Shoe Dog Decisions with David Corsi

In 1982 I was ordained in downtown Chicago. The service was a big deal. My favorite preacher, Steve Brown, whose God-like voice you hear on the intro to this show, came and preached. Lots of my friends were there, my little start-up church which is still alive and well today was hosting the occasion. It had as much formality to it as I can stomach, including what is called a “Charge” to the newly ordained minister, me. That was delivered by my favorite Philosophy professor who had driven 420 miles to be there. Dr. Tom Gregory. I was humbled and honored by his presence.

Do you know what he said? I’ll never forget it because it made me squirm. His opening line was, “John, you have beautiful feet.” I thought I was going to die. This was a very proper curmudgeon, not given to the type of shocking lines I liked to deliver. What was his point?

He went on to quote from the prophet Isaiah (52:7), “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news.” The Apostle Paul quotes this in his letter to Romans asking how people can believe if they have not heard. So feet are this wonderful image of the good news of Christ being taken from one place to the next. My professor knew of my desire for people to hear the good news of the gospel, particularly those who had heard bad news in the places good news was to dominate. At Church Hurts And, we know that is too often the Church.

But let us get back to feet. Do you remember when athletic shoes were called “Tennis Shoes” or sneakers? The only brand names I remember were PF Flyers and Keds and the color options were black or white. Now, do you remember your first pair of athletic shoes which weren’t canvas? If you aren’t old like me, you won’t remember that.

What we have on our feet today is simply an established fashion statement, and today we get to glimpse inside that athletic, fashion shoe world, jump into the basketball court and then take a trip to the Philippines with a man who knows the inside story.

Welcome, Shoe Dog David Corsi to Church Hurts And.

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