Tuesday, October 30, 2007

A Little Bran Fiber Theology

So after reading and hearing so much about the benefits of adding fiber to your diet, I decided to go on a hunt for bran fiber. The idea is to add a teaspoon or two to your meals as you prepare them. No one knows its there and you instantly become healthier and thinner. Or maybe not so instantly. Whatever.

Anyway, I never realized it was so hard to find just plain bran fiber. I went to several grocery stores to no avail. My last stop was Albertson's. I don't usually shop there so I don't know my way around the store. In the interest of saving time, I tapped on the shoulder of a young shelf stocker and asked him if he knew where I could find the bran fiber.

Young shelf stocker: "Oh sure, I can take you right to it."

Me: "Oh thank you - I'm running short of time and I really hoped to get this today."

Young shelf stocker: Kind of mumbling "You must be another Oprah watcher."

Me: "Excuse me?"

Young shelf stocker: "Oh, I was just thinking that you must be one of those Oprah watchers."

Me: "What makes you think that?"

Young shelf stocker: "Oh everytime Oprah recommends something, the shelves empty like magic. I'm just thinking she must have recommended bran fiber."

And he led me straight to a shelf containing jars of Metamucil!

I didn't want to burst his bubble by telling him that Metamucil was not the bran fiber I was planning to add to my food or that I am not a big Oprah watcher. That I don't even care all that much for Oprah. (Yikes, I hear the sound of internets crashing everywhere around the world with that admission! She's okay - it's just that I don't think she is the end all, if you know what I mean.) But it made me laugh that this young man thought I was an Oprah groupie.

And as I was using the self-pay register to pay for my purchase of Metamucil (I so didn't want to disappoint the young shelf stocker, and you never know when Metamucil might come in handy) it made me think about how much power and influence one person can have. And it made me consider the power and influence I have with people in my little world. My world isn't nearly as big as Oprah's :) but I am an influence, none the less. As we all are. And I began wondering if I use that power and influence in a way that is consistently honoring to God. I know I fall short many times. But I also know I can keep on trying. Because that is what it is all about. And God's mercy fills in the gaps.

And oh yes, I almost forgot. You can find bran fiber in the health food sections of most grocery stores.

10 comments:

Dawn said...

I love the sound of your Girls Night Out - there's nothing more fun than being together with our Christian lady friends!

Oh, my, I had to laugh at the fiber story. I am not an Oprah fan at all - she's a bit to "loose" in her theology for my tastes - not to mention her living arrangements. But I like some of her individual shows and will tune in if I hear about it ahead of time. I especially enjoyed the road trip she took with her best friend last spring (suddenly I can't remember her name!). That mind thing again, you know.

Hope your tummy's better by now.

Oh, yeah - Gayle!

Unknown said...

You know, a few weeks ago after I saw Dr Oz on Oprah recommending Calcium with Magnesium I went to the local Publix looking for it. I had to ask the clerk and she said to me, "What is going on? Did they come up with a new study or something?" I told her Dr Oz had talked about it and she said, "That happens every time."

So funny.

Katie said...

My eyes are going. I thought you were looking for brain fiber! What in the world is brain fiber and why is Robin looking for it, I thought. Time to get some more sleep maybe.

Karen said...

Hee hee hee! I've recently been on *that* hunt too.
I'm not a big Oprah fan, either. I hardly watch any TV, in fact.

Lucydolls' ramblings said...

My mother use to do that when we were growing up, put fiber bran in our meals or brewers yeast. It actually isn't half bad. I have to say, I really like the new Activia yogurt. (from experience, it works great) hehehe

Oh fellow bloggers, Thursday, I do believe is Robins birthday!

Love ya

gail@more than a song said...

So funny! I watch Oprah very sporadically, enjoy it sometimes but you're right....I don't think she's the be all, end all but man some people sure must b/c stuff does seem to sell when she mentions it.
And you have a birthday this week! How fun!

Midlife Cycler said...

I am glad to hear from you...really, after your Bran post and Oprah, I was afraid to comment! I have my Oprah days I love, and the ones I turn off in the first 5 minutes. I like the Dr Oz type shows, not celeb stuff.

Are you knitting a dishcloth for every month? gee, ask her who gave her that idea :)

It is fun because its fast . I find that people dont want to use them!!

Jody

Myrna said...

Thank you for coming by to visit Cherish... I love meeting new friends.

I took a quick look around your blog. You are a busy lady! I think the Girls Night Out sounds like great fun! It is wonderful that all ages could be involved.

Hope your tummy is better now!

Karen said...

The Girls Night Out is a great idea, especially including all the young girls, too. I used to really like Oprah, but for some reason her book club selections turned me off. I'm open to all kinds of books, but I just couldn't relate to most of the ones she chose.

Diane @ A Watered Garden said...

Oh this is really cute...so now you have a container of Metamucil to use up? Yes, I get mine at the health food store. Acidolpholis works wonders as well. (just in case you were wondering)