Hope is Like Steamed Crabs - Sides

When it comes to steamed crabs, there is considerable debate among the faithful as to which side of the side dish conversation and controversy they belong.

First, there are the purest. Those who think steamed crabs, and nothing but steamed crabs, so help me, should be served. After all, what could make steamed crabs taste any better, except more steamed crabs?

Then there is a large, contingent of people that are in the popular side dish zone. These include corn on the cob, lunchmeat sandwiches, potato salad, coleslaw, deviled eggs, cold fried chicken, anything that would be welcomed at any picnic.

And then there are those in the minority who, according to some, have gone off the deep end when it comes to side dishes. Some of these “off the wall” side dishes include artichokes with garlic and butter, roasted brussels sprouts, lemon and garlic butter dipping sauce, brandy-infused mayonnaise dip, twice-baked garlic mashed potatoes, zucchini, onion and corn hash, almond Caesar salad, and cold sesame and ginger noodles with a peanut sauce.

And then there’s the whole discussion of deserts. I personally can’t see how anything sweet can compete or complement the overwhelming spicy and salty steamed crab experience. For my money, ice cream, chocolate cake, apple pie, will just be drowned by the tsunami of steamed crab flavor.

When it comes to hope, we don't need something by our side, but we definitely need someone by our side. Hope is never alone. No one can grow or sustain hope by themselves. We all need someone by our side, someone to encourage us, someone to speak truth and forgiveness into us.

There may be questions about the sides for steamed crabs. But when it comes to hope, there is no doubt, discussion, or debate about our need to have someone by our side.