By Jennifer Britton | Special to The Monitor

Sometimes a night out with the girls ends up being more than just a chance to tickle your taste buds. Sometimes, your take-home box includes a wonderful lesson for reflection.

That’s exactly what happened when I visited “Will BYOB,” a French inspired restaurant in South Philly belonging to chef Christopher Kearse, the boyfriend of one of my friends. The dishes were prepared with much skill and culinary perfection, each dish picture worthy. The array of flavors complimented each other and the textures different, but a pleasant experience, not disappointing my palette.

Although impressed with the dining experience, I was more intrigued with the man behind the food, the man who introduced himself to me and graciously welcomed me to his restaurant. I was moved by the amazing journey that led Chris to “Will.”

During our drive to the restaurant, my friend inquired if we knew of Chris’s accident and briefly explained how he had been the passenger in a very serious car accident when he was 16 years old and suffered much damage to his face. The accident that shattered his face, and forever changed his life, was a turning-point that led him on a road of self-discovery, where he would discern a passion for food that he ultimately embraced.

While confined to a home hospital bed and getting his nutrients through a feeding tube, Chris began watching the Food Network, collecting cookbooks and, later, cooking for his large family. It was then that his love affair with food began. With the support of his family he moved forward. At the age of 18, he enrolled in the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College, Phila., Pa., where he later graduated class valedictorian. Not an easy task. His hard work ethic and determination led him to work in some of the finest restaurants under many well known chefs. His dream of opening his own restaurant finally became a reality Aug. 24, 2012.

Chris explained how the accident had awakened him like an unexpected slap, to remind him that if you want things in life you have to push for them. He said he learned a lot about himself and what he is capable of doing, and, as a result, he is now an all or nothing type of guy.

He advises others facing difficulties in their lives, there is no try, only do or do not. Giving up is never a possibility. Even if you fail you try again and again. And Chris stands by his own advice, as he looks toward his future and his hopes of winning a James Beard Award (the culinary world’s version of an Oscar or Grammy). Having made it to the finals, he is still striving for the award. His goal of mentoring young chefs is also in his future, along with opening another restaurant.

I was filled with admiration for Chris and joy at his accomplishments. I believe that God has a plan for each and every one of us, and although our paths are very different, and sometimes painfully difficult, we strive to hold dear to our faith and the courage and strength to get through whatever comes our way.

When I think about Chris’ struggles and his triumphs, I think of a beautiful Scripture passage.

Isaiah 61:3 says God will comfort His people, giving them, “... beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.”

It seems to me that in Chris’ difficult situation he was raised up out of the pile of ash and given beauty, joy instead of grief and his spirit of heaviness lifted. I see him like a tree standing firm, strong and well rooted, as we are in our faith. Sometimes it is through misfortunes that our true beauty comes forth.

Before leaving the restaurant that evening I saw a chalkboard with a quote from Julia Child that read, “Find your passion and stay tremendously interested in it.” I know Chris found his passion and I’m certain great things will come from it.

Jennifer Britton serves as editorial assistant for The Monitor.