“Want some free lunch?”

“How?” I asked David.

“I heard if we go to the BSU, they give burgers away for free?”

“Sounds good to me.” I shrugged. “But, what’s the BSU?”

David said, “The Baptist Student Union.”

I didn’t know what that was, but I was certainly up for a free grilled burger as a freshman in junior college.

Upon leaving class, David and I walked to the far end of campus, drawn by the alluring scent of burning charcoal seasoned with sizzling fat from beef drippings.

It turns out that a “free lunch” came with a catch; we were asked to stay and listen to a message from the pastor. The tables were arranged cafeteria style, and the place was packed. I guess “Free Lunch” has always been a great invitation header for college kids.

I sat, removed my hat, and polished off my food at a record pace while politely listening to the pastor’s message.

After the closing prayer, David asked, “You ready?”

I nodded, slapped my hat back on my head, and scooted away from the table. My progress was halted by a stranger’s comments.

“I just want you to know, your mother did a fine job of raising you.”

When the older lady sitting across from me spoke, it stopped me like a deer in headlights. Her comments came moments after I put my hat back on. My first thought was, She’s talkin’ ‘bout my momma!

I leaned in, eyes squinched, forehead furrowed, teeth clinched, and ready to attack. “Excuse me?”

She smiled and said, “I noticed you were the only one in the whole room who removed his hat while you were eating. Your momma must be proud of you.”