Nadina Mary Devabalan shares her story of how food and faith can change lives in an extract from Simply Eat, a collection of stories about meeting Jesus around food.
I love making fruit salad for dessert. Sometimes I make it for my family when my dad comes home from work. Our neighbour often pops round for a snack. My Divine Fruit Salad is a great way for me to tell others what Jesus means to me.
To make a Divine Fruit Salad, begin with a smile.
When our neighbour comes round, my smile is long as the Nile.
He pulls up a chair and enquires about our day.
I reply, ​‘It was good, but only because we prayed!’
As I bring out a bowl and begin to prepare my fruits
I explain to my neighbour how the Bible is the truth.
I start to peel my bananas of self-control
And tell my neighbour how God cleansed my soul.
I top, tail and wash my strawberries clean
Telling how God grows us from as small as a bean.
I start to slice my apple of peace thin
And explain how God brought us out from sin.
Then I collect my cherries of gentleness and grapes of good
And feel bubbly for by my side God has stood.
I begin to peel and slice my kiwis of kindness
And explain that only God can deliver us from our blindness.
Then I core and chop my patient pears
And explain to my neighbour that God really cares.
Next, I chop my joyful jackfruit
And tell him God is my firm root.
A drop of my favourite faithful juice I add
And tell my neighbour how God makes me glad!
Finally, I mix up the fruits in the bowl
Give my neighbour a serving, refreshing his soul!
He takes a bite and smiles in delight.
He tells me he tastes Jesus’ light!
O what a glorious night!
Jesus in me has burned bright!
Simply Eat is a coffee table book designed to inspire Christians to share Jesus around food.
From a BAFTA award-winning writer to a former Hindu priest, and from a poetic schoolgirl to a celebrity chef, Simply Eat is an inspirational collection of stories and recipes celebrating the power of food and faith.
