In making a pot of chicken soup, the memory came flooding back like it was just yesterday.
We were new to the church when I began to attend the women’s Bible Study. She was older than I and gentle in nature, which drew everyone to talk with her. Her wisdom and faithfulness to prayer made her a woman from whom we all learned.
And I did.
Upon hearing she had been hospitalized for a surgery, I was moved to make a meal. It was the very same soup I making at the moment. Along with the soup, I brought a homemade loaf of bread, a pound cake, and flowers.
So very simple.
Not knowing the family very well, I called to ask if I could drop the meal off to the house. Her daughter came to the door, as I hesitantly rang the doorbell, putting me at ease as she explained her mom was on her way home and would be delighted,
Once recovered, she thanked me for the soup often, making mention of how her family had appreciated the comfort the meal had brought, especially the little meatballs in the soup.
Now years later, for she has been with the Lord for some time, I still think of her each time when making the soup and forming the small balls of meat.
We call such meals – “comfort food”. Mirriam-Webster defines such food as “food prepared in a traditional style having a usually nostalgic or sentimental appeal.”
That is what we all long for. Food that brings back a memory. That reminds you of a happier time and place, perhaps with family or friends. Simply eating such food brings your heart and mind “home” to the place we feel safe, loved, and soothed.
In these days of many needs, we all can reach out to someone.
Send a card.
Make a phone call.
Prepare a meal.
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NLT)
Bring the comfort.
Today I am joining … Three Word Wednesday and Tell His Story andĆĀ Coffee For Your Heart and Woman to Woman .
What a great calling we have, as women, to minister to one another, bringing on the comfort with our words and our ministering meals that offer so much more than just nourishment.
We truly do, Michele. It is a wonderful opportunity and with us all being so busy, it means a lot to the one receiving. A meal can say more than our words at times.
“Bring the comfort.” Such a simple statement, but filled with so much love and hope. Certain foods can bring on so many different thoughts and memories. I completely agree, Joanne. You’ve inspired me to reach out to a friend in need today. Thank you.
Candace, we can all get so busy that these simple gestures are oft forgotten. And yet, when we do them … they speak more than any words we could say.
Joanne, what beautiful encouragement. Sometimes it is those small things that mean so much. You have a beautiful blog home here. Thank you for stopping by Woman to Woman Ministries and for linking up. God bless.
I am so glad you stopped here, Jenifer. The small things become big when we do them in His love. Blessings!
I know I’m missing the sentiment of this post with my question but, will you share the recipe please? š
I will email you the recipe, Susan. It is your basic homemade chicken soup recipe though. Or if I can figure out how to make a pretty recipe card to share, I will add it to this post. I will let you know if I am successful š
Hi Joanne, I do this but one I can’t forget is for Friend who had cancer *she survived it*. It was a traumatic time for her family.
Thanks for the word of hope and comfort today.
Blessings to you
Ifeoma, I think you have hit on something very important. In doing for others, it is we who are changed by the experience. So glad you shared. Blessings!
“Bring the comfort.” I love that. Caring for each other with meals is something our church community is really good at doing. I love it so much – both to be on the giving & receiving end. Thanks for this encouraging post and for linking up at #ThreeWordWednesday.
Kristin, you are blessed for sure then. When a church community is good at this, it ministers deeply. It truly is always good to join you!