It’s that time of year again. The time some of us love and some of us love to hate. The month of “love” for some. The month of “man-made” holidays and avoidance of all things red and heart shaped for others (lol). But, seriously, here’s something I hope resonates with you no matter your relationship status:
The first and most important ingredient in the recipe to your destiny is: you.
I know, you already know this. This isn’t some brilliant new insight from The Word Chef. Why then do we spend so much of our lives, chasing--things, people, achievements? Seeking adulation, striving for the markers of outward success; looking at everything outside of ourselves to give us what we need the most--the admiration and validation we’re really seeking.
When the world shut down in 2020 due to the pandemic, there were a lot of people who couldn’t stand it because they were forced to sit still--and be--with themselves. No matter how hard or easy that was for you, maybe, just maybe, there’s one blessing that can come from this test--a new passion for you.
February isn’t just the month of Valentine’s Day. It’s Black History Month. It’s National Heart Health Month. So, if no one else does, I’m checking in on you:
What’s your soul’s food?
No, I’m not talking about trans fats, fried foods or going Afro-vegan.
I’m talking about the place where your spirit and body connect. It’s home to your mind, will and emotions. The place most of us don’t often share with anyone else, sometimes not even our own selves.
If you’ve ever been an emotional eater (I know I wasn’t the only one) you’re familiar with the concept of soul food. There’s a saying that “it’s not what you’re eating” that’s the cause of your weight fluctuations, “it’s what’s eating you”--from the inside out.
It’s often that stuff, the “junk food” in our souls that gives us a skewed view of ourselves; keeps us from living with integrity--the sweet spot in life where the spirit, soul and body are all in alignment; and either drives out our passions, or fuels our passions for things outside of ourselves.
Passion = : ardent affection : LOVE
b : a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept.
[Merriam-Webster]
It’s almost become cliche to talk about self love, but for real, it’s the best love. You know one of the reasons why?:
This verse gives such perspective on the issues in the world--and sometimes within us. To love your neighbor, you have to love yourself. To love yourself, you have to see yourself, made in God’s image--of Love--loved and created to love.
Not because you’re perfect or someone else choosing you declares that you are finally worthy. Not because your salary is finally at six figures and you’ve achieved all of your dreams. But, simply because you are the chosen vessel for them.
This month, I hope you’ll join me and do some digging to take a look at what has your heart? What has your strength? What has your soul? Because what’s in there is the food that nourishes us through life and allows us to walk with purpose into every blessing that’s destined for us.
Through the good, the bad, the ugly; and yes, even a solo Valentine’s Day. What’s nourishing you?
I hope it’s real soul food.
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