First Baptist Church of Herndon

Comfort Food

Linda Soller | Nov 21, 2016

Thanksgiving is here, can you believe it? I don’t know exactly what it is about Thanksgiving I love so much, but I really think it’s my favorite holiday. A big part of it is the food. Each year the extended family gathers at our house and each year for about two seconds I consider if there should be any menu changes. But each year I hit send on the email to my family and ask for the same dishes as the year before, and the year before that. Those dishes are a huge part of the comfort of Thanksgiving.

One of my favorite shows is “A Chef’s Life”. Chef Vivian Howard’s southern drawl lulls you into to the warmth and love that is good ole fashioned southern cooking. I am sure everyone has similar fond memories of the food of their childhood. I watch as she tells about the fresh produce, the various fish, vegetables, fruits, meats, and breads she brings to life in her restaurant. Recently the show was mostly about mayonnaise. I mean really, what is not to love? Her mom mentioned a tomato and mayo sandwich and I was actually drooling.

Thanksgiving is like that for me. The size of my guest list varies each year, yet the staples of our feast remain the same. We may drop a salad or an extra desert, but you can count on corn pudding, two types of mashed potatoes, country ham, and well you get the picture. I believe traditions and memories are the foundation, and from there we can take on the world.

Faith is much the same for me, full of tradition and memorable moments. Stories that spring to mind and bring comfort. Verses we may not quote precisely, but they serve us well none the less. Our worship committee decided weeks before the Presidential election that we would celebrate communion on the Sunday after the election. Coming to the table joins us together, it binds us in tradition, it triggers fond memories, and it touches our souls. Coming together reminds us to be thankful for the sacrifice God made for us.

Thank you Lord for the bounty that is our world. Help us learn to share with those who do not have enough. Help us to remain loyal to our faith and ideals. Give us strength to stand true to You when fear would have us hide. Let us respect others, and respect ourselves. As the world grows smaller and smaller help our faith to grow bigger and stronger. Where there is fear let us spread hope. Where there is sorrow let us spread comfort, and where there is change help us to embrace the opportunity to serve you in a new way. Your word is our nourishment. Your love is our salvation. Let our voices raise in thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!    : o)  Linda