Beautiful Feet

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of [the one] who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says ... "Your God reigns!"

Mom has had Rheumatoid Arthritis for over thirty years, the medication has arrested the disease, but she had already suffered the crippling effects of RA in her hands and especially her feet. It affects her mobility and results in many secondary problems such as severe calluses and one very cranky bunion. I’d like to take a quick detour here – bear with me.

I love baby feet – I love how we snuggle and play with their feet. And there is just nothing cuter than baby/toddler/kid feet. But once those feet reach adulthood… Well ... may I confess to you that I’m one of those individuals who “has a thing” about feet. I’ve never liked to be touched by other people’s feet or to touch theirs. I know it’s an odd thing to confess in a blog, but at times this blog gets just a tad intense. I’m sure this confession will bring me grief from friends and peers at RFK camp, but there you have it. I’m happy to admire (or not) your feet in a pair of summer sandals, but beyond that keep your feet to yourself. Whew! Okay- there! I’ve said it! Moving on.

Since I came here in the fall of 2013 Mom has had many foot issues. She realizes her mobility is her life so we’ve carted her to the podiatrist multiple times. In the last six months she is not able to get out as before, and she has been in severe pain due to her feet.

I’ve quoted the verse from Philippians often in the past two years, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” I prayed it the first day I offered to help Mom doctor her feet. In all sincerity I didn't think I could do it - At first I soaked them, then I treated the inflamed areas and put pads and bandages on her feet.

As I worked on her feet I thought of how beautiful these feet were in God’s eyes. She looked down at her feet and said, “They are so ugly.” With my husband at my side we quoted the verse. “How beautiful are the feet that bring good news.”

These feet once traversed unfamiliar African trails: these feet grew weary with endless labor in households where she served the weary travelers. Fear and pain never kept these feet from moving forward. These feet never ran from a challenge - the messenger these feet carried knew the news she brought was good. There were so many who were enslaved to the ideas propagated by village witch doctors who live, not just in the jungles of Africa, but also the jungles of modern cities. Bewitching citizens with deceptions and lies. In a world where most of the news is bad it is refreshing to think that there are still those who carry good news.

Mom still believes this news is good. She has grown old, but the news is as fresh and new as the day when she first heard it. It refreshes the soul and gives peace and joy. And though the road may grow long and the travelers weary, it has been worth all the sacrifices and the pain. Bearing good news brings joy and in joy there is strength. Indeed, “how beautiful are the feet of those who carry the good news.”