Measuring Baking Soda: “A Little Goes a Long Way”

Measuring Baking Soda: “A Little Goes a Long Way”

Back in 2011 I had a privilege of serving in the Caribbean just after the devastating earthquake of Haiti. In 2011, the quaint old French colony was still recovering under the influence of the 2010 quake: there were lots of rubbles, there was also poverty and cholera epidemics, there was a weak economy. Humanitarian aid was huge but was faced with a problem of coordination and delivery. And me being a keen human observer, I with egal eyes watched how women rebuilt communities with almost nothing: a piece of cloth, a bucket, a smile, and a neighbour willing to share rice.

And to my amazement, you will not believe their ability to endure showed their humility. It helped me realize that even a small and dirty portion of faith could shift mountains of desperation.

And now many years later in the cool of my humble kitchen as I stand to measure out a quarter teaspoon of baking soda for my Tangerine loaf recipe. It seems too small to matter. But without it, my batter would stay heavy, flat, unappealing. That little bit changes everything, giving rise and lift, creating space for air and flavor to shine through.

That is faith. We may feel we have only the smallest portion left, the smallest act of courage, the smallest prayer. But Jesus taught us it is enough. A mustard seed. A pinch of baking soda. That is all my God needs to work a miracle.

I remember a Haitian boy named Dominicus living in the camp near Gressier, a significantly damage, habitation between Port-au-Prince and Léogâne, who gave his only toy -a hand-carved wooden truck- to another child who had lost everything. That act was tiny in the world’s eyes but massive in God’s. Heaven celebrates such small offerings.

Whenever I measure baking soda, I am reminded to stop discounting my small steps of faith. They may look tiny on my spoon, but God uses them to raise up entire lives.

I would be happy to wrap up my thoughts in these four lines for you to carry away and may God bless you and the work of your hands!!

Small faith, like soda, lifts the soul,
Though measured slight, it makes me whole.
You work through tiny gifts I bring,
And raise my heart on grace’s wing.