Recently I came across an article, “100 Worst Foods in the World” list. I quickly agreed with some of the items that were mentioned – a German food called, “Zungenwurst” which contains blood sausage and pickled tongue… “Tête de veau”, a French dish made up of slices of meat from the head of a calf… any number of dishes that featured “offal” (which I pronounce as “awful”)… and a fermented shark meat called “Hákarl” from Iceland. But when I really scanned the article, I found that both American Goulash and American Chop Suey made the list. Basically, they’re the same dish – pasta (typically elbow macaroni), ground beef, and tomatoes often with grated cheese. Growing up in Ohio, the dish was called “Johnny Marzetti”, named in honor of the nephew of the owner of the Columbus, Ohio restaurant Marzetti’s. Granted, Johnny Marzetti isn’t fine cuisine and I’ve only made it a couple of times, but I don’t think it ranks as one of the worst dishes in the world. But of course, I imagine there are people who grew up in Germany and say the same thing about zungenwurst. It is easy to see different kinds of foods and label them as the worst without ever having tried them.
A few years ago, St. Luke’s went to Germany and England to study the Protestant Reformation. While in England, I was committed to trying blood pudding (which also made the list of 100 Worst Foods in the World). I had always thought it sounded unappealing, but I wanted to try it. Turns out, it was pretty good. I was surprised that I really liked it despite my preconceived ideas.
Being different or unknown to us is not a moral classification. Different is just, different. Why do we shy away from things that are unfamiliar when we all know that we have experienced great joy when we’ve learned something new? Even if we eventually try and decide that something isn’t for us, the new experience is almost like an adventure. I’ve tried calamari three different times and I can honestly cross it off my list. I tried alligator in New Orleans and while it wasn’t for me, I have a little badge of pride knowing that I tried it!
Don’t let fear of the unknown or the unfamiliar hold you back. God created us for the adventure of life – growing, exploring, and experiencing new things. When is the last time you’ve done something for the first time? Have you traveled somewhere for the first time? Have you learned any words in a different language? When was the last time you tried a new food? Easter is a reminder of the new life that is given us in Christ. Make sure you are experiencing newness in your life during this Lenten season.
Rev. Wendy Lambert, Senior Executive Pastor
