August 2017 is has been such an intense month when it comes to news, both nationally, and world wide. In the US, we have had Charlottesville and the response to it. In Kenya, the election put everyone on edge, and there is now the uncertainty of a court appeal. There were floods in Sierra Leone that killed more than 300, and in Barcelona, an act of terrorism shook a city as the world watched. Emotions are raw right now, and understandably so. This is heavy stuff, and it weighs on us all. Yet for me, the saddest part has been watching how we process through the news, and especially on social media.
This post has been swirling around in my head for over a week now, and I have been putting it off for many reasons. First, I needed to do a serious heart check and really process through whether I needed to put my thoughts out online. Secondly, I am super conflict avoidant. I RUN from tough conversations because I don’t want to offend anyone. So please understand that whatever you think about this post, know that I am completely out of my comfort zone, and would rather stay in the safe recipe zone and not comment on the tough issues publicly. Don’t worry, a delicious recipe awaits you, but before that, I have a few thoughts I can’t seem to shake.
I have a love/hate relationship with social media. It allows us access to news instantly, and we can see what someone across the world is eating for lunch (a little weird….), and how that cute little cat pulled off that trick. I also feel though, that we use it so carelessly! We say things on there with such bravery because we don’t have to see the face of the person who will read the post. The screen gives us the guts to say things that our Mama would smack us upside the head for saying because we say to ourselves… who cares! Truth is, it matters! Your words are so powerful. I read a verse this morning and it sums up perfectly what I wanted to say.
Proverbs 12:18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health.
I am not making light of the tough and emotive issues that we have to face. Politicians and their comments, racism, tribalism, terrorism, and lives cut short senselessly.. the list goes on in regard to the issues of our day. We cannot run and hide, we have to meet the challenges so that we can effect change. I was so struck by the last 2 words of the verse above, promotes health. You see, the wise aren’t silent either, just like the ones with the piercing words. They speak, but their words promote health. The problem lies in how we communicate our opinions, and whether the remarks we post are unifying, or divisive. Can we disagree and not call each other names and try to truly understand what the other person is saying, instead of using cutting words to belittle them? Can we be big enough to admit that we may not understand the other person’s perspective but that doesn’t make their “truth” any less important than yours? I do not believe many major battles are won on social media. I believe they are won in your day to day life. With your friends, workmates, and neighbors. When we don’t run from the discussions, but respectfully speak and listen. You might be surprised at what you don’t know when you sit across from someone who has an opposing view and truly listen! Can we fight for justice, and freedom without burning down a whole city in the process? Your words matter a lot! Let’s pause a second, before we type that status post, and think of the person on the other end of that screen. At the end of the day, who doesn’t want to be understood? I think the aim of our words should be to build others up, not just to be heard. My hubby likes to remind our kids all the time that we can be right, yet wrong at the top of our voice.
Enough serious talk. I promised a recipe, so here it comes. These burgers are legit. My favorite meals are the ones that come together with just a few minutes of prep, but the flavor blows you away. This is it, guys. I made a quick yogurt and dill dressing to top the burgers, just to drive home the Greek flavors. We often serve ours with caramelized onions and roasted potatoes or potato chips. These herbed potatoes would be a great side.Try these burgers soon, and you won’t be sorry!
- 1.25 pounds, ground turkey
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped (optional, but so good!)
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup feta cheese
- Mix ingredients together in a bowl.
- Form into 5 balls, then press down with your palms to shape into patties. Make a small dent in the center.
- Grill on an outdoor grill, or cook indoors on a cast iron skillet.
- Cook for 5 minutes on one side, then flip and grill the other side for 3-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 Degrees F.
- Serve on a toasted bun with your favorite condiments. I used a dill yogurt dressing and caramelized onions.
Dill Yogurt dressing
Mix together 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 teaspoon each of garlic powder, dried dill and salt, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Drizzle on top of the burgers.
Grace Wairegi
I want it now!!!
Proud of you 😘
Kari
Thank you, friend. Ummhhhh… you have the recipe now. Maybe this weekend? 🤔
Susie Lindau
I’m going to add this to my Flipboard!
Kari
Thanks for checking out the blog, Susan!