When I Grow Up… Cooking With Anna

As we travel through this journey called life, many people will pass in and out of our lives. There are a special few people that make an impact and help mold and shape your life. They affect your soul and heart. These angels on earth are able to hold our hands and guide us to be better people, the best versions of ourselves.

One of these angels in my life gained her heavenly reward a few weeks ago. While my earthly heart is broken, my spirit is rejoicing and celebrating her incredible life.

Linda was the wife of my minister from my childhood church. She embodied all things good and kind. I never remember her beautiful face without a smile. Her eyes were bright, gentle, and full of love. Her voice was soothing and pleasant. She embodied Proverbs 16:24 “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”

Always supportive and devoted, she dedicated her life to her husband and her two children. Her commitment to the church and the members was evident to everyone she came in contact with. During church potlucks, everyone wanted to know what Linda made. While my grandfather was battling cancer, numerous times Linda would show up at their home with a delicious meal. She had a true servant’s heart.

Linda cooked simple food by some’s standards, but ask anyone who had the pleasure of eating her food, and they would be quick to tell you that she was one of the best cooks in all of Alabama. When you put your love in your food, people know. They can taste your care for them. They knew Linda cooked with all the love she had. Her delicious food became an outpouring of love, hope, care, and kindness to everyone she fed.

When you ask children what they want to be when they grow up, you will get a variety of answers: doctor, president, teacher, baseball player. I will be 38 years old this year and still am trying to be Ms. Linda when I grow up. I strive to have her grace. I strive to have her kindness. I strive to have her love for fellow man. I strive to have her ability to always make you feel like you were the most important person while she talked to you. She had a special way to make you feel so special. I hope and pray that one day I may be remembered as even half of the woman she was.

I am honored to have called Linda my friend. She will be missed by many and always loved by all. The recipe today is one that she always made with love and is delicious. I hope you make it and share it with ones you love. Remember to cook it with love, and it will be the best dish anyone has ever eaten.

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.” Proverbs 31:10, 30-31