1 John 3:17-18
My Grandmother lived these verses every day of her life. She offered a home to the homeless, often taking in those who society had discarded, showing them the love of Christ and often changing the course of their lives. She offered a heart of understanding and an explanation of the sovereignty of God to unwed Mothers. She offered her sustenance to those in need, bringing meals to those who needed it most.
So too should all believers be; meeting others physical needs and their spiritual needs as well. Sometimes though, we don’t truly understand how this actually looks in our world. And then, when we least expect it, the Lord reminds us. It can be very painful, and real, and the tangibility of these instructions is made evident. So it has been with me recently. I am grateful for the opportunity the Lord has given me to serve, and the joy He given me in it.
So, this Sunday I tried to show my houseguest how much I’ve enjoyed meeting her physical and emotional needs, having her in my home and doing my best to share the gospel with her, and I did it with a meal. I reached down to my roots and made a Southern spread. I made a modern, healthy version of fried chicken. I accompanied it with a black eyed pea salad rich with the colors of the season and bursting with bright flavors. I also braised kale and wilted onions with a little white wine and made some of the most amazing cornbread we’ve ever eaten. Our table was full and so were our hearts
Sometimes, words fail us, and that’s a good thing. We should show our faith in our miraculous Savior with actions. We should be bold and willing to be uncomfortable, and I know, from my recent trials, that the Giver of all things will reward us with joy, strength, and perseverance. And that is more than enough!
Recipes:
Healthy Fried Chicken: This is a staple at my house. I slice chicken breasts thin (like you would pound a cutlet), create and egg wash from egg whites and water and add a lot of chopped flat leaf parsley. I then create a coating with a mix of panko and Parmesan cheese. I season the chicken with salt and pepper, dip in the egg wash and then in the panko mixture. I pan fry them in a little bit of EVOO until the crust is golden brown and delicious. It’s fantastic, I guarantee it.
Black Eyed Pea Salad: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/cowboy-caviar-10000000522962/
Braised Kale: This recipe couldn’t be simpler. Saute onions in EVOO with some garlic and red pepper flake. Chop kale and remove stems, add to pan, allow to wilt. Add a hint of white wine (you can sub. Chicken stock, and it’s still delish) and a ½ TBL. of sugar, and you’re good to go.
Homesteader’s Cornbread: This is the first time I’ve made this recipe, and it has officially become my favorite cornbread ever. The texture is silky, the crust is crunchy and it makes enough to feed a crowd. Make it. Now. Go! http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Homesteader-Cornbread/Detail.aspx
