On Allergies
Have you ever attended a dinner where you were left awkwardly picking at just a slice of bread, slathered in butter, while everyone else around you enjoyed a large feast...unable to partake because of food allergies that weren't accounted for in the meal?
It's a terrible feeling to be unable to eat the same food as everyone around, or worse yet, to be unable to eat with them at all. And yet it's the reality for a rapidly increasing number of Americans these days. How do those of us who love hospitality respond? How do we extend hospitality at a time when finding food that everyone can eat is so complicated?
And how does a theological vision that approaches food as a delightful gift from God account for the reality that, for many people, the act of eating is more of a burden than a joy?
In this episode of Kitchen Meditations, we're talking about food allergies—why they seem so prevalent these days and the opportunity they give us for a new approach to hospitality.
Links and Resources:
Pre-order Kendall’s book, By Bread Alone
After you've listened to the episode, use these discussion questions to reflect further. Consider discussing them around the table with a friend or two.
What has been your experience with food allergies or restrictions? Do you deal with allergies or restrictions personally? Or do you navigate them for a loved one?
What opportunities might there be for you to extend hospitality to a friend with allergies, or whose children have allergies?
Along with the Kitchen Meditations podcast, we send out a weekly newsletter called The Weekly Digest. It’s simple, consistent, and a great resource for Sunday reflections. We also include a free PDF download with the week’s prayer, discussion questions, and a unique seasonal recipe created by Kendall Vanderslice.
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