Pizza Dough Prayer with Leeann Wright

We are delighted to introduce Leeann Wright aka The Wright Baker this week. Leeann is a delightful woman who throws her entire soul into everything she does.  

As a friend, she is even better!

”Esther Circle” is a group of women fumbling towards fierce faith and I am an enthusiastic member who loves to share in the journey toward joy. We take turns “hosting” whether it is in our home, at church, or a local “establishment” (where we sometimes sip wine) and discuss a multitude of topics ranging from daily mundane happenings, to motherhood mishaps, to the supremely deep meaning of life. We conclude our meeting refreshed and renewed, and always just a little bit wiser than when we arrived.

A few weeks ago, I hosted this  group of ladies at my home. I recently read a delightful blog post by Jonny Rashid, who equated the process of making bread to faith. You can read it here. 

Being a baker myself, this really spoke to me. I appreciated the symbolism of yeast to the Spirit, as growing one’s faith simply takes time and attention.

I have only been a baker for a few years, having taught myself from a book. My mother has always declared “I don’t know where you get that from - must be Mamaw because it certainly isn’t me!” and then will proceed to tell me about the time she tried to bake a birthday cake and wound up throwing three of them in the bin before ordering one from the local bakery. Despite this “tale,” my mother is really a very good cook and baker. From her kitchen wisdom (and Betty Crocker), I learned how to prepare meals and treats that would please even the pickiest eaters. Spending time in the kitchen with my Mom is on my “Top 10” list of favorite ways to spend an afternoon. The time shared together in service to the nourishment of the family for me is Godly.

In my own kitchen, God speaks to me, whether I am preparing a simple dinner for my family or attempting something more elaborate such as Cinnamon Twist Bread or Apple Streusel Muffins. The time spent over my stove, in my sink, and at the counter is a holy experience. I have the time to focus on one task - preparing a delicious, nutritious (or naughty) meal/treat - and my mind is quiet. It is at this time I speak with God, telling him what’s on my mind and in my heart. As I knead bread, or stir soup, I pray, open my soul, and ask for His guidance.

When I invited my Esther Circle ladies into my home and my kitchen, I knew that I was inviting them to share a tiny slice of how I pursue my faith. I chose to prepare pizza for the group and explained the various steps to putting together the dough for the crust, leaning heavily on the article by Rashid. As I was working through the steps, I was observing the women in my dining room and kitchen. Before me were women who were embattled, struggling, and ailing. Yet, each was determined, excited, and confident in her faith. Some were dealing with family members who are incarcerated, some battling severe illness, some working through loss, others struggling to find purpose in employment. Yet, despite these troubles, I saw God’s touch and the hope glittering in each woman’s eye. As I kneaded the dough and prepared a meal in service to these wondrous women, I gave a silent prayer of thanks to God. For it was He who placed these women in my life. It was He who gave me these fine examples of womanhood to follow.

As the dough rested and the pizza toppings were prepared, I again gave thanks to God for giving me strong hands and a bounteous pantry. I knew the conversation at my dining table would run the gamut, but at the end of the night, we would all thank God for this fierce and loving friendship and our shared journey toward deeper faith.

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