BOOTSTRAPPING

The old phrase “Pull yourself up by your bootstraps” means ‘To improve one’s situation through hard work and self-determination, rather than getting assistance from someone else.’

Bootstraps are ‘pulls or ear pulls, which are the loops sewn into the side of your boots at the top to help you get them on. Over-the-top pulls are standard. Mule ears, which are five to seven inches long, and flush pulls, which sit inside the boot, are fancier. Some boot buyers prefer holes in the top to slip their fingers into.’

This expression originated in the 1800s. ‘It refers to the ability of a person to lift him or herself up by pulling on the laces of his or her boots. Of course, this is impossible, so in order to do it would take very hard work. The idiom refers to the fact that sometimes it takes hard work to overcome something or become successful, and sometimes the only person who can do that hard work is you. At some point, no amount of help or assistance can help someone. You simply need to pull yourself up by your bootstraps.’

Not to lose the metaphor and it’s common meaning, but we need in a literal way to know this phrase refers to common daily work boots and also Western cowboy boots and other recreational boots as well. But, beyond the analogy is the admonition. I am not promoting ‘God helps those who help themselves,’ or ‘faith without works,’ but I would be in favor of encouraging myself and others to exercise all of the faith we can and then to pull on our bootstraps with the same vigor. There is nothing lazy or passive in true faith… only deep stirring and believing…and pulling.

“You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward.” Jesus