Jambalaya, Faith, and the New Year’s Blessings

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Growing up, my southern family always believed in the tradition of certain foods bringing good fortune if served on New Year’s Day. Collard greens symbolized wealth, black-eyed peas represented prosperity, and when paired with other delicious creole dishes, they set the tone for a year of abundance.

Of all those traditions, my mother’s favorite dish—and one I continue to make in her honor—is black-eyed peas jambalaya, served with a side of golden cornbread sticks. Every time I cook it; I feel her presence in the aroma of spices filling my kitchen.

Jambalaya, a rich and flavorful one-pot dish from Louisiana, combines sausage, rice, onions, celery, bell peppers, and garlic. Its roots are steeped in a history of resourcefulness and community, where people made the most of what they had to create something extraordinary. For me, it’s more than a meal—it’s a bridge between generations, a reminder of my mother’s love and care and how she taught me to survive during lean times.

For years, I cooked this dish, hoping it would bring me luck, just as the tradition promised. But as my relationship with God deepened, I came to realize that in 2025 and beyond, luck isn’t what we need. What we genuinely need is faith. Faith that God is guiding us, faith that His plans for us are good, and faith that we have the strength to navigate the challenges life brings.

While I still love cooking black-eyed peas jambalaya every New Year’s Day, it’s no longer about superstition. It’s about celebrating the blessing God has already provided and trusting Him for the year ahead. The meal has become a symbol of gratitude and hope—a delicious reminder to start the year with a heart full of thanks and a spirit ready to embrace His purpose.

So, whether you make jambalaya, collard greens, or any other dish steeped in tradition, let it be a moment to reflect on the goodness of God in your life. And as you savor each bite, remember it’s not luck that carries us—it’s love, grace, and faith.

Here’s to a new year filled with blessings beyond measure. Happy New Year!