Why Barefoot Faith?
In the book of Exodus, God speaks to Moses through “the angel of the Lord … in a flame of fire out of a bush.” Moses looked and “the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed.” When Moses turned to look, “God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then [God] said, “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” *
After I got sober in 2011, I turned toward God with intention and seeking God’s call on my life. I had a key to my church and would often go in to pray alone. One of those times, I had my own burning bush moment… except there was no bush. Only a voice that said, “Remove your shoes from your feet, for you are on holy ground.” I’ve been barefoot in church ever since.
But it is more than having just heard a voice command it. Through this practice I am more connected to the earth, grounded in a way that reminds me of my faith, that reminds me I worship a God who is very real and very present with us. When I feel the earth beneath my feet there is no denying something much bigger than I is out there. I choose to call that something God. You may call it the universe, life source, energy, something else. We are all a part of it.
So take off your shoes! Let blades of grass tickle your toes. Wade into the water for tiny minnow kisses. Feel the grittiness of dirt and sand and how they stick to you. And if you are bold enough to walk into church and take off your shoes like I do, feel free to blame this barefoot preacher for the invitation. :)
*Text from the NRSVUE Bible
Who is Lauren Kay?
~Not all who wander are lost~
Hello! I’m Lauren Kay (they/he). From the beginning I’ve been a wanderer and a wonderer and how that manifests in my life is ever-evolving. Currently I work as a hospice chaplain and supply priest with a home life that includes a spouse, teenagers, cats, fish, and a dog. Usually I can be found in Maine or New Hampshire and I adventure and/or travel whenever I have the opportunity, especially if it includes hiking, kayaking, or people I dearly love. Oh, and I am an avid reader with a habit of filling my personal library with more books than I will ever have enough time to read…
My formal education background includes a variety of subjects studied at the undergraduate level, a Master of Divinity degree with emphasis on chaplaincy and pastoral care, and ongoing continuing education. Primarily I’ve worked and volunteered with non-profits and ministry-related organizations; I also worked several years in the ACE* industry, first for a non-profit, then as a small business owner/operator, and later with corporate firms. I also bring recovery and justice experience to my work, frequently asking: “What is mine to do?”
December 15, 2019 I was ordained as an Episcopal priest. I served as a rector of a family-sized parish from 2019-2023 and have been working in chaplaincy since leaving that role. In addition to full-time hospice chaplaincy I also provide overnight on-call coverage for two local hospitals. And as part of my hospice work I provide grief support and facilitate grief groups throughout the year.
*Architecture, Construction, and Engineering