Tips To Make The World A Better Place
One of my favorite childhood stories is called “Stone Soup”. It is a charming story about a band of poor vagabonds, who come up with a clever way to not only feed their starving bellies but develop a sense of community within the village.
This story comes to mind when I am faced with the question, how can I make the world a better place? Just like those poor vagabonds in the story, we share a similarity.
Have you noticed when asking outright for help from people, they can be quite stingy with their time and resources, but when you give a false impression that you are “fine,” people want to contribute to your success? What a frustrating feeling!
In many cultures to be seen as “poor” or “homeless” is harshly frowned upon, but the Bible tells us in Matthew 25V40, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
How Can We Make The World A Better Place?
In my opinion, one way we can make the world a better place is to actively exercise the fruit of the spirit (unconditional love, inner joy, inner peace, persistent patience, unwavering kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control)
Some days will be harder than others, but if we are actively using 6 out of the 9 attibutes from the fruit of the Spirit, we could still make a lasting impact in someone’s life. When you meet someone who doesn’t share the same opinion with you, whether religious or political, you should be able to embrace them with kindness and love. God loves variety, and he wants us to all learn from one another.
As the saying goes, ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’, and neither is setting a good example by living the fruit of the Spirit. We must wake up every day and want to set an example of what it means to be the embodiment of the fruit of the Spirit.
Let us all remember that God’s love is contagious and can turn hopeless things and people into miracles and hopeful wonder.
Here is my rendition of Stone Soup!
I hope your family enjoys it!
Stone Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Onion, diced
- 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon White Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 5 small to medium Potatoes (1 1/2 lb), cut into 1/2 inch chunks
- 3 cans (14.5 oz. each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 bunch of Kale
- Smoked Sausage- cut into 1/2-inch half-moons
- 1 single black bean/ Kidney bean/ or Lima bean (it represents the Stone)
Cooking Instructions
- In a large Pot, heat Olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until soft, (1-2 minutes).
- Add Garlic and Salt and White Pepper.
- Cook for 1 minute.
- Add Potatoe chunks and broth: bring to a boil
- Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender (10-14 minutes)
- In a blender puree half the soup.
- Return to pot.
- Add 1 bunch of Kale, stemmed and shredded.
- Add sausage.
- Simmer until Kale is wilted, (15 minutes)
- Serve
Servings:4
Per Serving: 371 calories, 16.8g fat, 20.5g proteins; 35.6g carb; 4.4g fiber