Why I went to Chick fil A---A Story of Love
So, like many, I have not been to Chick-fil -A in a while
now. I have not gone to the restaurant since
its scandal and allegations of anti-gay goings-on.
I recently did a funeral for a friend’s father. I wanted to send something, but often feel
like the traditional flowers, while beautiful and thoughtful, would not serve a
greater purpose. I like to send food and
give food to people. Everyone needs
food. I was reminded of my friend’s son,
a young boy, who is a very picky eater.
Most of the time he will only eat chicken chunks from guess where…Chick
Fil A! I knew most of the other food was
taken of, sandwiches, sides and desserts.
I thought it best I make sure this little boy had want he would want to
eat. After all, he had just lost his Grandpa. So, I ordered a tray of chicken chunks. I went in, paid for them, even though it was
a struggle for me. My sister was shocked
when she learned I was going to get these.
But I said to her, “love is always the right answer.”
In this case, my love for this little boy needed to override
my need to support an issue of injustice.
It certainly does not mean I will patron Chick-Fil-A regularly. What it means, is that for this moment, God
was telling me to take care of this little boy who was grieving. I am sure this little boy has no idea what an
issue it was for me to buy these chicken chunks for him. However, I know, that for a moment while
enjoying his favorite food, he was comforted as he mourned. And I was certainly glad I listened to that
small inner voice that told me to take care of this boy and his needs
first.
I think we get so caught up in our issues or even justice
issues that sometimes we forget that the whole reason we are fighting for the
issue is for love. Ironic, hugh? That I would actually deny myself an
opportunity to extend love because I was fighting for the right to love?
I think the lesson I learned in this was that we need to
take each moment, moment by moment. In
every moment we have the opportunity to find love or extend love. My prayer is that I can live a life aware
enough and awake enough that I continually ask myself if I am acting in
love. Everyday. In all things. Love.