TUBE SOCKS AND SUPERSTITION
Check out my tube socks! Pathetic…
It was frigid and dark outside as I plopped on the edge of my bed fumbling with my best pair of game socks. The dim light in the tiny bedroom that I shared with my two big brothers was cast from the jelly jar fixture in the skinny hallway that struggled to reach me all of the nine feet away. I didn’t like the stark contrast of obnoxious light in the midst of blackness in the predawn hours. Still don’t.
I was up early and nervous about the game that afternoon as my mind raced and my stomach churned, “I wish I had new socks,” I thought to myself, but knew with my dad working out of town and my mom without a car, new socks would be the last thing on the agenda.
It didn’t even bother me that no one from my family would make it to my basketball game that night; less pressure. I just needed some new tube socks with the blue triple ring around the top that we pulled up to just under our kneecaps. Funny how culture dictates style… or lack of it…
I held the long tube sock up in the dim light not quite able to see what I was looking for. I felt my way down to the worn area of the fabric where my heel had pounded the sock threadbare in spots. I continued feeling my way around it until I found the least worn area of the sock and rotated it so that my heel had as much cushion as possible. I laced up my basketball shoes that doubled as my school shoes, stood, took a deep breath, blew it out and was off.
The day passed painfully slow, kinda the exact opposite of how they feel now, but eventually the day did grind away and the game and the butterflies were on and in me in full force. I can’t remember who we even played, but I remember we won. On top of that I had my highest scoring game and assists-uh-plenty. Peculiar how you never think of things like socks when you’re focused on a monumental task that requires concentration – a concentration that disappeared faster than a quarter from Houdini’s hand in the classroom.
There weren’t any new socks in my foreseeable future at the time, but I had a new perspective on the worn sock dilemma. The next game day I sat on the edge of the bottom bunk rotating the worn sock between my thumb and forefinger searching for the least worn spot.
I knew that I’d found one of the secrets to success in my new ritual. I’d wear the most padding of the sock on my heel area, put the right sock on first, and I’d have another breakout game… Even after the rest of that season not having as good a game as I was trying to recapture, I kept up the superstitious ritual to recapture the magic… that never came.
Funny how superstitious we can be. I still think about the supposed bad luck when I walk under a ladder… We take on the role of God by adding our own laws to the universe as if we have that power. Or we drink someone else’s Kool-aid believing that they know as much as the Being that created all of us and supplies the very power that allows life on this planet.
We want so desperately to have control and create our desired results that even as adults we fall into the trap of superstition and magic. Ignoring the True supernatural Power that resides in heaven, earth, and inside of us… and that Source is infinitely more powerful than how we might wear our worn out socks… or if we step on sidewalk cracks…
Wednesday, January 15, 2014 @ 8:16 pm
Make it last was what my mother did and we wore many socks that had been darned. I think that is a lost art now a days. Mom had a wooden thing like an egg she would put down the sock and then she would weave back and forth to cover the holes. That helped us last until a birthday or Christmas when we got some new clothes, underwear and socks. Turning that sock just right probably gave you the confidence to win that game. Sorry it did not work for the future games. We paid a lot of attention to those superstitions when we were kids. Not so much any more, yet some people still do.
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 5:10 pm
It’s funny how we tend to believe in rituals, but I’m with you, Hazel; there’s nothing about luck when it comes to the hand of our Father. Thanks, Hazel.
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 5:22 pm
I will give you honorable mention, in a post I will be doing soon about darning socks. This sure did trigger a memory that was forgotten.
Thanks Floyd for being an awesome sounding board.
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 6:03 pm
It’s my pleasure and honor, Hazel. Plus, you know it works both ways! So thanks for all the rocks you turn over in my mind as well!
Wednesday, January 15, 2014 @ 9:10 pm
I only wish I had total control, but then I would lead a boring life…
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 5:11 pm
That’s a great point, Ed. We think we want to be in control or have the illusion that we are, but that’s better left to The Hand that made the earth! Thanks, Ed.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014 @ 9:21 pm
Oh, do I remember the tube socks. Mine usually had blue and gray stripes up top, my high school colors. I laughed as you talked about rotating them to get the holes where they’re the least annoying. I did the same thing. For me, it’s the big toe, I can’t stand the feeling – actually, the loss of feeling – as the hole scrunches around my toe and cuts off the already poor circulation. Infra red would show 4 normal toes and one big, blue cold toe. I never played much basketball, almost always last chosen for the pick-up games at the playground. Anyone picked after me, though it thrilled me … well, enough said.
As far as silly superstitions, being from the northwest with the Sea Hawks and all the post season playoff frenzy. I missed most of last Saturday’s game and we won. My wife had some issues that required a doctor’s attention so we were at an ENT’s office who happened to be in that day. Anyway, the doc said she wanted to see my wife for a follow up and I almost had them schedule it for this Saturday so I’d miss this game as well because, after all, we won the last playoff game I missed and we need to win this one to make the Superbowl. I didn’t follow through on that silly idea, but I was tempted. 🙂
More to the point though, I never have been superstitious about stuff, black cats, walking under ladders, Friday the 13th and breaking mirrors (I’ve broken a couple). For all we know, Jesus’ actual birthday may have been on a Friday the 13th, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the manger had a ladder in it set up to get hay from the loft and there was probably a black cat around to catch some stray mice, and we still got all the “luck” from His GIFT. It’s nice to know that God’s grace and plans for us far supersedes any goofy rituals or unwashed socks and underwear us fallen humans look to to influence the supernatural and try to make things go our way.
Great post, Floyd. Thanks.
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 5:18 pm
Awesome point about the birthplace of our Savior! You summed that up nicely! I’m with you on the holes in the toes as well, David. These days when my socks begin to wear thin I toss them in the trash. My dad used to get so mad at us when we’d raid his sock drawer! He was in luck that he didn’t wear tube socks… Good luck this weekend, maybe if you just walk into the backyard if the Seahawks start to lose? Just sayin’! Well said, David. God’s grace supersedes any goofy thing we can conjure up in our minds. Thanks, man.
Friday, January 17, 2014 @ 8:03 am
Turns out the game is on Sunday not Saturday so I’ll have to take you up on the backyard idea. 🙂
Friday, January 17, 2014 @ 10:17 am
Oh! And don’t forget to stir the cream into your coffee with your left hand! The game is a stake!
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 3:52 am
I not only remember the tube socks, I found a picture the other day of me when I played ball in college. Talk about “you have got to be kidding me!” Superstition is funny. I don’t believe in it at all but know I did the clothes thing. how about the food thing? I’m glad WHOM I believe in is not dependent on my superstition.
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 5:24 pm
Tricking the One who wrote the laws of this universe seems like a silly thing to do… but then so was the short shorts and those goofy tube socks! Well said, Bill.
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 10:21 am
You looked like you could ball. Wearing those socks like Michael Cooper for the Lakers. I blow it all the time when I try to take control. I hinder my progress and delay my journey because I have to have it my way. And life is not like Burger King, you can’t have it your way all the time. I am still learning to let God steer the ship. He knows best. Magic doesn’t work, but trusting God’s plan works every time. Be Blessed.
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 5:30 pm
You’re not alone, Bernard. I tend to try to bend the laws of nature and get my way most every time… and it never seems to work out. It’s tough for some those of us who are stubborn! Our Father calls the strong ones, Bernard. God’s plan for sure! Blessings to you and yours as well, Bernard. If Dr. “J” wore em’ they had to be cool! Thanks, Bernard.
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 10:48 am
I read chapter 10 of The Fire of Delayed Answers by Bob Sorge and was reminded how guilty I am of seeking ways to control my life. So often I have to fall on my face before I will wait for God. How much better it would be if I’d wait for Him FIRST.
I’m reminded of 1 John 4:4 as I read this.
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 5:35 pm
I guess you won’t be surprised to learn that I do that too? You could have given me a link for 1 John 4:4! I had to go look it up! “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” Amen, TC. Perfect scripture. Thanks, and remember that you’re not alone! In fact, be glad that we’re not in a boat!
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 5:37 pm
A link would have made it too easy 😉 Sorry.
As for us being glad we’re not in a boat, I’m assuming you mean that we would sink it if we were on one together:)
and yeah, I’m not surprised at all! We are two peas in a pod.
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 6:05 pm
I needed the exercise! And yes, if were on a boat Noah’s ark wouldn’t be big enough! I could think of much worse to be compared to!
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 11:05 am
Oh my, what an excellent post.
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 5:35 pm
Thanks, Donna. And thanks for stopping by!
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 2:23 pm
Tube socks, huh? It’s fun to look back at our older fashions. I remember my own junior high basketball games too.
Re your comment on my post “The Song that Will Blow You Away…” Isn’t that section exciting!? It has been my thrill passage for the week, and one I want to tell everyone about.
Thanks,
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 5:37 pm
Yeah, the tube socks were a bit crazy, but I gotta tell you, I don’t miss the short shorts!
That was exciting, a powerful post, Jennifer! Thanks, sister.
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 3:24 pm
Reading this reminds me of my hubby who loves basketball, he played through highschool and has plenty of scars to show for it (he didn’t have proper gear) – but when he talks about the games they won and the hard work they put in, the scars are nothing.
so interesting though, the things we hang our faith on. I find it’s easy for me to look at ‘others’ who are blatantly superstitious and i forget that i too put my faith in things and my efforts and what happened yesterday, instead of keeping it on Him every single moment.
Good reminder for me today
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 5:40 pm
Ohhhh! Excellent point, Ngina! We’re really not so different when we put faith in anything but our Father. That is straight wisdom, sister! You’re an old soul, Ngina. Just be happy that you don’t have to endure any old pictures of your husband with those goofy tube socks and short shorts! Thanks, Ngina.
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 4:37 pm
Isn’t it interesting just how much trust we place in the methods of others rather truly relying on and trusting in God’s Word. Some how we believe they are a part of this secret in club with God.
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 5:42 pm
I’m with you, Wanda. I’m guilty of putting faith in someone or somethings thinking that the easy way out will work… it never does! You said, Wanda, “God’s Word.” Period end of story! Thanks, Wanda.
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 5:35 pm
Control is a big issue, it seems like there is something in man, deep in his heart that always want to take control. I think your story does a great job in showing that most of what we do to take control really does nothing but give us the illusion of control. Thankfully we have a Heavenly Father who really does know what he’s doing.
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 6:08 pm
It really is futile isn’t it? We tend to look for the easy way out or the “loophole.” No short cuts. We’re not fooling God and we don’t have the mental capacity to even begin to grasp how to reason on a level that is higher than the size of all of the cosmos above us. His grace and redemption are enough for us… Excellent summary, Caleb. Thank you, sir!
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 6:06 pm
Oh man, preaching to the choir here. It drives me crazy that Christians will be superstitious with prayers for food or protection or whatever else. It’s all about fear (even fear of missing out). I’m sure the tube socks you wore weren’t that embarrassing. 🙂 Thanks Floyd.
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 6:13 pm
Really good point, Jason. It really all boils down to fear. It really is a crazy notion to think that we can do something that has no bearing on our desire and think that somehow the magic in the air will give us the desires of our hearts. How disrespectful and irreverent are those actions to our Father? Reminds me of dancing around a golden calf… No, the socks didn’t look bad above the shoe, it was just the hole wearing in the heel that drove me crazy! Holes in my socks still do! Thanks, Jason.
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 6:49 pm
I guess tube socks were all over North America. 🙂 I too wore tube socks but not anymore, I love low riding ankle socks.
It’s funny how people lean towards superstition. I love Jason’s comment and your answer to him. I agree, superstition boils down to fear, which is a god so therefore an idol. Fear God, trust in Him and whether we win or lose we know that it all works out for the best.
Nice story. I hate holes in my socks too but can deal better with the ones in the heal, its the ones in the toes that get me.
Blessings.
Friday, January 17, 2014 @ 10:12 am
“Fear God, trust in Him and whether we win or lose we know that it all works out for the best.” Well said. You have no idea how encouraging and comforting those words are to me today. There is no losing for us as long as we’re trusting in Him.
The holes in the toes didn’t bother me as much; those tube socks were so long, I’d pull the sock down an inch or so, fold the end of the part of the sock with holes back under the toes and I was good to go!
Thanks for sharing those words of wisdom today. God bless you, sister.
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 7:30 pm
I fear for Christians who consult their horoscope! For me, Isaiah 47:13-15 discounts these predictions: “You are powerless in spite of the advice you get. Let your astrologers come forward and save you – those people who study the stars, who map out the zones of the heavens and tell you from month to month what is going to happen to you. “They will be like bits of straw, and a fire will burn them up! They will not even be able to save themselves – the flames will be too hot for them, not a cozy fire to warm themselves by. That is all the good they will do you – those astrologers you’ve consulted all your life. They all will leave you and go their own way, and none will be left to save you.”
Friday, January 17, 2014 @ 10:16 am
Wow! What a great verse! That pretty much sums it up! The ones that believe they can control the laws of the universe know just enough to make themselves dangerous… and the ones who believe them. Excellent Word, Pam. Thanks!
Friday, January 17, 2014 @ 11:59 am
Tube socks! I remember those. But I was into those no-show sock with the pompons on the back. 😉
Friday, January 17, 2014 @ 5:53 pm
I forgot about those! Hard to believe such a fashion power could have faded?!! Thanks, Voni.
Saturday, January 18, 2014 @ 7:03 am
Dear Floyd
This new sock business sounds an awful lot like the if-only disease of this world. If only I had this … If only they didn’t … If only I could … and so the list go on and on. I think the only cure for this illness is Jesus and Him alone. Living in Him makes all the other things seem pale in comparison. And that includes new baseball socks!!! Thinking back about my life and daring myself to ask the difficult questions, I think that I still would have chosen my illness. My heart and soul used to be very “ill” during my before-illness days, but now they are healed by the One who loves me above all and never ever want to go back to where I once was.The body seems a small price to pay for finding our Beloved Jesus! In my case it was necessary to stop me in my tracks for I don’t think I would have stopped by myself. I was to busy running around trying to earn God’s favor and the love of the whole religious bunch as well.
Blessings XX
Mia
Saturday, January 18, 2014 @ 10:45 am
What a wonderful and powerful testimony, Mia! Your illness is being used by our Father to change perspectives which He uses to change lives… not always for the comfort, but always for the infinitely better. Bless your ministry, Mia. Thanks for sharing from your heart, those are always the most powerful messages!
Sunday, January 19, 2014 @ 5:25 am
“I think that I still would have chosen my illness. My heart and soul used to be very “ill” during my before-illness days, but now they are healed by the One who loves me above all and never ever want to go back to where I once was.” Dear Mia, I so agree with this, and feel exactly the same. And these words are my testimony as well: “In my case it was necessary to stop me in my tracks for I don’t think I would have stopped by myself. I was to busy running around trying to earn God’s favor and the love of the whole religious bunch as well.” Thank you Jesus!!
Sunday, January 19, 2014 @ 9:53 am
I’m reminded of the wisdom and strength of our Father in Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you.” Only the people that know our Father can have that strength and perspective. Amazingly encouraging. Bless you, sisters.
Saturday, January 18, 2014 @ 12:36 pm
Great story, Floyd. Interesting the details that stay with you, and the ones that don’t. You make a good point about superstition and rituals. They are subtly alluring. Seemingly harmless, but so quickly they overpower and ensnare. I think this is why Jesus spoke so harshly to the Pharisees about such practices. There is a fine line sometimes between traditions and ritualistic superstitions. Traditions honor God, rituals and superstitions often seek to control Him. Have a blessed week!
Saturday, January 18, 2014 @ 1:10 pm
Very well said, June. We often try to outsmart God… Reminds me of Jonah trying to outrun God while the globe of the earth sits in His hand… Just doesn’t seem to work out! Good call on the fine line between the traditions and the superstitions. Thanks, June.
Sunday, January 19, 2014 @ 5:22 am
Awesome, Awesome post Floyd! Your descriptions are so good and make me see that young man so clearly sitting in the dark fumbling with those worn socks. And I especially like this sentence: We take on the role of God by adding our own laws to the universe as if we have that power. Very sobering thought, and similar to a blog post that’s been forming in me. Have been just too busy to get it from my notes to my blog. I know you’re referring to superstitions in that sentence, but I think we do that with many, many things in our lives, living by our own laws of righteousness for example, thinking that’s pleasing to our Lord.
Sunday, January 19, 2014 @ 9:19 am
That’s a really great point, Betty Jo, we do take on that role in so many ways including the form of legalism. Even when we know that those type of “righteous” people do more harm for the kingdom of God than good. Excellent observation, sister. Thanks for adding that wisdom, Betty Jo. I’m looking forward to that post of yours!
Monday, January 20, 2014 @ 9:53 pm
Hello Floyd,
I ran Cross Country and Track & Field during High School and several of my team mates had superstitions, things they just had to do before a race. I think all athletes have pre-game habits that they do which allows them to be at their best. Great post!
Tuesday, January 21, 2014 @ 7:17 pm
I’ll bet they weren’t the only one! We all tend to lean that way, don’t we? Thanks, Dan.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014 @ 6:21 pm
Loved the story and picture. I used to perform at half-time during the basketball games. Brings back memories.
Friday, January 24, 2014 @ 3:04 pm
Didn’t you get blisters? I can laugh but I know the power of superstition. I’ve had my own. Even still there are things I joke about.
Friday, January 24, 2014 @ 10:03 pm
I did get blisters when I ran a marathon back then… Of course I had no business doing something so ignorant… I was just to young to know better. It is fight against the flesh to not believe we have control… “As gods” as Eve said…. Thanks, Loren.