Carrots, Eggs, and Coffee

A young woman complained to her mother about the hardships and difficulties in her life. She didn’t know how she was going to continue and wanted to give up. The young woman said, “I’m tired of fighting and struggling. It seems that as soon as one problem is solved, a new one appears.” In response, her mother took her to the kitchen and filled three pots with water, placing each on the stove over a high flame.

 

Soon the water came to boil. In the first pot she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word. In about 20 minutes, she turned off the burners. The mother then fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She removed the eggs and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she said, “Tell me what you see.”

 

“Carrots, eggs, and coffee,” the daughter replied. Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After peeling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich flavor.

 

The daughter then asked, “What does it mean, Mother?”

 

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity, boiling water, and each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile, its thin outer shell protecting its liquid interior, but after the boiling water, its inside became hardened. But the ground coffee beans were unique—after they were in the boiling water, they’d changed the water itself.

Excerpt taken from Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling—written by Dr. Wayne Dyer

I love synchronicity—especially when it smacks me right in the face.

Yesterday morning I read Carrots, Eggs, and Coffee in Dr. Wayne Dyers book—Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling and immediately, I connected with it. The message left me inspired.

Then I heard, “Blog about it.”

My reply, “Okay, I’ll add it to my list,” and then conveniently filed it away for later.

But then, all day I kept seeing—in random places mind you—a carrot or an egg or coffee, reminding me of the blog.

“Okay. Okay. I’ll get to it later,” I repeated.

After booting up my computer to check email, there staring me in the face was an email from Wayne Dyer (I signed up for his newsletter from Hay House) titled Carrots, Eggs, and Coffee. He had emailed me the story!

I felt the Universe telling me that someone needed to read this story (and most likely it was me!).

So, which one are you—a carrot, an egg, or coffee?

When you experience hardships in life are you more like a carrot? Do you start off hard on the outside but then the pressure of the boiling water makes you soft, losing strength and the will to move forward?

Or, are you an egg? Does adversity cause you to become hard on the inside—closed off from family and friends? Maybe even God?

What about coffee? When life becomes difficult, do you allow the fragrance of your core to seep through changing your situation?

Instead of becoming weak or hardened, a coffee bean transforms the water into a sweet aroma from its core being. It flavors the water causing it to become something better—more tasteful.

For me, the message of this story is clear; always remember who you are—a divine being filled with God’s love and grace. You have the power to transform any situation in your life. Let your soul’s fragrance change the boiling water or your hardship into one of beauty, elegance, and a decadent flavor.

We can choose to be anything—become a coffee bean.

Guest Post by Josh Cohen

What is the definition of hardship? The word hardship means something different to every person. To some, it could mean losing your cell phone or accidentally stepping in a pile of mud while wearing your favorite shoes. To others, a hardship could mean the death of a loved one or the loss of a fortune due to a bad investment.

Phillip Cook, a resident of California, has a precise definition of what it means to face hardships.

The following story about Phillip Cook will have you rethinking your idea of the word. Its story is about overcoming obstacles and adversity; miracles (three to be precise) and perseverance. It’s a “Phillip Cook Story.”

1988-1990

Phillip Cook was not your average human being in his youthful years. He was the definition of an overachieving ambitious athlete who wouldn’t stop until he achieved what he wanted. What was it that Phillip Cook wanted you may ask? To be a World Class Sprinter. Well, that’s precisely what Phillip Cook pushed for in his college years.

From 1988 to 1990, Phillip attended Taft College in Taft, California and studied Criminal Justice.  While in school, Phillip competed nonstop on his college’s track and field team. He excelled and won a multitude of awards in the 100, 200, and 400-meter races. There was no stopping Phillip Cook from his dreams of being an Olympian. Well at least, that’s what Phillip Cook thought.

In 1990, Phillip Cook suffered a severe tear in his hamstring. The doctors at the time told Phillip that the healing process would take a couple of years, which meant his dreams of being a track and field athlete were ruined.

After the news was broke to Phillip, he dropped out of school and moved home to Bakersfield, California with his parents. He quickly picked up two jobs, so that he could save up money for a car and to rent an apartment.

July 1993

Just when Phillip Cook started to get a handle on his life, the catalyst of what was to define Phillip’s future began to, unfortunately, take shape. In July of 1993, Phillip was diagnosed with diabetes—a disease which was believed to have been passed on from his father. On top of diabetes, Phillip struggled with acute hearing problems.

The diabetes wasn’t a real issue until Phillip started experiencing the different chronic stages of diabetes, and instinctively, he knew he was in for a long road of trouble.

1993-2006

Between 1993 and 2006, Phillip struggled to find, hold, and maintain a job due to his hearing problems. It was difficult for him to carve a pathway for his future.

With so much career struggle, Phillip went to the Department of Rehabilitation. It was this group that graciously offered to pay for Phillip’s school if he returned. Phillip gratefully accepted the offer and decided to go to California State University, Northridge to major in Deaf Studies; however, he couldn’t complete his courses due to his extreme physical hardships and ailments.

December 2006

In December of 2006, Phillip Cook was diagnosed with renal failure caused by his diabetes. The fact that he was working two jobs and had returned to school meant he was too busy to concentrate on eating correctly which quickly exasperated the renal failure.

April 2007

In April of 2007, Phillip began dealing with life-threatening infections due to his kidney disease. The doctors put him on a heavy dose of antibiotics. Little did the doctors know, the antibiotics caused Phillip Cook to become entirely deaf.

On top of his loss of hearing, Phillip became paralyzed from the waist down forcing him into a wheelchair.

2009

With much determination to complete his unfinished business and goals, Phillip Cook returned to California State University, Northridge with the desire to study Childhood Development. It was a beautiful moment in Phillip’s life when he received the prestigious B.A. degree from the university. Phillip had finally graduated with his bachelor’s degree.

After graduating, Phillip wanted to take his education one step further. He applied to the master’s program at Pacific Oaks College with a focus in Human Development. Phillip was accepted and quickly began his classes.

February 2010

While attending school and multi-weekly dialysis treatment (due to his kidney problems), Phillip lost sight in his left eye. The vision loss was a direct side-effect from the necessary dialysis treatments that Phillip required.

Phillip Cook had become legally blind, on top of his already diagnosed deafness.

2013

Even though Phillip suffered from blindness, deafness, renal failure, diabetes, and paralyzation; he continued his studies at Pacific Oak College.

Believe it or not, Phillip received his Human Development Master’s Degree in 2013. His first miracle!

 July 2016

In July of 2016, Phillip met the love of his life. The sweet beginnings of new love motivated Phillip to hit the gym and workout, despite his physical ailments.

While working out, Phillip began taking exercise supplements to boost his performance. Unfortunately, the supplements caused Phillip to face life-threatening conditions. Phillip’s foot was amputated.

Early March 2017

As his kidney disease progressed, Phillip knew he would eventually need a kidney transplant; however, he wasn’t prepared for how soon he would need it. In March 2017, doctors informed Phillip he needed a transplant as soon as possible but, unfortunately, it could possibly take two or more years to find a suitable kidney because of the long waiting list.

March 15, 2017

March 15, 2017, would be considered Phillip’s second life miracle. He received a call from Cedar Sinai Hospital with the news that a cadaver kidney—an exact match for Phillip—was available only he needed to be at the hospital within the hour.

With no ability to drive, Phillip thought it would be impossible to make it to the hospital in that time frame. Thankfully, an incredibly remarkable resident of Phillip’s apartment complex agreed to rush him to the hospital.

Phillip went in for surgery and came out a new man. Phillip’s body had accepted the kidney!

Since March 2017

Phillip has always been a man of deep faith. According to him, his third miracle manifested, as a result, of prayers lifted by his parents and loved ones. Phillip Cook regained the ability to walk. No longer paralyzed, he couldn’t believe what had happened!

Despite his many hardships, Phillip fought through two significant ailments in his life: his paralyzation and his kidney failure. While some would think that Phillip’s illnesses constitute a significant issue that would cause pure misery, Phillip remains optimistic about life. He is the definition of positivity and wants to share his story with the world.

Phillip currently lives in Pacoima, CA with the loving support of his family and the West Angeles Church of God in Christ. And, as he continues to overcome daily physical challenges, Phillip is determined to always be the man he was born to be—a faithful man!

To learn more about kidney disease, kidney transplants or how to become a kidney donor, please visit www.kidney.org.

Life is but a mere breath—like the grass that fades or the flowers that wither away. James tells us to consider it “an opportunity of pure joy” when we experience troubles of any kind.

A friend of mine passed away unexpectedly Sunday. Although I had only met her a handful of times, her life—her spirit—profoundly impacted me.

She suffered from two terminal diseases and was hospitalized countless times. She endured surgery after surgery and every time she praised God and thanked Him for another day. Her strength and resiliency inspired me.

Two days before God took her home, she wrote on Facebook, “I don’t understand why God has decided to keep me in so much pain when I’m battling two terminally ill diseases that give me pain and problems every week. HOWEVER, I don’t question it. I wake every day and live my life while I praise God.”  Amazing!!!

A few weeks ago, I was led by the Holy Spirit to read the Book of Habakkuk. I never even knew this tiny book existed in the Bible. It’s only three chapters but within those short pages held lessons to fill a lifetime.

Habakkuk, [huh–bak–uh k], was a prophet during the time when Judah was at war, and the Babylonians were threatening to take control. He questioned God about why He would let turmoil and evil fall on His people. Habakkuk wanted to know where God was in all of this pain and suffering. He believed God was nowhere to be found and had removed Himself from the earth.

Habakkuk demanded to know why and expected God to answer. God gave him an answer, but it wasn’t the one he wanted.

God told Habakkuk that He would use the Babylonians to wipe out Judah and that Habakkuk was to trust God because He knew what He was doing—allowing evil to spread so good would prevail.

We may not know why God does what He does or why He allows evil things to happen but we, like Habakkuk and my friend, are called to trust in God’s sovereignty and to praise Him regardless of the situations we face.

Remember—God is greater than all our giants.

Recently, the city I in live experienced extreme racism and hate. Protests and violence filled the streets. People were afraid, and I asked, “Where are you, God? Why do you allow such evil to happen?”

He answered me with His words from Habakkuk— “Trust Me no matter what. Praise Me and do not be controlled by or even be anxious over your circumstances. Move from doubt to faith and from fear to hope. But above all else, love. Love your neighbor as I have loved you. Fill the earth with love. When you love, you have wisdom, and through wisdom you have everything.”

I may never know why my friend had to suffer like she did in this lifetime. Or why there are so many who are homeless, hungry, lost, and alone. But what I do know is I am called to have faith and to wait with a patient expectation for God’s answer.

God knows what will happen and how these circumstances will further His purpose to spread the love of Christ throughout the world. He even knows who on which end of the crazy spectrum will become President in a few weeks and I have to believe He’s got it under control. No matter my trouble, “I wake every day and live my life while I praise God.”

 Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the life of Lori and for all those who suffer. Your mercy is endless and your grace abundant. Even though we know Lori is dancing with you in heaven and her suffering has ended, her absence—the void and the emptiness left behind for those of us who knew her and loved her is devastating. Please fill us with Your Comfort, Love and Peace.

Lord, we commit our lives to You as we choose to believe that You are greater than all the giants in this world. May we have faith that Your goodness will conquer all evil and help us to love one another the way You love us. In Jesus name, Amen.

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