LENT? WHAT YOU TALKIN’ BOUT, WILLIS?
DR. NAIMA LETT
Why would anybody STILL celebrate Lent today?
Especially a progressive, non-denominational church in 2017!
Why?
Because we, like our global family of faith, look forward to THE Celebration of all Celebrations culminating at the end of Lent: Easter/Resurrection Sunday! Easter is arguably the most important holiday on our calendar, give or take Christmas. Our entire faith is based on that resurrection that resulted in that Empty Tomb!
So, Why Not?
That’s the question! Why not journey with the global family for the next 40 days? Break outside your box. Live dangerously. Walk on the wild side of faith.
This one thing I know: there’s no greater adventure than attempting to sacrifice an “essential” to grow closer to the One Who is Essential. 40 days of giving up anything ain’t easy. Thank God we don’t have to rely on our own strength and fortitude. We can ask for His help. And the rewarding transformation that occurs… so worth it!
What is Lent?
Lent is the 40-day season (46 days minus Sundays) of fasting, prayer and reflection, starting with Ash Wednesday and ending on Easter. It symbolizes the 40 days in the wilderness, testing and temptation that Jesus endured before launching into his public ministry (Matthew 4:1-11).
What do we do?
Some of our Catholic fam don ash crosses on the forehead to symbolize Ash Wednesday and the tradition of repentance in ashes and sackcloth. While symbols are wonderful, they are not required. Non-Catholics usually focus on “What’s on the inside? What’s in our hearts?”
Here are some simple steps to take:
1) DECIDE
Decide if you want to go on the 40 day journey.
Pray and ask, ‘Do I want to make this commitment?”
2) CHOOSE
Then choose one thing that you’d like to sacrifice over the next 40 days.
This can be a favorite food. Some give up meat & dairy. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan (like I am), giving up meat for Lent isn’t a sacrifice :=) Maybe it’s a favorite TV show or hobby. Whatever it is, it would be best if it’s something that affects your life daily. Why? Because when you yearn for it daily, you’re reminded why you are fasting and reminded to pray.
3) FOCUS
Focus on the goal.
In the scriptures, people fasted and prayed for many different reasons i.e. entreating the Lord’s help and intervention, seeking the Lord’s face and presence, repentance and contrition, etc. It’s a spiritual discipline that’s been practiced by people of faith for thousands of years, prior to Jesus. Lent, especially, is a season of reflection and repentance and growing closer to the Lord. Your goal could simply be that: To grow closer to the Lord. Pray and define it. If there is no real reason for you to do this, you won’t. That’s just how we’re built. Define. Get specific.
4) SUPPORT
Get support.
Invite family or a friend to go on the journey with you. At least, tell someone else you’re fasting and praying. You will likely make the entire 40 days if you’re holding each other accountable.
If you have ANY QUESTIONS, please let me know!!!
What you talkin’ bout?!
Talking bout transformation.
Talking about realness.
Talking about deeper fellowship.
You ready?
Let’s do this!
Dr. Naima Lett
The Hollywood Christian®
Hope in the Hills
Author of coming release Confessions of a Hollywood Christian®
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Fighting an ulcer, I am sticking to a strict diet for Lent that is targeted at healing the stomach (this means giving up chocolate and wine… two of my fav things), and trusting to grow closer to the Lord in every way, heart, mind, and body.
I am also considering a fruit juice fast on Fridays (per the Ulcer-diet… apple, grape, or pear) to pray in breaking some family strongholds. Would love any information you have to share regarding fruit juice fasts or alternatives (esp for sensitive stomachs)?
Hi Laurine, Wonderful to journey with you.
I’ll be praying re: the ulcer and healing for your stomach and body.
Of course, disclaimer, always check with your healthcare professional. That being said, in the past, I’ve found that re: fruit juice fasts, some of the “superfoods” that are great when fasting and also for detox are apples, carrots, cranberry, ginger, lemon, tomato. Other wonderful fruits to consider are pears, pineapples and berry fruits: blueberry, strawberry, etc. Citrus fruits really help with cleansing, but I imagine they could agitate the ulcer, so there would have to be care taken. I recently read a pretty good book called detox: the process of cleansing and restoration that addressed some of this. The key also is to drink a LOT of water. Any way you could drink a 1/2 gallon to gallon of water a day?
Great Info! Just now learning about Lent, I think! If I did know something about it I must have been very young, because it all seems new. That’s what happens when one grows up in a very traditional church that doesn’t reach out and broaden ones Christian knowledge. Thanks for the journey!
Awesome to have you on board, Gary. It’s not unusual to not hear about Lent in more Protestant circles. I think our Catholic brothers and sisters have been holding it down mostly. But it’s celebrated within the Church globally – which includes both Catholic and Protestant family. What’s exciting is it’s a global time of seeking the Lord, and the scriptures say that when we seek Him, we find Him, when we search with all our hearts. Jeremiah 29:13. Excited!