Hatred stirs up dissension, but LOVE covers over all wrongs (Proverbs 10:12–NIV).

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)–HATE  (From The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffebaugh).

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Taking spoon, we spread the basil-based pesto thick on crackers and bread, taste the slightly bitter flavor and …

Mmm–savor!

Fresh cut from the plant, basil is a wonderful addition to vine-ripened tomatoes and thick-cut mozzarella, a drizzle of rich balsamic the final touch.

Funny how something that is enjoyed so much, in all sorts of ways, represents hate. Thus, to say one loves basil is almost an oxymoron, is it not?

To love ‘hate’.

But isn’t it just like our good and gracious God to take one thing and blossom it into another completely opposing thing? Just read Psalm 30–

Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning … You [God] turned my wailing into dancing; You removed my mourning attire and dressed me with joy, that my heart may sing to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give You thanks forever (30:5, 11, 12)

Perhaps whomever gave basil its meaning hated its flavor, but for ages it’s been used medicinally, and who really enjoys the flavor of most medicines? It aids in the healing of stomach spasms, reduces fluid retention, helps with head colds, and is a treatment for insect and snake bites. It’s also been known to promote circulation and help mothers begin the flow of their breast milk.

Who knew?

I only know that I love this slightly bitter herb blended with garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, and parmesan, with a pinch of salt and pepper. I love it piled high with Cherokee purples. And it’s not so bad on a grilled cheese.

Basil–for something that means hate, there sure is a lot to love!

 

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Selah Farm Pesto Recipe

Trim, rinse and pat dry basil leaves

  

Then, per 2 cups of packed basil (can substitute with half fresh-cut spinach) …

Nearly 1/2 c. olive oil (unless one prefers less creamy pesto)

Handful (1/3 c.) pine nuts and / or walnuts (Pine nuts are expensive, and walnuts are a perfect replacement!)

Chopped garlic (approx. enough to equal 3 teaspoons)

Pinch of salt and pepper to taste

Parmesan or Romano cheese (or blend) — because we freeze our pesto, we wait to add cheese until ready to eat

Blend the above in food processor until the desired texture

Serve on crackers or fresh bread … or spoon into ice cube trays and cover with plastic wrap; freeze, then remove and place in ziplock bag. Take “pesto” cubes out and toss in favorite recipes — spaghetti sauce, chili, etc.

 

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Honestly, that’s a whole lot of LOVE in something that someone said stands for hate!

Maybe our messed up, hateful world needs our crazy, childlike faith, spread like pesto, thick with LOVE!

Undoubtedly our world needs our beautiful, redeeming, way-making, miracle-working, promise-keeping God!

Dear Jesus, You work in what sometimes seems to be contradictory strategies,  and yet, You are a way-making, miracle-working, promise- keeping God. Empower us today to spread LOVE thick as pesto on a world desperately in need of healing from hate. So be it!