have crossed paths with you.
Thank you very much! That was an insight that I missed. Your words carry great meaning to my day!
God bless you!
Monsignor you are so blessed and that makes me very very happy. I firmly believe that you are exactly where God wants you to be and you are making him smile. Who on this earth could ask for any thing more?
Thank you for sending to me. I have happy thankful tears after reading it.
I finished your book. Awesome When is the next one coming out?