08/03/2025
The Shoes That Hurt: A Lesson In Boundaries
Have you ever bought something based on a label or the brand name? We’ve all done it bought something just because of the brand name. That shiny label promises quality, but sometimes we get just an expensive lie.
This happens with people, too. In my recent experience, I got hung up on a person with a high degree and an impressive title. I quickly became enthralled with them based on their social status.
While I was enthralled with their status and label, I also felt uncomfortable with them pushing my boundaries. It was kind of like a designer pair of shoes that hurt your feet. You keep thinking that these shoes are better than this, but the excruciating foot pain is a reminder that it’s only the label, and the shoes are not the quality that the label advertises.
They kept pushing my boundaries and I kept thinking this feels uncomfortable, but surely this is not their intention.
Sadly I learned that when I held my boundaries, they ended the relationship. I was initially taken aback but then I remembered my instinct knew better than I. My instinct told me they were pushing my boundaries and they were not as good as their social status or the label that I bought into.
This experience was a kind reminder from God to show me that I had grown. I had recognized a mask, the discomfort of when one pushes my boundaries, and I cannot buy into labels, social status, titles, financial status, or what seems to be.
I’m thankful for the people who come into my life, their masks so perfectly and delicately worn that I don’t see them at first. But I’m even more thankful for my growth-for the small voice within that now whispers, ‘This is not what it seems to be.’ It’s a reminder that titles and labels are not always what they seem.
What’s a ‘label’ you’ve had to walk away from?”