Faith, Flip-Flops, and Cowboy Boots

“There is a great tendency all over the country now to be highbrow. More people should work for their dinner instead off dressing for it.” – Will Rogers

One of the things I like best about living in the Sunshine State is how informally most people dress. Having grown up in New Jersey and living there for the first 51 years of my life, I was used to a “business casual” dress code at work and more formal attire at church. However, I soon found out that most people in Florida wear jeans, khakis or shorts pretty much everywhere they go. As for footwear, its flip-flops in the summer and cowboy boots in the winter for the guys and sandals pretty much year-round for the gals.

In fact, the last time I wore a jacket and tie was to my father-in-law’s funeral last summer… and that was in Pennsylvania. And since I work primarily from my home office, I can even go barefoot if I’m not expecting company (or even if I am).

It’s funny how your environment changes your behavior. Fifteen years ago, I was running for the U.S. House of Representatives and had I won, I would have had to wear a suit virtually every day. Part of me still wishes I had been elected but with each passing year, more and more of me is relieved I didn’t. I just don’t think I would fit very well in the stuffy halls of Congress… at least not at this stage of my life.

At age 65, I much prefer bouncing my grandkids on my knee, spending time with my beautiful bride, playing a little golf, and wetting a hook. Most of all, I enjoy the freedom of sharing my faith and God’s Truth everywhere I go.

And the last time I checked, you don’t need a jacket and tie to do that!

“But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart’” I Samuel 16:7 (BSB)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President

(See also James 2:1-9)