I’m taking a break from recipes today…
I know, it’s a bit different. If you came for buttercream frosting, you’ll find it here. If you’re looking for shredded beef tacos, they’re here. Or, perhaps you’re looking to make some homemade Oreos. I’ve got those right here.
But, I’m hoping you’ll stay and read. And, even more than that, I’m hoping you’ll join the discussion… Respectfully, of course.
If you pay any attention to the news, or just log into Facebook on occasion, you’re well aware that there’s a lot going on in the world at the moment. And, you’re also aware that most people have an opinion… Probably a strong one. I am guilty as charged.
Blame the 24-hour news cycle, social media, or what you will… But it seems that we are moving further apart instead of closer together. There’s a lot of shouting, but not much listening. There’s a lot of posting, but little real discussion.
At my church, my pastor has been preaching a sermon series on Conversations… We’ve discussed loving our neighbors, slowing down, listening before speaking, and building others up with our words.
Regardless of your religious affiliations or lack thereof, I think we can all agree on the importance of our words. We can all take a moment to reflect on what we post on Facebook or what we send in a text message rather than taking the time to chat with someone on the phone.
Throughout the whole series, an idea has been running through my head.
Perhaps food is part of the solution.
Sure, bacon makes everything better (right?), but that’s not exactly what I’m talking about. Rather, I’m thinking that perhaps sharing a meal is part of the solution. In addition to the lost art of conversation, I feel as though we’ve lost the ability to sit down and break bread together (be it gluten-free, whole grain, or sourdough). You see, taking time to partake in a meal together forces us to have a conversation. It also forces us out from behind our computer screens and our mobile phones. It helps us to see each other as human, not as “the enemy” posting angry quotes or infographics on Facebook.
So, perhaps food is part of the solution. Perhaps food is the way we can have a real discussion.
It’s not easy… Life is busy and crazy. And, if you are dining at my house, there is a very real possibility that children will be screaming and food will be flying. But, I’d like to start having more people over for dinner. We may talk about politics… Or we may not. I’d like to think, though, that it will help us to meet in the middle.
So, let’s start talking… And listening. Let’s grab a cup of coffee together… Or sip iced tea while the kids play on the playground. And, let’s chat.
I am a Christian, but I understand that you may not be. That’s OK. I’m glad you’re here. I’d love to learn more about your beliefs.
I am (mostly) a Democrat. But, you may vote Republican. That’s OK, too. We all come from a different place and have had different experiences. But, I hope we can work together for a greater good, setting aside our political parties.
I am pro-choice, pro-LGBT, pro-gun control, pro-environment… And, it may seem that we agree on nothing. But, I’d still love to hear what you think. I’m sure we can find some common ground.
Most importantly, I am pro-people. I am pro-love.
Hate, anger, xenophobia and fear aren’t getting us anywhere. So, let’s try something new. Let’s eat… And let’s chat.
