Being the Light – Yet Another Devotional – Day One
There are times when I think to myself- why in the world am I trying to add my voice to so many others that are already in this space?!
I don’t have my MDiv (Master of Divinity) – I only have a lay ministry license. I don’t have Bible verses memorized. (Though I say so many who do are doing so to weaponize the Bible anyway.) And so much self doubt creeps in.
And that’s when it dawned on me: that’s exactly why I should keep doing this. Because I’m just an ordinary person like you. I’m someone who has wrestled with my faith, who has only recently cime to a “good” and solid place in it. I’m just a lay person here in the church. I don’t wear a collar. I’m not ordained. I’m just as happy to take my social media presence and use it to shine a light on so many others.
And it’s because I’m just like so many of you that I think my voice could be helpful here. Because I’m not necessarily extrordinary. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
I’m going to try, again, to be better about posting here often. To consistently lend my voice to this space that I am not convinced I belong in, because one more voice advocating for love never hurts- right? That may also include updatding past posts, and bringing them up to date. I also want to include a link to a book or something else I’m reading or even listening to that helps. And to also list an action I’m taking that week to help others. A blueprint of sorts, of faith in action, of devotional in practice.
And it feels even more appropriate to do this at the beginning of Lent, a time for prayer- for preparing for the Light of the World.
Here’s to being a light.
My Very Favorite Podcast:
For People, with Bishop Rob Wright
I’ve written about this podcast often and how it helped set me on the path that I’m on now. Bishop Wright is, also, just as warm in person as he is on this podcast. I urge you to give it a listen. Some of my favorite episodes are here:
A Book That Helps Me Be Happy:
God Didn’t Make Us To Hate Us – Rev. Lizzie McManus-Dail
Food is something that can be comforting, healing. Ask any Southerner what they do when someone dies and I can almost promise you it’s to take the grieving family a casserole. Food is a way that we can come together in community.
This is a simple recipe- it’s the bean dip that I make that my church loves and I adapted it from other recipes I’ve found online.
1 can of Refried Beans
1/2 of a packet of Taco Seasoning
1 container of guacamole
Salsa (whatever kind you like- I go with mild to be safe)
Sour Cream
Unicorn Salt (to taste)
Shredded Mexican cheese
Chopped cherry tomatoes and green onions
Spread the refried beans in a container all over the botton, it may looks kind of thin. Sprinkle around half of the taco seasoning in this and stir evenly, spread over the bottom of the container. Layer guacamole next, and then sprinkle Unicorn Salt to taste. Next, salsa in a thin layer over the top. From here, go with the sour cream but when spreading it you may want to put small scoops on top otherwise it’ll all mix with the salsa (it doesn’t really matter and in fact I forgot my salsa in this video- I also forgot the cheese). Put your chopped cherry tomatoes, green onions, and cheese on last.
This is a super easy thing to take to a friend in need. They don’t have to heat it up, and they can simply use chips with it. Super easy to munch on with little effort and yet, still gives some protein and veggies. Also really easy to put out for any guests who may come by, and easy to put up in containers in the fridge afterwards.
