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The Art of Loyalty (Loving an Old Pair of Shoes)

By January 23, 2011Culture, Encouragement

I’ve had these shoes for 20 plus years.

I’ve stitched up the sides a couple times.
I’ve replaced the soles…

I’ve worn these shoes on construction sites when I was in business…
I’ve preached in these shoes…

These shoes are falling apart now…
I’m about to make some hard decisions about whether to replace them…

I have to admit:
When it rains my feet get wet…
When it’s cold my feet freeze…

But I’ve been loyal to my old shoes a long, long time…

Maybe I should retire them but they’ve been good shoes many years…

Whenever I wear my shoes, I’m reminded of a culture change I’ve noticed…

We’ve lost the art of loyalty in our culture…

We aren’t as loyal in/as:

  • Marriage
  • Friendships
  • Employers
  • Employees
  • Customers

Have you noticed this change as I have?

Where do you need to be more loyal in your life?

Where else have we lost loyalty in our culture?

BTW, would you keep this pair of shoes…or toss them?

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Ron Edmondson

Author Ron Edmondson

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Join the discussion 12 Comments

  • Chris says:

    Even if I didn't wear the shoes anymore, they would definitely get a place in my closet…even if my wife wanted to get rid of them after buying a new pair. 😉

  • Jon says:

    I agree with @bryankr, we have become such a disposable society. That thought process seems to integrate itself into so much of our lives that it's hard to get away from. And our work places also preach that. No one is valuable any more; we can all be replaced and for less money so why keep us; even though an older more experienced worker brings along that experience and some level of wisdom. The same holds true with marriage. Divorce is no fault in many states and the courts, if they even see a divorce case, have no moral jurisdiction to hold couples to something higher.

    And don't get me wrong, I love a good closet or house cleaning. But I also hold onto things that have meaning to me and don't just replace something simply because it's been around for awhile. My newest TV set is probably 8-10 years old and I'll drive car until it no longer functions or ceases to run.

  • Mindi says:

    I get rid of shoes that are uncomfortable or don't work for me anymore. I would toss them. However, I still keep the non-microwaveable mugs from the dollar store that my kids gave me years ago for Mother's Day. It's a tough call. Maybe you should leave them out for your wife to make the decision the next time you go on a men's retreat.

  • @Bryankr says:

    This has become a bit of a "disposable" culture. Me? I actually feel guilty when I throw something away, like I have broken my promise! I know people that don't feel that way about marriages. That frightens me!

  • artie Davis says:

    Dude! I haven't said anything, but every time I have seen you, you had those shoes on! That is why I love you bro, you are loyal right down to your soles!

    • ronedmondson says:

      Ha! I actually have another, newer pair that I now where on Sunday. They're just like them and keep my feet dry. But, I keep going back to my old ones!

  • Vicki says:

    Love this. A few weeks ago, after finding out I couldn't repair the soles, I threw my beloved Montrail hiking boots in the trash. Ten minutes later I'd fished them out. They'd taken me repeatedly through the Fall Creek Falls gorge and kept me warm through 15 winters. You're absolutely right about our sense of loyalty. Have the shoes bronzed.