Gotta Be Da Shoes - Where Sneaker Culture Meets FaithSample

Customize Your Shoes

I love custom sneakers. I have a couple of pairs that members of my church made for me. They customize sneakers as a side hustle. Some people make custom shoes full-time. Nike was one of the first major companies to start offering shoe customization back in 1999. Today, several sneaker companies like Adidas, Vans, and Converse have all jumped into the custom game where customers can choose colorways, material, and more on several of their signature shoes through their website.

When I was in my first year of college I felt God pulling me to fully commit to follow him. I was afraid and a little hesitant at first because I thought I was going to lose a part of myself. I knew I was going to lose the sinful part and I was ready to let that go as I had already felt some of the devastating effects of sin. But, I thought I was going to have to let go of my shoes, my fashion, my style. I have always been an artistic creative and I thought I’d have to let that go. But, I soon had an epiphany.

When you start following Jesus, your Creator will customize your spiritual shoes and bless your soles with unique branding. He made all of us different, so the way we live out our relationship with him will have beautiful variations. Some people like to worship God in solitude, while others like to blast worship music. Some like to be in a small church setting, while others enjoy being in a large church environment.

My father was a pastor, and I loved and respected him, but the way I do ministry looks very different. It has the same foundation and principles I learned from him, but the style is night and day. My dad wore suits and ties, while I wear jean jackets, T-shirts and sneakers. My dad woke up at 4:30 am to read, study, and pray. I’m an artist who doesn’t even go to bed until midnight, so my prayer time is a little later. The bottom line is that you don’t have to do it exactly like others who went before you. You can learn fundamentals from them, but let God customize your soles so they are authentically you. You are one-of-a-kind. Own that and walk in your custom blessed soles.

Shoe Game Steps:

1. Did you ever feel like, as a Christian, you couldn’t be yourself? What changed that view?
2. Do you have any customized shoes or pieces of clothing? If you could customize something new, what would it be?
3. What are your next spiritual steps to walk in God’s custom soles for you?