Faith Badges: Crosses and Conversations

A cross necklace or ashes on your forehead are called “faith badges” by some sociologists. Other badges include the Hindu bindi (red dot) and a Mennonite woman’s white cap. If you’re wearing one of these “badges,” you are perceived as reliable and trustworthy.

"How beautiful are the feet," says Paul to the Romans. Yes, the feet. As odd as this sounds, the apostle is not revealing an unhealthy obsession. Instead, he praises the beauty of the feet "of those who bring good news" (v. 15).

So what do our feet say about us? And what is the message we are sending with our shoes?

According to a journal of research in personality, 90 percent of your personality could be revealed by your choice of footwear. A study has discovered that:

People who wear colorful sneakers tend to be emotionally stable.

High-top sneakers are favored by people who are introverted, agreeable and conscientious.

People with well-kept high-fashion shoes tend to be worried about relationships.

Biker-style boots are the choice of folks who are tough and aggressive.

And for women in particular, stiletto heels are linked to a vivid personality, a desire for attention and high self-confidence. Plus excessive muscle fatigue.

Whether you agree with these particular findings or not, footwear ...