Skinny Girl. Fat Love.

This is a paper I had to right for my success class. We read a book called This I Believe and then we choose something we believe and right about it. This is mine. :)

I believe in food. Now, I know what you are thinking. This girl weighs a grand total of 110 pounds; there is no way she eats that much. Well, actually, I weigh 120 pounds. I take pride in those ten extra pounds. I have a deep relationship with the food I eat. A lot of my time is spent eating and even more of my time is spent thinking about eating. I have no problem cleaning my plate. I cannot pick a favorite food. And I am a firm believer in second and third helpings. I am what they call a Starbucks Junkie. I would eat even if it were not crucial in sustaining life. And I have watched Super Size Me and I still eat McDonalds. Have I convinced you of my love yet?
My love for food is based on the food itself, but more and more I am learning that my passion is buried beyond just taste. It is not about the food anymore; it is about the people I eat the food with. Food has added to the foundation of many of my relationships and some of my fondest memories are tied to food. Eating breakfast with my little sister in the morning. My mom teaching me how to make macaroni and cheese for the first time. Running to Quik Trip for snacks with the cast before rehearsal. Fourth of July barbecues. Eating ice cream out of the carton with my best friend. And most recently, late night talks at IHOP and disgusting dinners in the ARA with my new friends. In fact, my group of OBU friends, or the so-called Wolfpack, met in the ARA so it does have a very special place in my heart.
Food brings people together. Think about it. If you have nothing in common with someone, you know for a fact that you both love food. Food eases awkwardness. Where do you go on a first date? You go out to dinner. What do you do at family reunions? You eat. Food is our greatest earthly comforter.
And yet, I take food completely for granted. I forget that millions of people see food as a luxury or a scarcity. I forget that too many people fight everyday for something I am given. But this will no longer be something I forget.
I will always believe in the power of food. Food brings people together. Food fuels love. Food lifts spirits. Food builds community. And I cannot wait to see how deep my relationship with food goes.