The Courage to Speak Truth: Open today’s window to integrity

In the cozy warmth of her kitchen, the homemaker inhales the crisp scent of the freshly cut chives as it mingles with the deep aroma from the oven. The contrast creates an atmosphere ripe for reflection. She contemplates the courage it takes to speak truth, and to resist the false comfort of a lie, however polite it may be.

Ephesians 4:15 calls us to speak the truth in love. Honesty, though sometimes challenging, is a guiding light on our journey. By choosing to live authentically, we open the door to deeper connections and a clearer path forward. The homemaker’s kitchen is a sanctuary where truth abounds, as each meal prepared with love and sincerity grows the foundation of commitment to integrity.

Reflect on how honesty can shape your own journey. Like the homemaker, consider how embracing truth can lead to more authentic relationships and a more fulfilling life. Perhaps it's through being open about your feelings, standing up for your beliefs, or simply being true to yourself in every interaction. Honesty paves the way for trust and understanding, creating a foundation upon which meaningful connections are built.

As the homemaker adds the chives to her dish, she notes that truth, like the spicy herb, enhances the richness of life. Let this lesson of honesty inspire you, guiding you to embrace integrity in all you do, as you continue on your journey with courage and love.

Chives are Elegant & Spicy

Sowing

Chives are best started by sowing seeds directly outdoors after the last frost. Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep in loose soil. Temperature between 60-70°F fare best.

Growing

Thin to about 12 inches apart and allow them to grow freely! Chives enjoy full sun and flourish in moist, well-draining area of the garden.

Winter Work

Chives are quite hardy, and will return to deliver every year, even in cold climates. They can sit on a sunny windowsill indoors throughout winter, too.

Yummy Dishes

Chives are a culinary classic, adding a subtle onion flavor to soups, salads, baked potatoes, and omelets.

Superpowers

Chives are packed with vitamins A and C, promoting immune health and aiding digestion. Additionally, they act as companion plants by repelling pests such as the Japanese beetle. Known for their subtle onion flavor, chives enhance a variety of dishes, while their violet flowers add beauty to bouquets.

There’s More!

Chives have a rich history, cultivated since 3,000 BCE in China and the Balkans. Both the Chinese and Romans valued chives for their medicinal and digestive benefits, with Romans using them for healing wounds. Their spread across Europe was aided by trade routes, and Marco Polo is sometimes credited with popularizing them in Europe. In Medieval times chives were commonly cultivated and believed to ward off evil spirits, and Europeans introduced chives to the Americas, where they naturalized.

DAD WAS HERE  🥗  What happened to the vegetarian? He broke out in chives!  👨🏾⚕️