Mugs & Mud Pies

The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed and received my sight.” John 9:11

Growing up on a farm in rural America, I loved to make mud pies. This could easily occupy a good portion of my afternoon. I would serve them to my family, if they were willing. However, most of the time, they were reserved especially for my dolls and imaginary friends.

Recently, I learned that in Haiti, a mud pie mixture of clay, water and salt is consumed by children and adults to fill their stomachs. A non-profit organization, Feed My Starving Children, taught local Haitian artisans to transform the same clay into beautiful mugs to help families work their way out of poverty. I purchased one of these mugs (in the photo above) to remind myself to be grateful for real food.

Jesus made mud pies too, but not for consumption. They were to heal the blind guy. On the Sabbath. His pies were carefully and loving crafted and gently placed over the eyes of the blind man. He obediently went to wash in Siloam and his eyes were miraculously opened.

The Pharisees made a big stink about these mud pies. They accused Jesus of working on the Sabbath. Healing a man that was born blind. As if another time would be better. Jesus knew that now was His time to heal the man. This man’s eyes were opened physically and spiritually. He could see the compassion of Jesus and the hypocrisy of the Pharisees.

Who knew mud pies could be that useful and life-changing? We all could use a taste of these mud pies in our lives and our world.

Mugs & Mud Pies
Intentional. Miraculous. Compassionate. Transformative.