I remember when Brigitte came over with her big glass jar of chili. Yes, you read that right: not a pot, a jar. I think it used to be a giant pickle jar. She didn’t want the chili spilling over in her car, so she looked for something with a tight lid, and the jar seemed like a logical answer. After she left my house, I unscrewed the lid and took it off. The chili was still hot. It was ready to eat, and it smelled delicious!
Not only had Brigitte brought the chili, but a pan of freshly-cooked cornbread and some toasty-warm baked potatoes, as well. Why potatoes? I’m not sure. Maybe it was her way of making the meal more hearty; or maybe she thought it would be an easy snack or side to something else later on. They were good, too.
And now we’ve come to the part that just about makes me cry: the reason she did this for me.
I had just given birth to our sixth child, a baby girl named Ginger. I didn’t know Brigitte very well, just saw her at church sometimes. I was very surprised that she wanted to drop by with a meal! Oh, my goodness! This was something I wasn’t used to! And she was so young and gorgeous (a tall, slim blonde), with two or three little children of her own! I guess we expect servants to come in the form of older ladies with extra time on their hands, but that’s not always the case. Even busy, pretty young models (that’s what she reminded me of) can be selfless, loving servants.
She couldn’t have known it (though maybe she guessed), but I had had a very hard time. We had moved into this house the year before, and it had been quite a mess! I had barely started fixing things up when I began to feel the pregnancy-exhaustion. I was pregnant again, and I just couldn’t keep up with the housework anymore! I had to lay back on my couch and stare at all the ugly details I could no longer do anything about. Not only that, but this was probably one of my most nauseous pregnancies. Oh, it was horrible.
After the baby was born my mom hosted a baby shower that almost no one came to. That nearly brought tears; the only thing that held them back was thinking of the very few, sweet people who did come. And, there wasn’t any help with things around the house from anybody other than my husband and children. I feel like God sent Brigitte to me that day to show me He still sees, and He still cares. I needed to be reminded of that.
And I think it’s fair to add this in: If Brigitte, with her small children and many household cares, could take the time to cook and bring me dinner after I had just had a baby, how much more could the older women without small children have done something similar! Yes, older women don’t always have a lot of “extra time on their hands,” and they are sometimes dealing with health issues of their own. But, older (not “old”) ladies might have some advantages and opportunities for outside-the-home service that younger women don’t always have. They have been given a gift, which is their greater freedom to be able to step in and offer to do something practical to help. Not just say, “Do you need any help?” (most people feel embarrassed to admit they need help and don’t want to be a burden) but say, “I want to bless you, and I’ve got it in my mind to bring you dinner; when can I drop it by?” What Brigitte did was amazing, and I think she provided a beautiful example to follow, for those of us who can. 🙂
So, this isn’t just a recipe post; this is a Thank You to Brigitte for her gift that day!
Her chili was so tasty that I asked her for the recipe, and this is it:
Ingredients:
2 lbs ground beef or Italian sausage
1 onion, chopped
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can tomato sauce (the kind with spices included), 15 oz (or 2 small 8 oz cans)
1 can tomato soup, 10.75 oz
1 can diced/crushed tomatoes, 14.5 oz
salt & pepper
2-3 tsp chili powder (add more if you want it spicier)
1 can seasoned chili beans
3 cans assortment of beans (any kind you want, such as pinto, red kidney, black, etc.)
Directions:
- In stew pot, cook ground beef or Italian sausage, onion, and garlic together until browned.
- Remove from heat. Get rid of any excess grease, if necessary.
- Add in all the other ingredients. Heat till bubbling, then simmer for about 10 min.
- Adjust flavors.
Notes:
Feel free to add or subtract anything in this recipe to your liking! You can add more tomato soup if you
like your chili soupier. Add more beans if you need to spread this around for more people.
Serve this chili with cornbread muffins, cornbread pudding, or Frito’s chips. Add a sprinkling of
cheddar cheese on top of the chili right before serving (don’t let the cheese sit too long, because it melts
and will get very stringy). Delish!
Another reason I like this recipe is because it is so simple. I love simple, since it helps me not feel overwhelmed!
Here is a FREE printable version for your recipe binder:
- When did someone do something extra special for you that really touched your heart because it was just what you needed at that time?
- Can you think of any ways you might be able to reach out to someone else who has a need?
- Do you have any chili-making tips? What do you add to your chili to give it that extra-tasty flavor?!
~Jessica
So wonderful to have friends like Bridgett! We’re still fairly new to Coldiron and of course Covid has made getting to know neighbors tough, but I hope as time goes by, I have friends and neighbors this kind to me.
Yes, Courtney, I agree! I think that God will bring those people into your life at just the right time, you’ll see! Especially if you pray for it. 🙂
~Jessica
I just eyeball everything so measurements aren’t exact, but here’s my chili recipe.
1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
1 large onion
3 bell peppers, any color
28 oz diced tomatoes
28 oz tomato sauce
4-6 cups cooked beans, black, pinto, kidney, or a combination
1/4 cup minced garlic
1 tbsp each of chili powder, cumin, and oregano
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp maple syrup
1/4 cup Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
Hi, Jessica, so good to hear from you!
OK, now I’m going to have to try your recipe! In fact, I’m going to write it down as soon as I’m finished here! There are several things that surprised me about your recipe, including the maple syrup. So now my curiosity is piqued!
Thanks!
~Jessica
How wonderful! Isn’t it amazing how one person’s kindness can leave a lasting impression! At one time when I was struggling having been diagnosed with Lyme disease, my pastor called to see if I “needed anything” such as meals, etc. My heart sunk as I also have Celiac disease and just assumed there would be nobody willing to cook me a gluten free meal for my husband and I. Well, I was wrong! The pastor then told me there was a “gluten free list” for church members to sign up for to bring meals to those in need. Now, I ask you, how many churches DO THAT??? I was actually amazed! A few nights later, a young mother who had a son struggling with Celiac disease came to our house and brought us the most delicious gluten free meal. It was very much appreciated, and her generosity and understanding about struggles with Celiac disease left a lasting impression on me and helped me feel like having this disease ( as well as the Lyme) did not make me seem so isolated after all.
Cynthia, your pastor is WONDERFUL! I’m so happy you have him in your life!
Hello, Cynthia!
What an incredible story of loving kindness! As I read your account, I was very moved by the generosity of your church family, especially with the young mother who brought you a meal. I think that sometimes for those who are struggling, it’s less about the meal than it is about not feeling alone in our struggles (though the meal is certainly helpful!). It helps so much just to know that other people care, doesn’t it?
Thank you for telling this lovely story!
~Jessica
This beautiful story brought me to tears. I used to share meals with my neighbor (elderly retired army officer). Haven’t done anything since I started working and covid.
Hi, Nikki!
What a kind thing you used to do for your neighbor; it really shows your caring heart! I think that if COVID has taught us anything, it is that we need human interaction, not computer screens. I think that if there were a way for you to be able to continue sharing your wonderful heart of kindness with others, you should continue to do so! Keep up the good work, because it’s definitely worth it!
~Jessica
The chili recipe sounds amazing but the love behind it was even more amazing!
I’ve been blessed similarly after my 4th child was born. I suffered with post partum depression (I think), and 2 ladies came to my home. They sent me to bed while they cooked, cleaned and homeschooled my children for me. I pray I can be a blessing like that to another young mother someday.
Hello, Ruthie!
What a blessing that those two ladies went to your house to help you! I had one lady do that for me once (a different lady and a different birth), and I was just amazed at her giving heart. I think that instead of being the exception, this sort of thing should be standard treatment for mothers who have just given birth. Especially since, as you mentioned, postpartum depression can happen. Even a more mild form of baby blues is sometimes hard to deal with: feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and extremely teary.
I think you will be a wonderful blessing to young mothers. You have definitely been a blessing to me!
~Jessica
Hi Jessica!
My children & I love baked potatoes with chili on top, shredded cheese & topped sour cream!!! Yummmm
I am going to give this recipe a try this week!
For me the most special gester was from my niece who is five! I wasn’t feeling well when I was babysitting her. She made me a plate full of crackers & made sure I was cozy in my chair….blanket and all! Then I expected her to sit and color but instead she went over to the dryer pulled out all the laundry into a pile and starting folding it and putting it away!!! I nearly cried. It was so sweet of her & such a blessing to me!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story and the yummy recipe!
Hi, Rosemarie!
What a beautiful story about your niece helping you–what a sweet little girl! She must have seen your good example and wanted to be just like you. 🙂
Now that you’ve explained about the baked potatoes, I can’t believe I missed it before! Of course! I’d never been served chili with baked potatoes, so I didn’t really know what to do with them. I wish I would have thought to eat them the way you mentioned.
I hope your chili turns out great!
~Jessica
Beautiful story！Remembering what God did for us in our tough times through other people-family,friends,church mates -sometimes even strangers always is encouraging. You have a wonderful godly friend.And such friends always
make us feel that we want to be like them.
I have a Philippina cathoric friend.Her first born son and my son were kindergarden mates. We have been friends for 14 years.
My son has handicap(ADHD) and I had very hard time to take care of him when we got close. You know not all people are supportive to handicapped here.But she was always kind and supported me.And at that time she was the only one christian friend outside my church, whom I can pray together.
10years ago she gave birth to her second son.Several years later his handicap in mental turned out. We got more close. She asked me advice and I shared my experience a lot with her. I feel that God allowed us to befriend to support and pray each other. 99percent of population in Japan are non christian and supporting handicapped kids are not easy.
God bless us with what we need.Thank you for sharing this testimony.
Dear Sanae,
That was a very beautiful and touching story. I’m so glad that you and your Philippina friend have been able to support and encourage each other while dealing with the challenges of having a child with a mental handicap. How nice it is to have an understanding friend to talk to and pray with!
~Jessica
Agree on all points!!
Meal support (and other forms of family support) are an incredible and essential blessing. I had never seen it growing up (no one ever brought our family a meal, and we never took a meal to anyone else – I wouldn’t have ever imagined such a thing), but when I finally experienced it as an adult, it was a mind-opening experience, and has been my favorite form of ministry ever since. Older women, especially, can participate in this ministry if their focus is in the right place.
Thanks for sharing! And yes, when we run short of chili, I always serve it over baked potatoes to stretch it! 🙂
Diana
Thanks, Diana! So, I’m the only one who didn’t know about the baked-potato thing, apparently, ha, ha!
Seriously, though, I’m so glad to hear your thoughts on this post. Pretty soon, you’ll be in need of some of those meals again, yourself! I’ve been thinking about you lately. I seem to remember you saying something about “June.” You’re in my prayers!
~Jessica
Yes, mid-June is the time!! 🙂 (Though I’m thinking earlier.) I have your name on our contact list for when baby arrives, so we’ll let you know!! And we appreciate the prayers! 🙂
Diana
Diana,
How exciting!! I’m so glad to know that I’m on your contact list. I’ll be waiting for the good news!
~Jessica