TO LENT OR NOT TO LENT

By Melody F. Heal—

During my son’s eighth grade school field trip to Washington D.C., we were walking out of the country’s Capital when my attention was captured by a black cross drawn on the forehead of many passer byers exiting a Catholic church. All I knew of this sacred event, Ash Wednesday, was that it marked the beginning of Lent. A period of spiritual discipline where one practices moderation, fasting, self-denial, and forsakes pleasurable activities. Catholic friends mentioned how the priest applies ashes with his finger in the shape of a cross on one’s forehead saying, “Remember, man, for dust you are and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19 AMP).

When growing up in a Pentecostal church and serving in evangelical churches throughout my life, I was never taught the importance or meaning of this religious observance. Only in the last 13 years when becoming acquainted with this practice did my curiosity grow in wanting to understand the real truth of Lent and Ash Wednesday. Coupled with that desire was an eagerness to discern how this Lenten season may spiritually apply to me as a Christian. Here is some of what I have learned:

What is Ash Wednesday? The first day of Lent officially known as the “ Day of Ashes.”

What do the black ashes represent? A symbol of repentance and/or mourning. The modern day tradition of rubbing a cross on one’s forehead identifies that person with Christ.

What is the purpose of lent? To reflect on Christ—his life, burial, and resurrection.

When is the Lenten season? The 40 week days from Ash Wednesday till Easter.

Can Christians observe Ash Wednesday and/or Lent? The Bible nowhere condemns or commands such a practice, thereby, Christians can prayerfully choose to observe these spiritual rituals or not. Being repentant and turning from sinful activities or treating others good is something Christian’s should be mindful of and do every day, not just during Lent. Even though these practices are morally right and good, doing them in and of themselves will not guarantee us eternal life in heaven with Christ. Trusting in Jesus Christ alone as our personal Lord and Savior is then only act that will provide us that assurance.

Here are some intentional acts of service and discipline one can:

• practice to deepen their relationship with God
• identify that needs to be put under subjection
• integrate into their daily lifestyle to positively impact those around you or your own
• adopt so their actions speak louder than words

Top Ten List: THINGS YOU CAN TRY FOR THE LENTEN SEASON
By Penny Ford

1. Try an electronic fast. Give up TV, Guitar Hero, texting, tweeting, e-mail and all things electronic for one day every week. (Or every day of Lent!) Use the time to read & pray.
2. Start a prayer rhythm. Say a prayer every time you brush your teeth, hear an ambulance, or check your email. Before you text someone, pray for them.
3. Read one chapter in the Bible each day. Matthew’s a good book to start with. Psalms, too.
4. Forgive someone who doesn’t deserve it. (Maybe even yourself.)
5. Give up soft drinks, fast food, tea or coffee. Give the money you save to help folks in Haiti or others in crisis.
6. Create a daily quiet time. Spend 30 minutes a day in silence and prayer.
7. Cultivate a life of gratitude. Write someone a thank you letter each week and be aware of how many people have helped you along the way.
8. Be kind to someone each day.
9. Pray for others you see as you walk to and from classes or drive to and from work.
10. Volunteer one hour or more each week with a local shelter, tutoring program, nursing home, prison ministry or a Habitat for Humanity project.

As you contemplate how you may choose to assimilate some of these Lenten observances into your daily living, be reminded,  it’s not what you give up, but what you gain that makes the difference.

Melody Heal: A life-long joy and passion of Melody’s has been mentoring and sharing life with women of all ages encouraging them to grasp hold of the full potential the Lord has for them. The empty nest season has provided Melody a new luxury of living out her heart’s desire working professionally as a Christian school administrator, serving as the Featured Resource Writer for My Purpose Now website along with speaking at women’s events. Her greatest delight is being married to her husband Doug while being inspired by her two married children and their devoted Christ-following soul mates who all live in Southern California. Melody has proven to be passionate about prayer walking, gardening, and helping women identify, rekindle, and achieve their God inspired dreams. Interested in having her at your next event, contact her at: mfheal@gmail.com