Shampoo & Shoe Polish: The Rebirth

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised. Psalms 113:3

For days, all eyes were glued on Reality TV, watching the rescue of 33 miners of Copiapo, Chile who were buried alive in a copper mine. We saw interviews from family members, distant relatives, and friends all hoping for a safe resurrection. Nearer the day of rising came the men asked for special items. The request where typical, tooth paste, brush, and socks however there were two items that caught my attention; shampoo & shoe polish. When asked, these men indicated they wanted to present themselves looking their best to their families. Wow, 69 days buried alive, not knowing if they would ever survive and what was most important to them was their appearance.

I perceived this action as a new beginning, cleansing, purging from a death back to life. Or could it be a sacrificial offering of themselves not only to family but to the state, country, world and most importantly God. Chile is Christian community which takes its religion seriously. So seriously most wore t-shirts inscribed with In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him Psalms 95:4. This miracle made way for two miners to give their life to Christ. "The people say, 'It is a miracle. Thank you, God."

There was a time in our society where people wanted to present themselves to God looking their best. Often a family would own one good church going outfit which was adorned during praise and worship time! No, your outward show is not a prerequisite for a person to experience a revival. What I am saying is we need find our own way to present ourself to God through word action or deed. For example, live by the old saying “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”. Are your actions, words, or deeds, good in God’s eye sight? Are you praising him for the many blessing that are taken for granted? As stated by Rev., Dr. Stafford J. Wicker, “We are all blessed with more than two pair of shoes in our closets, a tooth brush, transportation, and food on our tables. There are people all over the world who would love to take any of our used items and would be happy!”

There is no right or wrong answer just food for thought. One has to believe that 33 men did not take they rescue for granted. They found it imperative to be clean and a blessing from God to be alive. This was the one way they could show their gratitude to God by requesting Shampoo & shoe polish!


Tigner Rand