Lenten Lands

“What are you giving up?” I heard that phrase every year while growing up in New England, in anticipation of Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent. Lent is the observance of the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness fasting, in preparation for his earthly ministry. Christians choose to give up or fast something during this time to identify with Jesus’ humility and suffering. I may not have understood all the nuances of Lent as a child but the practice has stayed with me all these years.

Although a Christian can fast at any time, Lent is an occasion when we as the Body of Christ fast together to prepare for the holiest day on the Christian calendar. Fasting is the act of refraining from a particular food or activity to feast on the Lord. There are many forms fasting can take; the Daniel fast (no meat), the chocolate fast (no sweets), or the TV fast (no trash). Most fasts are deliberate and intentional but some are not.

In Jamaica, some American foods are not available, like brown sugar. Jamaica has raw sugar (which they call brown sugar) but they do not have the kind you need to make chocolate chip cookies(!). We had been in Jamaica for over a year before I was able to make apple crisp (a family favorite). I had forgotten how good the simple dessert was and was amazed at the taste sensation when I finally had that first bite. Fasting helped me to appreciate the gift of brown sugar.

Lest you think giving up something for Lent is like making a New Year’s resolution; it is not. Most resolutions take the form of giving up something for good for the purpose of self-improvement but fasting is giving up something for a time for soul-improvement. Through this period of self-denial, we learn to identify with the Lord and appreciate his provision.

During this season of Lent, I pose a challenge: while you are giving up for God, pray the children at New Vision City of Refuge would give in to him. Pray for others to understand what true religion is and become sponsors. Lastly, pray for the local church in Jamaica to continue to give to their orphans through the ministry of the City of Refuge.

Pressing through, in these Lenten lands.