It's been a while, hasn't it?
It's been a while, hasn't it?
Let's catch up with one another.
Welcome to The Table! I'm so glad you're here.
What is The Table? It's this community right here, one that we've been growing together over time and distance. Some of you have been here since before I got married or when I lived in Liberia. Some of you are newer; maybe we became friends on social media or you purchased a copy of my book. One thing is for certain, though: you belong here. There is space for you to bring your whole self to this table, space for you to dream and doubt and wonder. The welcome of God is wild and wide, and as someone who follows him – mine is, too. There's never not enough room. I'll keep pulling up another chair, setting more places, inviting one and all to this place where we can find glory in the midst of our everyday living.
Thank you for being here. xo
I know I owe you an apology; I am woefully, woefully behind in sending this edition of The Table. After my father-in-love died this spring, I spiraled into a bout of grief that was only exacerbated by the stress of work & school and a rough patch of parenting one of my children. All of this is to say – I am so happy it is finally autumn, in more ways than one. I think a lot of us may be able to find some relief in the fact the earth gives us a fresh start every few months. As the seasons come, they hold open their hands and offer us a chance to begin again.
What would it look like to begin to love ourselves again? Would we spend our days in the early autumn sunshine, wrapping our scarves and sweaters around us to fight the chill? Would we rest more? What would we eat? How would we move our glorious bodies in ways that bring us true joy? What kinds of things would we say to the reflection in the mirror?
What might it feel like to begin to love others again? Would we stand up for those who don't get a say? Would we embrace more, and hold hands; would we hold our tongues more? Would we welcome the stranger? Would we throw open doors and set wide tables? Would we give more of ourselves for those who need us without worrying about what we would get in return?
What would it taste like to begin to love the earth again? Would it be fresh produce plucked from our own gardens in an effort to shorten the supply chain? Would it be food shares with our neighbors and community gardens? Would it be donating our time and resources so that all might have clean water, and fossil fuels stop being burned, and restoring natural habitats? Would it be buying less and eliminating waste?
I know many people, myself included, who have been experiencing deep burnout, exhaustion, and dissatisfaction. I wonder if, for us, hope might just look a little bit like a chance to start again.
Wishing each of you fresh starts, hot apple cider, and a profound sense of your own belovedness, friends.
xo,
After nearly a month of website problems, I was finally able to get everything up and running again. elenadelhagen.com is newly re-designed and there are some fresh posts on the blog for you to check out. Remember you can always find me on Instagram for more regular postings!
If you've been around for a while, you know that food and the table are central to my theology. They represent the wide welcome of Christ to feed on God's feast of goodness, mercy, and love. They're also the great equalizer; no matter what divides us, we all come to the table as equals, as those who hunger and desire to be filled.
Each month I share a favorite recipe so you, too, can taste and see the welcome of God is for you. Check out a current favorite – Salted Honey Butter Jalepeno Cheddar Rolls from Half Baked Harvest. I promise you won't be able to eat just one!
Good People, Doing Good
Together, we've done some amazing things! We've sent rice to hungry people in Liberia during Ebola, helped finish a house for my Liberian brother Momo, his wife, and their children, fundraised an adoption – and now, I have another personal ask! I'm doing an on-site class in the Holy Land this year, and I still need $3300 for my final installment, due on October 15th. Would you please consider donating and/or sharing this GoFundMe? Your giving helps supports a female seminarian (that’s me!) working for the Church. Thank you!
