If you are like me, the significant punch Houston’s culinary profile packs cannot go unnoticed. In America’s fourth largest city, there is no shortage of food fare to satisfy every palette.

While this commentary is not foodie-focused, it is deeply rooted in religious education for youth, spotlighting acts of humanity plus the power of second chances. In a recent Sunday School class, a young female student reminded that mistakes are acceptable when one seizes the lesson availed.

You might have seen a recent local news report or Facebook post where a homeless man’s employment at Mytiburger struck a negative chord with patrons who questioned his hygienic practices. Despite no place to call home, the mental illness sufferer’s right to work received the W. 43^rd St. restaurant owner’s vigorous defense. With duties confined to cleanup, according to a news article, the gentleman does not work in the kitchen or serve food.

Also In the Heights, Truth Barbecue dishes up famous Texas favorites served with a heaping of humanity. The pitmaster-spouse team welcomes people saddled with societal stigmas like incarceration, drug addiction and homelessness. In addition to building community, these heart-based servants are transforming lives and reaffirming what it means to be family.

If welcoming spirits are at our core, let us be quicker to love than we are to judge. It is up to us to impress upon our children that journeys blemished by adversity merit compassion versus ridicule. As John Bradford said, “there but for the grace of God go I.”

Shari Wright, UU Education Coordinator