Lessons in Redemption and Potatoes

We have two five-pound bags of potatoes that I have used to make a potato broccoli cheddar soup, oven fried potatoes and hash browns for my family. We still have quite a few left. No, I have not been trying out new “potato-lovers” Pinterest boards or experimenting with excessive starch. The actual list of potato foods is not very exciting or interesting, but it is meaningful because of where the bags of potatoes came from.

The first time I met our neighbor, Roger, he came over to the house asking for some spices. He did not even care what kind I gave him, just something to season his food. I sent him home with a few different bottles that he later returned and thanked me for. A few weeks later he returned with the same request, only this time he had an old, empty seasoning bottle that I could fill. Again, I shared but wondered how his food tasted with a mixture of random spices.

Roger came over every week or so. Sometimes he just came to chat with my husband Ryan (I think he watched for Ryan to come home from work and strategically came out for a smoke then). Sometimes he came over needing a ride to a food bank, although he rides his bike almost everywhere, no matter the weather. And one time he came over needing to borrow the phone, the only time he has asked to use my phone. As I went about my household chores and my four-year-old son Nate ran in and out of the room, he proceeded to explain to his parole officer about why he had missed a meeting. After he finished the call, he went on to tell me a long story about his past and why he was in a situation that would require a call to a parole officer.

We found out that we had something in common. He served time in the same prison where Ryan teaches TUMI seminary-level classes. To say Roger’s eyes got wide when he learned Ryan went into that prison would be an understatement! In that moment we connected. It was the only time that Roger has ever had a long conversation with me without Ryan being there as well. It also allowed for some great conversation with Nate later about forgiveness and redemption since Nate overheard Roger talking about being in prison.

What does that have to do with potatoes? The last time Roger came knocking at my door he had two five-pound bags of potatoes to share with our family. He does not have much, but he takes great care of what he does have. And that includes our friendship. The next time you eat a potato thank God for what He is doing in the lives of people in the city like Roger.

Amber Carter leads the Communication Team for the Midwest Region and assists in the Wichita hospitality ministry.