Out for Delivery, Out of My Hands

Andrea D. Price

Jul 13, 2025

Set the Table

Say your grace

Prayer: Dear God,

Thank you for the intercessors.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Affirmation: I am a protector.

Gratitude: I am grateful for joy.

I am grateful for every reader, subscriber, commenter, and those who share this newsletter with others.

The Main Dish

Dig In

Last. Week. Was. Stressful.

Last Monday, we found out that the U.S. Postal Service had lost my son’s passport and visa, documents he needs for an upcoming trip to the Motherland. The tracking said “out for delivery” on July 3rd, but the documents had not arrived by Monday, July 7th.

After work on July 7th, I rushed to the post office to investigate. The workers confirmed that the package arrived at the office, but when they looked for it, they couldn’t find it. Every morning before work last week, I showed up again, holding on to hope. Still, nothing. The documents were lost.

The stress from the situation nearly made me sick. I had to breathe, pray, and center myself. I had to dig deep to find my inner calm. I’ve been in enough situations to know that even when I have no control, I still try to control the situation. But this time, my usual methods weren't working. I felt defeated, helpless, and frustrated. I didn't sleep well, and I had no appetite.

My son is one of about fifty students who will travel with his university. He’s been looking forward to this opportunity for months, and I didn’t want this situation to be why he missed out. I finally got him a passport agency appointment for Wednesday, July 16th. I traveled to D.C. on Friday evening to deliver the necessary documents for his new passport. That felt like progress.

Later that evening, something in me said, “Recheck appointments.” Maybe, just maybe, someone would cancel an earlier appointment. I opened the passport scheduling website and refreshed it repeatedly for ten straight minutes. And then… bam—a Monday appointment opened up. I clicked that appointment so fast.

This past week reminded me that some things will always be outside my control. Passports go missing. Plans change. Systems fail. Life happens. In the midst of it all, I don’t have to unravel.

I’m learning that peace doesn’t always come from everything falling into place. Sometimes, peace comes from accepting what’s out of my hands and focusing on what’s still possible. I kicked into mom-gear and did what I could to help. I’m still doing what I can to help. It is an honor and a privilege to love and intercede on behalf of my children and many others.

When the system says “lost,” I can still believe something good is coming. I believe my son will travel with the rest of the group and have a wonderful time in the Motherland.

Table Talk

How do you handle situations that impact you, but are out of your control?

Pot Likker and Cornbread Crumbs

There’s flavor in the small things.

I must have self-control when things are out of my control.

Potluck

From Our Community Kitchen: Photography and Music

Photography

From my garden: Growth

Music

“Somebody Prayed for Me” by Dorothy Norwoof

https://youtu.be/2sq-3m0loKI?si=q_dbQeVjO1I3-S07

Recipe Exchange

What's your favorite vegetable?

I love okra! Fried, boiled, pickled, and raw? It doesn't matter. I love seeing it grow; its flowers are more beautiful than roses.

While in D.C. on the passport mission, I visited one of my favorite restaurants. They have fried okra on the menu and they add ranch seasoning to the batter. The okra was delicious!

I am sharing my fried okra recipe, with the restaurant’s ranch seasoning twist.

A. P.’s Fried Okra

Ingredients:

1 lb fresh okra, sliced into ½-inch rounds

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup cornmeal

½ cup all-purpose flour

1 ½ tsp ranch seasoning mix

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)

Salt, pepper, and Creole seasoning to taste

Oil for frying (vegetable, peanut, or canola)

Instructions

Soak the okra:

Place sliced okra in a bowl and pour over the buttermilk. Let it soak for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the breading.

Make the breading:

Mix cornmeal, flour, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.

Coat the okra:

Use a slotted spoon to remove the okra from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Toss it in the breading mixture until well-coated. For best results, do this in batches.

Fry:

Heat oil in a cast iron skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add okra in batches, being careful not to overcrowd. Fry 3–4 minutes or until golden and crispy. Don't overcook.

Drain and season:

Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate. While still hot, sprinkle with a little more ranch seasoning or a pinch of salt.

Enjoy!

Dessert

A Sweet Send-Off

One of the highlights of my time in D. C. this weekend was seeing my Delta sisters, especially this one.

Until next time, feed your mind, body, and spirit, and don't forget to feed others, too!

Greens and Cornbread

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