By: Terry Allen
Big Mama used to say, “Baby, don’t spend your whole life hiding what God put inside you.”
The other day I met a parking lot attendant who told me he makes pecan pies. As we talked, he admitted something many people never say out loud: he didn’t think anyone would want to taste them. He doubted his gift. He doubted his value. He doubted whether what God placed in his hands mattered to anyone else.
Then something happened. People tasted his pies and immediately began placing orders. The man became emotional. Tears filled his eyes because what he thought was ordinary, others recognized as extraordinary.
I believe God smiled that day.
His story reminded me of Mr. Daniel Lowell Russell a beloved City Men Cook participant who was celebrated for providing the community with his special sweet potato pies for many years, which were a major draw for event attendees. Ms. Irma Hall said that the pies melted in your mouth
For years, people lined up at his table. His gift brought joy to thousands before he passed away. What started as a recipe became a legacy.
I’ve learned that recipes are rarely just about food.
Years ago, I had the honor of being featured in the bestselling cookbook Real Men Cook. My contribution was a recipe called “Funeral Cake.” People often asked about the unusual name. The recipe wasn’t really about chocolate, sugar, or ingredients. It was about a story. It was about comforting families during seasons of grief. It was about showing up when people were hurting. The cake became a ministry before it became a dessert.
That’s why every recipe has a reason.
Behind every dish is a grandmother’s lesson, a family tradition, a life experience, a struggle overcome, or a memory worth preserving. City Men Cook has celebrated that for 25 years.
When you attend this Father’s Day, don’t just thank the cooks for the food. Ask them about the recipe. Ask them where it came from. Ask them who taught them how to make it. Ask them what memory is attached to it.
You’ll discover that the food is only part of the experience. The real gift is the story.
More than 40 men will place food on their tables, but they will also place pieces of their lives there for you to experience. Their recipes represent family, faith, perseverance, love, and service.
Big Mama would tell us, “Don’t die with your pie still in the oven.”
The world may be waiting for the very gift—and the very story—you’ve been afraid to share.
Terry Allen is an NABJ award-winning Journalist, DEI expert, PR professional,
and – Vice President at FocusPR, founder of the charity City Men Cook, and Dallas Chapter President of NBPRS.org
