Sneakers For Jesus by k madison Moore

Big Old Reds

48 x 60 inches

I was contacted by Rev. Bruce Schoup, Interim Paster of the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ in Poughkeepsie, New York about using my Big Old Reds painting of red sneakers to use as his church banner for his Easter sermon this year.
This was so surprising to me as I had no idea what these sneakers could possibly represent for easter.

Here is what he said:
The theme comes out of the Easter Story, particularly as recorded in John's Gospel.  When Mary discovers the stone rolled away from the entrance to the tomb, she runs to tell the others.  When Peter and the Disciple Whom Jesus Loved, hear, they run to see for themselves.  The story emphasizes that the Disciple Whom Jesus Loved outran Peter--implying they were running as fast as they could.

In both cases the emphasis is on running, not hurrying.  Add to this the awareness that the common shoe of the day is a sandal (not easy to run in) and both men and women wore long robes.  The only way the three could effectively run would have been to kick off their shoes, and hike up their garments.  Now add to this image the awareness that this is not something mature men and women do, especially in a more traditional era like that of Jesus.

Clearly the three are not worrying about how they will appear to others, or who will notice.  Clearly the three have heard a message that is so urgent they give it their all.

So why the sneakers--I wanted to communicate a message of running, not walking.  Sneakers convey that sense.  I wanted people wondering about what sneakers, running had to do with Easter.  Then we talked about the passage.

The message ended on a question, "For what are you willing to run?  For what are you willing to give your all and not care about what others will think?"  In this congregation, people will have heard those two questions very broadly, and to think about one's very values in life.

To learn more about this parish one can go to www.OpenToGod.org

The theme comes out of the Easter Story, particularly as recorded in John's Gospel.  When Mary discovers the stone rolled away from the entrance to the tomb, she runs to tell the others.  When Peter and the Disciple Whom Jesus Loved, hear, they run to see for themselves.  The story emphasizes that the Disciple Whom Jesus Loved outran Peter--implying they were running as fast as they could.   In both cases the emphasis is on running, not hurrying.  Add to this the awareness that the common shoe of the day is a sandal (not easy to run in) and both men and women wore long robes.  The only way the three could effectively run would have been to kick off their shoes, and hike up their garments.  Now add to this image the awareness that this is not something mature men and women do, especially in a more traditional era like that of Jesus.   Clearly the three are not worrying about how they will appear to others, or who will notice.  Clearly the three have heard a message that is so urgent they give it their all.   So why the sneakers--I wanted to communicate a message of running, not walking.  Sneakers convey that sense.  I wanted people wondering about what sneakers, running had to do with Easter.  Then we talked about the passage.   The message ended on a question, "For what are you willing to run?  For what are you willing to give your all and not care about what others will think?"  In this congregation, people will have heard those two questions very broadly, and to think about one's very values in life.   To learn more about this parish one can go to www.OpenToGod.org  

what a cool creative way to get a point across.

Now Rev, Bruce is sending me great poster. I may hang this at one of my summer BBQ's this year just for fun and a conversation piece. Thanks Rev Bruce for this wonderful idea.

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Certified Original Art © 2010 MkM k. Madison Moore

Artist Mount Pocono Pennsylvania

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