Chasing a Dream (part two): The Towel and the Basin

Chasing a Dream (part two): The Towel and the Basin

“After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ ‘No,’ said Peter, ‘you shall never wash my feet.’

Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.’” (John 13:5-8).


I am uncomfortable with my feet. Always have been. They are functional, not pretty. I am more content with their hiding rather than their exposure. I am also not a big fan of other people’s feet. I don’t mind them if they are well groomed, but rarely do I find a pair of feet that I love.

There is one exception. I love my children’s feet. I could wash them, trim them and doctor them without hesitation. Perhaps, in part, because I was responsible for making them. My children are an extension of me, and my love for them far exceeds any other earthly loves I have known. I come close to loving them unconditionally—the way that my heavenly Father loves me and commands me to do the same for others.

But loving with agapao has always been a difficult embrace for me. It is a requiring love. A demanding love. A selfless, best-interest kind of love that leaves little room for compromise. Agapao treads hard upon the soil of my flesh and necessitates a bending of this heart that is almost always prone to standing.

And when hearts remain unbendable…remain standing and in control…loving always remains conditional and falls short of a basin and a towel.

Jesus understands our bent toward control. This is why he wrapped a towel around his outer garment, took to his knees, and began to wash away the dirty pride that framed his disciples’ steps. Their requirement in the matter?

To pause for the sacred necessary.
To yield their feet for the cleansing.
To expose their ugly and vulnerable to the Beautiful.
To understand his touch and then to go and do likewise.

That is a lot of teaching for a single meal, but in one simple act of service by Jesus, and in one simple act of submission by his followers, a model for kingdom service was birthed into the hearts of men and scripted upon the pages of holy writ for our remembrance and our modeling. And just this past weekend, I met a group of women who remembered and who rose to the task of their bending.

Their mission?

My feet and the feet of five hundred other women. The Proverbs 31 staff and volunteers came to Concord, NC, in order to serve. To wrap the towel of God’s agapao around their waists and to tenderly and gently ask for my feet and my vulnerabilities. My wants and my worries. My fears and my tears.

I gave them up willingly, for I understood the need for their washing.

They graciously received me, just as I was, and began to do what Jesus asked them to do. They loved me without conditions. They offered their support to me at every turn and encouraged me toward the equipping of God’s calling upon my life. I am forever moved by their service to me. To name them all would take too long, but there are a few women who quickly made their way into my heart because of their time and gentle care toward my many needs.

Lindsey Kane came to serve. She is one of the first women I met upon my arrival. I didn’t know her. She didn’t know me, but within minutes I knew that I liked her. A lot. In fact, she is the kind of woman that any mother would love for a daughter-in-law. I told her so. Lindsey has a passion for God and exhibits that passion through her music. She is a gifted artist and musician and a true worshipper of Jesus Christ.

Jeannie Burlowski came to serve. I sat in her seminar to learn about the in’s and out’s of publisher proposal meetings. As the seminar ended, I realized that I had some tweaking to do on my proposal “pitch” that was about to be served up to a first publisher in one hour. Jeannie found me at the couches and asked about my book. She loved the idea and helped me reformulate a few things that I would say while in my meetings. I am forever indebted to her time and to her gracious acceptance of me.

Renee Swope came to serve. I’ve known Renee only a short time, but when she saw me, she was quick to hug and to encourage. Renee models compassion. She is tender and soft spoken, but her service to humanity packs a punch like no other. She is a Godly lioness ready to take a bite out of anyone who threatens the Father’s flock. Thank you, Renee, for showing up at all the right times on more than one occasion. You offered me courage when I had little.

Susanne Scheppmann came to serve. I’d never met Susanne prior to this weekend. She led a fabulous seminar on The Pathway to Publication. Her raw and unedited truth, her humor and wit, and her grasp of the material endeared her to me for always. In a particular vulnerable moment on Saturday evening, Susanne stepped out of the service with me so that I could share my heart with her. She’s a published author who serves the body of Christ with the basin and towel…in Las Vegas no less! After meeting Susanne, I think Vegas and her are a good fit!

Lisa Whittle came to serve. I am a fan of Lisa’s blog. I have only recently come across her work, but she writes with a depth of insight that forces me to a deep pondering of the things of God. I ran into Lisa in the hallway on Saturday afternoon. I shouted out her name and introduced myself. She was a kindred spirit from the get go. Lisa has just published a book entitled, Behind those Eyes: What’s Really Going on Inside the Souls of Women. Her overriding passion in this book is to see women live authentic lives before God and with one another. What she modeled to me in our brief encounter was as authentic and genuine as Christian relationship comes. I feel so privileged to have met her and to have had my feet washed by her in a moment of great exposure.

Last, but certainly not the least of these (and not a member on the panel of speakers) my friend Joy came to serve. Her writings on her blog drew me to her, but her friendship with me in Concord is the thread that will keep me coming back for more. Joy is a quiet, yet strong woman of God. She laughed at almost everything I said; not because she had to, but because she was willing to give me the stage, and I am prone to an audience. The perceptions you have of her from reading her blog are accurate. She’s genuine through and through and even more so once you put that name with her pretty, adorable face. Indeed, she is Joy to me, and I’ll love her for life.

These few, along with many others, washed my feet this weekend. In their pretty and in their poise, they bent low to embrace God’s calling upon their lives to serve. They understand better than me, the theology of a basin and a towel. And through their grasp of my ugly, my vulnerable and my needy, I have learned a great deal about Jesus and his love.

No wonder a teaching over a last supper! Jesus knew that we needed it. And where I have lacked in its understanding, I now more fully comprehend because of the witness and bending of some new friends who have learned to love the most excellent way.

I want to be a foot washer. I want to readily embrace the towel around my waist and begin to wash the ugly away from this world, and so I pray…

Thank you, Father, for those you sent to wash my feet this past weekend. I am moved by their witness. I am changed by their love. Teach me to love this most excellent way. Let not control remain as my issue; instead, let me bend and submit my life for the washing and for the washing of others whom you place at my basin. Left to myself, Lord, I cannot adequately love, but with your promised Spirit living within, I can love to the uttermost. To limits unfathomed and to grace unmerited. Humbly I bow to the sacred privilege. Amen.

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One of my favorite pasttimes in Gatlinburg…beading with Kevin at the Smokey Mountain Bead Bar!

Yes, girls…a prize is on its way!

26 Responses to Chasing a Dream (part two): The Towel and the Basin

  1. I’m like you I don’t like to look at feet, I wear sandles becuase it is to hot to not, but I would rather other people not look at them, and I like you love my childrens and my grandchildrens feet…
    For me to let some one wash them for me could be a hard task to do… I think I could i’m not sure if I wold let them finish…
    And I sure would have to humble my self and give in to all the prideful sins and let them…
    It soulds like you had a great time, you are in my prayers…
    Connie
    GBU

  2. I’m so not a feet person. I’m not kidding with this either…when I was a kid I would get into the swimming pool with my socks on and then take them off!! Kind of have a bit of a laugh back…
    Friend you have bent down and “washed” my feet already this week….thanks~

  3. Thanks so much for bringing us to the She Speaks conference and giving us glimpses of the some of the beautiful people that “came to serve”
    And, you, are one of these beautiful people!

    Looks like you are having a great time in Gatlinburg!

    mary

  4. Elaine, this post really touched my heart. It helped me to really see what happened to you at She Speaks. You described it so well. I love the description you gave of Joy. She has been such an inspiration to me also through her blog.

    Thanks for sharing your heart!

    Marilyn

  5. What humility there is to be found in opening ourselves to be cleansed by the hands of Christ.

    This was again both powerful and beautiful.

  6. Oh my friend, I too want to be a foot washer…first to my family and then to my ministry and then to my patients. The whole meaning behind Jesus act in this always brings me to tears. When I was out of highschool I took a job in a nursing home and trained to be an aide. In one of my classes, my instructor asked “what is the most dirty part of the body?”. I was quick to answer another part of the body and was wrong. In my embarressment I learned it was the feet and how symbolic that Jesus went for the feet to symbolize his passion and grace-to cleanse us and free us, to liberate us in Him.
    I can not say it enough…you are such a blessing to me!

    In His Graces~Pamela

  7. You are an encourager Elaine. A fantastic, wonderful, godly encourager.

    Reading what you have written about some of the ladies who touched you at the conference has encouraged me, because I know how much your words will speak to their hearts and encourage their souls.

    Beautiful.

    Prayers and Blessings,
    Rebecca

  8. I hope you are having a great time away in TN! Thanks for these sweet words. And next time, I will interrupt. Felt a little shy to, I guess. But we have to get over that discomfort, right? And jump out into the foot washing…

  9. I’ve come to see that many people do not like feet. I remember years ago that I would not wear sandals. Actually, I would not wear shoes/shorts without socks because I hated the section between my calf and ankle. I have NO idea why. I remember the first pair of sandals I had for years and rarely wore them. Now I am a sandal freak. I like to look at feet because I oddly find them very unique and I’m drawn to them. At times, I think I’m drawn to stare at them because of their unique “un-beauty” (trying to be nice and not say ugliness). I do like a pretty painted toe. I don’t care for my feet to be shown without my toes painted. Not sure if your a paintin-kind of gal, but the polish sure does wonders for my toes.

    On to higher things…it is a true blessing to read about the feet-washin’ goin’ on in the south. How wonderful for them to wash your feet and then for you to come back and wash ours.
    Praise the Lord.
    Paula

  10. This brought a whole new meaning to me. Thank you!

    May you come away from the Smokey Mountains refreshed as you continue to process all God blessed you with from She Speaks.

    I love how God is being shown…..MIGHTILY just like He is.

    Lovingly,
    Yolanda

  11. Elaine,

    I love your heart, you are precious.

    You make me think, you make me wonder and you challenge me to love deeper.

    Thank you for being such a blessing in my life, via the blog.

    I’d love the honor of meeting you one day♥

  12. Elaine,

    Your words here are simply beautiful. Would you believe that I was just reading this very scripture this week? Our family is not really big on feet either. I was not gifted with my mother’s petite size five tootsies, instead I received size 10 boats from my father, thanks dad.

    I do know that washing feet was one of the dirtiest jobs back in Jesus’ time. I am humbled every time I think on this.

    Thank you for the blessed reminder.

    God never ceases to touch me through your words.

    Joanne :O)

  13. Elaine,
    Thank you so much for the book, I can’t wait to get started on it…
    You are in my prayers…
    Connie
    GBU

  14. Girl, you wash me with grace every time I read your words! Thank you for your beautiful post. That passage is one of my favorite portraits of Jesus living out the reality of servant leadership. He takes my breath away when I pause to ponder the way He lived and loved.

    It was such an honor to see you again, hug you, participate in God’s invitations and simply share in those moments of preparation. How cool was it that I got to introduce you to Terry from Cook Publishing with a little personal endorsement. What a divine moment!

    I am so excited that you were there, that you stepped out in faith and came and that God met you there in so many ways. Now we wait and pray to see what is next in this adventure!!!

    I plan to start on my book proposal next week. Would treasure your prayers!

    Love and hugs,
    Renee

  15. Elaine….if you don’t have me laughing you have me crying! Your words have touched me deeply. You are so kind. Thank you for finding worth and value in this often very insecure vessel.

    You my friend are a gift from God to me. “Make new friends, but keep the old, One is silver the other gold”. You are quickly becoming a “gold” friend – one whos value grows greater with each lovely thought.

    “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” Phil. 1:3

    Hugs,
    Joy

  16. Elaine:
    WOW! I have always loved that section of scripture. The loving King bowing to wash the feet of those so unworthy, yet so in need.

    You brought it to action in your precious words. AWESOME!.

    I’m with Joy on this one, you had me in tears. What a beautiful lesson.

    Thank you so much for taking the time to put loving and thought provoking words of encouragement to this blog. I just love visiting here.

    Blessings,
    Marita

  17. About 15 years ago, we washed feet in our Sunday school class. Our leader, Norma, warned us the week before. I wore panty hose. It was a humbleing experience that I will never forget.
    My feet are hideous. Feet make me gag. I used to rub a strong smelling green linoment on my grandfather’s feet because he asked me to and I loved him.
    I thank God for my ugly aching feet. I thank him for my children, who even though I have passed on my disgust for feet to them, will massage my ugly aching feet because I ask them to and because they love me.
    I saved the links you provided in “my favorites” and will find time to read them all.
    If ever again I participate in a foot washing, I won’t wear panty hose…

  18. Loved this post too.

    Loved reading how you experienced a foot washing of sorts from many women at the conference.

    I too want to be a foot washer. I don’t like feet either. Especially hairy mens with long toenails. Jesus’ love amazes me. He went right for the dirt. He is love.

  19. It takes such humility to let one wash your feet.My first reaction is like Peter…No, let me wash yours!
    We have done a foot washing twice at my church…it is an emotional time washing the feet of those you love.
    I am glad that you had such a great time at your conference. I pray that seeds were planted deep in the fertile soil of your soul.
    I have been reading about the events from a fellow blogger Nicki of Three Girly Girls. She had a fantastic time too.
    Enjoy your time in Gatlinburg. We love this area and will be there on our day off when we do our conference in North Carolina.
    Glad to hear that you are having fun and enjoying yourself.

    Sharon

  20. I’m SO GLAD i found your blog! it was so encouraging and i can’t wait to go back and read more posts! you go girl!

    i absolutely LOVED meeting you at shespeaks and i hope God crosses our paths again soon and very soon!

  21. Elaine,
    We are waiting for you! Miss you bunches! Hope you are having a relaxing time. Thank you for sharing that story about the great opportunity you had to share about Jesus (in my comments). Your faith shines, girl!

  22. What a beautiful description of the way the Proverbs 31 women ministered to you and the others privileged to attend…thrills and humbles my heart.

    You look happy in Gatlinburg. Hope you and the family are having a wonderful time! = )

    Blessings,
    Tracy

  23. What a beautiful analogy you’ve created with your experience at the conference. Thanks so much for sharing!

  24. I’m not a fan of grown up feet…I just love baby feet.:)

    This is a humbling topic to me; I get a lump in my throat just thinking of Jesus doing this for them….and for me.

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