Election night was an extraordinary moment in my life. I watched my wife and three children sitting on our living room floor watching history unfold. I stood in the kitchen, preparing to serve my seafood Gumbo to family and friends. I was overwhelmed with joy and hope as I watched the results. The odds were against him from birth; just being a man of color stacked the odds. Then add all the other obstacles and social misconceptions and you’re left with an amazing idea, that we really can be anything we want to be and we can achieve what seemed unachievable. Most said “he” would not and he responded “yes we can”. I was humbled. It reinforced the hope that I already had in my crew members and young people across the country. I pray each one of them find their voice and potential in life.
It took me back to 13 years ago when I walked out of prison. I never gave up on my dreams. I found my purpose through hard work and sacrifice. I ask all my friends, family and fellow bloggers to reach back and inspire someone in your life.
This coming Sunday on the “Chef Jeff Project” is the 5th episode. E-mail, call and text message everyone in your rolodex to tune in. It will be a testimonial of change and what life is truly about at the end of the day. Since the premier of the “CJP” I have truly become more inspired to make a difference in the lives of others.
Sometimes when we are traveling down life’s roads that are filled with pot holes, stop signs and accidents we lose focus on what’s truly important. Never give up your dream, never. This week we all got a lesson in “new roads”. Most roads we travel on have already be tried and tested. The road signs are there to protect and guide us. In the case of President-Elect Obama, he’s a trailblazer. He’s making the road as he travels; leaving breadcrumbs behind for others to follow. Who knows how long it will take for this road to be paved and road signs to be posted. Don’t be afraid to go on roads no one else has gone…you never know where it may lead you.
On another note, how about getting into the kitchen and cooking this weekend. Fall is in full bloom; mushroom, squash and beans are everywhere. I travelled a new road myself Tuesday, for the first time I made a “Banana Pudding Cheese Cake”, it was off the hook. I made the crust with vanilla wafers and sugared pecans, and layered the cake with cream cheese, banana pudding filling and vanilla wafers cookies. Everyone threw down. When you put family, friends and great food together, kitchen conversation is always in my mix.
As Always, Bon Appétit