G(r)owing Somewhere: The Power in Serving Others

September 22, 2024

It was 2021 (I think) when I traveled to Tampa, Florida, to visit my mentor, Sherri Brown. She arranged wonderful accommodations, and one morning I decided to have breakfast at the hotel restaurant. A lady approached me, and we struck up a conversation. It lingered longer than expected, as we discovered we were both dealing with aging parents battling dementia. We exchanged contact information and stayed connected ever since.

Though we don’t speak every day, Bobbie and I have maintained a steady friendship. Over time, I learned that Bobbie is a life coach who operates in the prophetic, with advanced degrees in psychology and social work. She has an incredible gift for prayer and discerning when and what to say, as God directs. Recently, with a free Saturday and Mama Flo’s caregiver already arranged, I felt a nudge to visit her. I reached out, offering to take her to lunch, but she insisted, “I’ll cook some gumbo.” Even though I told her she didn’t have to, she was determined.

A chance meeting in a hotel restaurant has blossomed into a meaningful friendship and powerful prayer partnership. I truly believe in divine connections, and this one was undoubtedly orchestrated by God.

Fast forward to this recent visit, Bobbie welcomed me into her home. She didn’t just make gumbo—she made gumbo and potato salad from her grandmother’s recipes, walking me through each step of the process. Watching her cook felt like watching tradition come alive, with every ingredient added carefully, every move purposeful. There’s something intimate about sharing family recipes, and this felt like a glimpse into something sacred.

But the experience didn’t stop there. When everything was ready, she didn’t just serve me on a casual plate at the counter. Instead, she led us into her formal dining room, where real linens were laid out and fine China waited for us. The tone of the day shifted as we moved into this elegant setting. It wasn’t just about eating anymore—it became a moment of reverence, of care, of truly honoring the food and our time together.

She served the food to me first, then joined me at the table. Before we began eating, she prayed over the meal, blessing the food and our time together. It was a prayer that seemed to reach far beyond the dining room, touching something deeper. As we ate, the conversation turned rich and full of wisdom. Yes, the gumbo was amazing, but it was the depth of our conversation that truly nourished me.

The real dishes, the linens—these weren’t just decorative choices. They symbolized something deeper: the value of the moment, the thoughtfulness in how we care for one another. It reminded me of Galatians 5:13, “Serve one another humbly in love.” Bobbie’s act of serving was more than just providing a meal; it was an expression of love and humility.

This moment made me think of the story in John 13:1-17, where Jesus washes His disciples’ feet. In that act, He, their teacher and leader, humbled Himself to serve them. Jesus showed us that true leadership and love are rooted in serving others, no matter who you are.

In today’s world, so many people expect to be served, but the real transformation happens when we choose to serve. My friend didn’t just feed me; she uplifted me through her thoughtful actions. Serving others isn’t about obligation—it’s about elevating moments, creating deeper connections, and reflecting the love of God.

What happens when we serve? We grow. We build stronger relationships, gain wisdom, and create experiences that go far beyond the ordinary. In serving others, we find ourselves g(r)owing in unexpected ways.

So, I encourage you—don’t always wait to be served. Take the time to serve others. Whether it’s cooking a meal, offering a prayer, or simply being present for someone, your act of service could mean more than you realize. As Proverbs 11:25 reminds us, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”

There’s beauty in serving, and often, it comes back to bless us in ways we could never imagine.

Oh and I forgot to mention that Bobbie was born and raised in New Orleans. You know the gumbo was delicious 😋 right?!?!