A Journey of Faith and Symbols: The Cross, the Microphone, Headphones, and the Shoe
Have you ever considered how a simple object can tell the story of your journey? For me, necklaces have become symbols of faith, purpose, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
The Cross: A Foundation of Faith
When I was a teenager, I wore a cross necklace made of rawhide lace and six beads of different colors. Each bead symbolized something profound about my faith:
- Black represented sin, the darkness that separates us from God. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
- Red stood for Christ’s blood, shed to reconcile that separation. "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us... we have been justified by his blood" (Romans 5:8-9).
- White symbolized the cleansing of sin through repentance. "Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin" (Psalm 51:1-2).
- Blue reminded me of baptism and the Holy Spirit’s transformative power. "One Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Ephesians 4:5).
- Green represented spiritual growth and bearing fruit in faith. "Live a life worthy of the Lord... bearing fruit in every good work" (Colossians 1:10).
- Gold pointed to the promise of eternal life with Christ. "For God so loved the world... that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
This simple necklace was more than an accessory; it was a daily reminder of what Jesus did for me on the cross. As I wore it, I felt grounded in my faith, anchored to a purpose greater than myself. Over time, though, I stopped wearing it. Perhaps it was because the cross became more of a fashion statement than a sacred symbol, or maybe life just moved on, as it often does.
The Microphone: Finding My Voice
Years later, when I started my podcast Other People’s Shoes, I began wearing a necklace shaped like a microphone. It was a conversation starter, a tool that symbolized my calling. Sitting behind a microphone has always been humbling for me. It’s a tool of immense power, capable of bringing life or death through the words spoken into it.
The microphone became a tangible reminder of the responsibility to speak with wisdom, kindness, and purpose. Every time someone asked about it, I had an opportunity to share how the podcast began and what it meant to me. It’s not just a piece of jewelry; it’s a badge of the mission I’ve undertaken to understand others by stepping into their shoes.
The Headphones: Listening First
Over time, I realized I wasn’t truly listening in real life the way I listened while editing each episode of my podcast. So, I started wearing a necklace shaped like headphones. It symbolized the importance of listening—a principle I held close to my heart.
My dad, Gunny, jokingly said the necklace looked like a septum ring, but I laughed and explained its meaning: to remind me to listen first and speak second. Listening is a skill often overshadowed by the urge to respond, but it’s crucial for meaningful communication. This necklace reminded me that the most powerful conversations begin with intentional listening—an act of grace and empathy.
The Shoe: A Nod to Legacy and Culture
This past Christmas, Gunny gave me an Amazon gift card. Browsing the site, I stumbled upon a necklace shaped like a miniature Jordan IV sneaker. The design struck a nostalgic chord. I grew up idolizing Michael Jordan, and I vividly remember him wearing the Jordan IVs during "The Shot" in the 1989 Eastern Conference playoffs.
As a nine-year-old, I believed that those shoes held the power to make you fly. My best friend Eric got a pair for his birthday, and we both fantasized about soaring through the air like MJ. Of course, the magic was in the man, not the shoe, but the dream lingered.
Today, I own two pairs of Jordan IVs, each a testament to their timeless influence on pop culture. From their bold design to their connection with unforgettable moments in sports history, these shoes represent more than just athletic wear; they’re a symbol of ambition, identity, and resilience. The Jordan IVs transcended basketball to become a cultural icon, gracing music videos, movie scenes, and fashion runways. Wearing the sneaker necklace reminds me of the lessons learned from MJ—to dream big, work relentlessly, and inspire others.
Rekindling the Symbols
Each necklace I’ve worn—the cross, the microphone, the headphones, and the shoe—marks a unique chapter in my journey. Each carries its own lesson and purpose:
- The cross grounds me in faith and Christ’s sacrifice.
- The microphone reminds me to use my voice to uplift others.
- The headphones teach me to listen deeply and empathetically.
- The shoe calls me to walk humbly and dream boldly.
In 2025, as I wear the shoe necklace, I’m reminded of the boy who dreamed of being more and the man who still does. I’m reminded to live with purpose, imagination, and faith, stepping boldly into the shoes of others to better understand their journeys. After all, it’s not about the symbol itself but the story it tells and the heart it represents.
What’s your symbol? What story does it tell about your journey? And how does it inspire the way you walk through life today?
