Welcome to The New Life Across The Table!
This is the first Life Across The Table Letter. Here, you’ll find meaningful words for life, learning, and discipleship that I hope will spark conversations #nrl. Plus a memorable recipe that may become your next favorite thing to make and share, because doing Life Across The Table is made even better with good food and drink.
BELIEVE & LIVE _ journey into the book of John
The Answer for Inadequacies
A few weeks ago I was featured on @urbanchristianwomen Faithful Friday. It’s a segment on their Instagram page that they use to “highlight and celebrate women who are living faithfully in their everyday lives for God’s glory.”
Needless to say, I was really humbled by the post. I was moved not only that women took the time to nominate me, but also by the people who commented, reposted, or sent me a message. One young lady affirms me by saying, “She invites ladies into her home and is willing to just talk and share, and listen and pray with us and give Godly counsel and ask harder questions. . .”
Blown. Away. It’s so encouraging because I know how imperfectly I do this.
I know the fears, intimidations and the sheer inadequacy I feel when I meet up with women.
I know the inadequacy I feel when I invite women over, lead my small group, or start an online community :).
And you know what, I welcome that feeling of inadequacy. And I hope you do too.
Why?
Its a reminder of our need for Christ. We’re just women who are in need.
We are not the answer. Christ is. We point to Him.
“19 This was John’s testimony when the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?”
20 He didn’t deny it but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.”
21 “What then?” they asked him. “Are you Elijah?”
“I am not,” he said.
“Are you the Prophet?”
“No,” he answered.
22 “Who are you, then?” they asked. “We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What can you tell us about yourself?”
23 He said, “I am a voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord—just as Isaiah the prophet said.”
—John 1:19-23
The answer to our inadequacies is to remember that we are not the Messiah, we are not anyone’s Savior. We are the voice God uses to point others back to Him.
I remind myself of this anytime I go before God’s people and with the help of His Spirit, it helps to take the pressure off.
Specifically, here’s a way I apply this before and during a time of connecting with someone.
Pray before - Confess and admit that you are not the answer to their situation. You can’t fix it. Confess that God can. Ask for His strength and wisdom.
Listen - It’s harder than its sounds but try not to interject unless for clarity, try not to think of a response while they’re talking, and if your mind wanders or you didn’t hear them clearly ask them to repeat.
Ask . . .
Good open-ended questions vs questions that only require a yes or no answer. Seeking to understand more.
What they need from you. Don’t assume they want your advice. Ask if it’s ok to share some thoughts. Maybe they just need to process. Sometimes I simply ask (in multiple variations), “What do you think you should do?”
Questions also help you resist the urge to talk too much and help you not to give uninformed responses.
Respond with Truth & Grace - Both. In words and actions.
Always end in prayer. Take their concerns to the one who can really do something about it.
Questions for dialogue and commenting
2 Cor 12:9
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness." Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me.
Why do inadequacies or weaknesses cause or tempt you to run away from hard things instead of toward them?
When you meet up with someone whose having a challenging time or has hard biblical questions, what are some things you do to help stay Christ and them focused and not make it about you and your ego?
Autumn is here and therefore all of the foods and flavors! Before I get deep into major recipes I want to start with something simple that will sweeten your morning coffee or even your afternoon black tea.
Autumn Spice Simple Syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 -4 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp whole cloves
1 tsp peppercorns
1 inch ginger sliced thin
Instructions
In a small pot heat water and sugar together, stirring until sugar completely dissolves.
Add cloves, cinnamon sticks, ginger, peppercorns, bring to a light boil.
Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for about 1 hour.
Strain through a fine-mesh sieve.Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
NOTES:
- If you're hesitant on how you'll like some of the spices just half this recipe and play around with the combination of spices (including the amount) based on your preferences.
- Use in coffee (iced or hot), black tea, as syrup on pancakes, mixed drinks. I've even used it in my custard for french toast.