Take Off Your Sandals

“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Exodus 3:5 In the early hours of the morning, I had a dream in which I had a phone call from my pastor. He was telling me something. I woke up and went to look for two scriptures, Joshua 5:15 and Exodus 3. The Lord spoke to my heart to make a list of the “things” that I had to take off to come to the mountain of The Lord and see what was about to take place. As I prayed, I asked the Lord to show me what I needed to take off. 

Those areas in me that no one sees. Traces of past hurts, insecurities, and fear. I had to take off Frustrations, Comparison (had the tendency to look down at myself),  Miss trust (when I look, and in natural it seems impossible). Insecurity (looking at what I lack), Fears (finances, health issues),  Greed (commission sales, why them and not me?) Jealousy (they don’t need the sale, I do). They are the residue of past behavior. 

Thoughts that had come into my mind, feelings, and emotions that I had to deal with. Take them off me. I know there is more, but I was running out to be at church on time to help with the setup. I couldn’t wait to come and see, and pray with the team!!! I could feel the excitement and expectancy inside of me. We had worked so hard and sacrificed so much. We had plowed the soil together. Tears and prayers, prayers and tears. 

 It doesn’t take long once we allow God to show us our hearts and our motives. As I am talking to some ladies, they asked some questions and I heard myself talking. I recognize the undertone, the way it came out, it was there. Sarcasm. Another one that had to go!!! How can I expect to lead the team into the fires of the Lord, and yet I carry the residue of old behavior and patterns within me? I acknowledge the wrong in me. I shared with the team. 

I ask for forgiveness and for the Lord to help me remove all traces. As we did, we got to see the glory of the Lord fall out in all of us. This is holy ground. The city on the hill. The light shines bright for all to see. In this place, many people will change, transform, heal, and make whole. But it starts with me. 

 As we moved to get the table ready for the giveaway that morning, I got to see the scripture: Joshua 5:15 “Take off your sandals for the place where you are standing is holy”. I laughed and I cried (I always do) all at the same time, and I thanked God for confirming my dream. As we get ready to receive the people who will be attending our service, we laugh and wonder at how God was bringing some many confirmations through many different people; “if you build it, they will come,” someone said. To hear someone else say, “This is the 1st time I'll be throwing dirt at people in a good way,” As I walked around, welcoming people,

Thanking them for coming. I found myself crying again. Out of gratitude, for His faithfulness towards us, our pastor's heart, dedication and sacrifice for us. They didn't have to come to the Northeast but they did, and for that, we will be always grateful. 

 Thank you, Lord. 🔥🙏🔨⚔️🥷 

Ivette Diaz-Yee 8/25/25