Papaya Juice & the Presence of God: Lessons from the Old Flint Farmer’s Market

Focus Scripture

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” – Psalm 34:8

Thoughts

There’s something unforgettable about the old Farmer’s Market in Flint, Michigan, the original one, tucked away downtown, with its dusty concrete floors, bustling booths, and the warm smell of produce, spices, and humanity all mingling together. As a kid, walking through that place wasn’t just a grocery run—it was an experience. A little slice of community wrapped in brown paper bags and handshakes.

One of the most magical stops for me was Dale’s Health Food, run by Doug and Dale Wolfe. They were familiar faces—friends of my parents—which made their store feel like more than just a shop. It felt like ours. Now, let’s be honest: I wasn’t a health nut. I was the opposite. If you gave me a choice between wheatgrass and a Flint-style coney dog, I wasn’t reaching for the green stuff. But that didn’t matter.

I still remember the joy of walking into their store, the rows of natural remedies and earthy smells, the quiet hum of the juicer as it worked its way through fresh fruit. Then came the moment: a plastic cup of freshly juiced papaya, still slightly warm from the machine. I can feel it even now—the cool cup in my hand, the pulpy texture, and the surprise that something healthy could taste that good. That juice was alive. And in some mysterious way, so was that moment.

Psalm 34:8 says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” The old Farmer’s Market taught me that truth long before I could quote the verse.

Back then (circa 1978), I didn’t know how much spiritual depth was hiding in a cup of papaya juice. But now I see it clearly: Sometimes we come to God like kids in a market, unsure, distracted, maybe even a little skeptical. But when we pause, when we take just one sip of His goodness, we’re surprised by the flavor of grace. God doesn’t force us into holiness through duty or guilt. He invites us to taste. He welcomes us into a relationship. Like the familiarity of a store run by people who know your name, God calls us not into religion, but into belonging and relationship.

Life Application

You may not be walking through the aisles of a market anymore. But the spiritual practice of “tasting and seeing” still applies today. Here are three ways you can live that out:

1. Pause for Presence – Take moments throughout your day to recognize God’s presence around you. It may be in your morning coffee, a song on the radio, or a child’s laughter. Taste His goodness there.

   
   

2. Seek Familiar Faces – Surround yourself with people who remind you of God’s character. Just as Doug and Dale made their store feel safe, we need community that draws us closer to the Lord.

   
   

3. Try Something New – Just like I hesitantly tasted papaya juice, try a new spiritual rhythm—journaling, silence, fasting, or service. You might be surprised by the flavor of grace in the unfamiliar. Drawing us closer to Jesus.

Even in the most ordinary places—like the Farmer’s Market in downtown Flint, Michigan—God was there, weaving beauty into our stories. And He still is.

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for the memories that remind us of Your presence—even in plastic cups of juice and small city markets. Help us to taste and see Your goodness today. Open our senses to Your grace. Like a child walking through familiar aisles, may we find joy in Your presence, peace in Your promises, and comfort in knowing that You know our names. Bless our communities, our memories, and the people who pointed us to You, even if they didn’t know they were doing it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Old Farmer's Market in Flint, Michigan