“Have you been to Moscow in the spring to see the flowers in bloom? You really must make the trip, the flowers are truly amazing!” Curt Mobley ReachGlobal missionary in the Czech Republic repeatedly heard these years ago while ministering in Russia. Finally one spring he took the train to Moscow to see the spring flowers in parks, gardens and lawns. He was surprised and amused to find a sea of yellow………Dandelions! What we as Americans view as a noxious week, Russians and Europeans view as beautiful spring flowers, as do our kids and grandkids.
The last two days I have been thinking a lot about dandelions as I sprayed my lawn against them. However my weed is another mans spring flower. Did you know that dandelions are not native to America? Rather they were brought here by European immigrants to combat scurvy. Apparently dandelions are high in Vitamin C. In the days before fresh fruit and vegetables were available year around, especially for the poor, dandelions were highly prized as one of the first spring blooms. Dandelion greens were served as salad, boiled like spinach, or the flowers were dipped in egg batter and flour and fried. My maternal grandfather would enjoy dandelions before, as he said:”the weather turned hot and the greens became bitter.”
In America we are guilty of dandelion prejudice and bigotry, which may be harmless and simply a matter of preference. But, as Christians may we also be guilty of prejudice and bigotry when it comes to race, ethnic or religious backgrounds? This is in opposition for our Lord’s statement to Peter when he was confronted with racial prejudice: “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” (Acts 10:15)
To be an inside out Christians, we must break out of our comfortable friendships with those who think, look and act like us. We must welcome and get to know our new neighbors that God has brought to our doorsteps. They are beautiful people, loved deeply by our heavenly father. They are important to God and should be to us as well. They bring beautiful variety to our tables. Our European ancestors brought dandelion greens; the new immigrants bring much more wonderful foods. Let us welcome them to our table!
