I have a bush in my back yard that does not have flowers. Sometimes I wonder why me, myself, and/or I would buy an evergreen with no flowers. I do remember though that this particular bush was small and on sale dirt cheap at the end of the season. At that time my yard was nothing much but red clay so I was bargain shopping.

I’m not sure what the real name of the bush is, but I’ve heard it referred to as “the burning bush” or the “fire bush.” Some folks just call it a “red bush.” The older and larger the bush gets, the more noticeable it becomes. Ten months out of the year it is not particularly attractive to me because it has no bloom time. But this year it turned fire engine red in a flash and each time I was outside it drew my attention.

I had started writing this story but was led to ride my scooter out to see how it compares to other red flowers and trees. I had never noticed before that it has tiny orange berries on it. The first time the brilliant color caught my attention, I remembered the scripture about Moses and The Burning Bush. I knew then I would probably write this story.

Shortly after I wrote the first draft, a retired minister called to encourage me about my stories. He had a free gift for me to use as a reference. It is “Willmington’s Guide to the Bible.” (And if you are wondering, that is not spelled incorrectly.) There has been no better first time than this column to use this guide and I would like to thank him for the gift.

I went back to the Old Testament to refresh my memory of scripture in Exodus 3:2-6 which reads: (There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire, it did not burn up. (vs.4) When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” and Moses said, “Here I am.” (vs.5) “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” (v.6)

Is my red bush on holy ground? Did God lead me out to hear him speak? Why should I think God would speak to me? I can only believe this was a “divine call” for me to write this story to remind others about Moses and the burning bush. The remaining verses in that chapter discussed how God sent Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

One particular point that Willmington’s Guide reminded me was that “God needs individuals who will take off and put back on their spiritual shoes.” It also reminded me that “a worship experience” should be followed by a “working experience.” I thought back to my trip to the island of Molokai. There were 19 different denominations and a row of different churches lined up on the one main road on that little island. One of the names was “Gospel Shoes of Christ Jesus.” Do those folks have a “working experience” sharing the Gospel after their “worship experience?” Most Baptist churches in the Bible belt have different types of visitations where they try to share the Gospel with those who don’t attend church or know God’s Word.

After reading this about “spiritual shoes,” I thought how I rarely ever wear dress shoes due to the swelling of my feet. We still are not sure whether it is medicine or illnesses that cause this but since I don’t stand or walk, I have not had any real problems going barefoot except when my feet get cold!

I believe that some of my stories “come from the Lord,” so I might see them as my “spiritual shoes.” I put them on while writing a story and remove them when one is fully finished. During that time, I read God’s Word and research like now through this new guide. Have you ever thought about “your” spiritual shoes?

I believe God called me to encourage everyone to go outside and enjoy His beautiful handiwork. When I look around and see how God enabled me to change my yard from red clay to many shades of green and numerous beautiful flowers, I feel certain that he has blessed me for sharing my beliefs with others, even those whose beliefs may not be the same as my own.

 

Linda Beck lives and writes in Woodleaf.