Size 13 Faith by Jacob

Size 13 Faith by Jacob - March 2026 Scholarship Essay

A really impactful moment for me was when I was helping the homeless with my friends and family. We were handing out food and clothing, and everyone was digging through the donated items. A really tall guy, probably around 6'5", came up asking if we had any shoes in his size. We looked, but there weren't any big enough for him.

I realized in that moment that I wear the same size.

I felt this conviction in my spirit, like the Lord was nudging me. It immediately reminded me of John 13, where Jesus washes His disciples' feet. If He could kneel and serve like that, who was I to hold back something as simple as a pair of shoes? So I gave him the shoes off my feet.

What I learned about myself in that moment was that obedience often costs something, but it's never
as big as we think. I realized that I'm capable of generosity beyond comfort when I stop overthinking and just listen. I also learned that faith isn't just about what I say or post or sing in worship, it's about what I'm willing to lay down in real life.

Most of all, I learned that when you step out in obedience, there's a strange kind of joy that follows. I didn't feel like I lost anything that day. If anything, I walked away feeling lighter. It showed me that God can use ordinary moments to grow my heart, stretch my faith, and teach me that loving people sometimes means giving up what's on my own feet.