We were standing in her ramshackle hut — with the tarp roof — at the top of a hill in Haiti. The bare-footed woman who lived there had no shoes of her own. And in that moment, I knew what I needed to do.

I took off my shoes and gave them to her. I walked out of her village barefoot.

I am telling you this story, not because I’m some kind of hero. The reason I’m telling you this story, is because of what happened next:

When it came time to leave, I balled up my skirt in my fists, and began to walk carefully down the rocky path. It hadn’t occurred to me that my first-world, tender feet would have trouble navigating the path. My feet were accustomed to carpet, not sharp stones. I winced with every step.

Another Haitian woman, seeing my discomfort, stepped out of her home and began to walk ahead of me. With her own, toughened bare feet, she began to kick aside sticks and rocks. She leaned over and picked up thorns with her fingers. The woman stayed several steps ahead of me, clearing a path for me. I can’t begin to tell you how humbling this was.

She never said a word, but with every step she took, I sensed the goodness of Jesus. She couldn’t speak English, so she didn’t have any words for me. But she preached a pretty amazing sermon about servanthood with those hands and feet of hers. She just smiled and kept motioning me to come farther down the path. Walking behind her, I was moved to tears, and a part of me wanted her to stop. I didn’t deserve such care.

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Romans 10:15).

To read the rest of this post, head on over to (in)courage to read “If You Can’t Find the Words, Preach with Your Feet.”

A Few Words About Charlottesville

If you’re still here, can we chat briefly about Charlottesville? I am completely sickened over the news. I can only imagine how this must grieve the heart of God.

As my post above suggests, sometimes our actions are the most powerful way to represent Jesus. Other times, words are required. I believe that NOW is one of those times. Jesus would never tolerate what is happening in Charlottesville.

I wrote this on my Facebook page yesterday, and if you’re looking for a way to speak out against this vile behavior, but don’t know what to say, feel free to simply share my post.

You can find and share that Facebook post by clicking here.

Or, consider what the Lord is saying to you personally. Perhaps you can compose a prayer, and invite your Facebook friends to say it with you.

Can we join hands — all of us gathered here, from many corners of the world — and pray?

Thanks, friends.

Love, Jennifer