“What should I give up for Lent?” When asking yourself this, often the first things that come to mind are the least challenging for you personally. However, we are challenging you to not only give something up for Lent, but to add something too! So to help you brainstorm as you indulge yourself in Mardi Gras festivities today, we have asked Emma Ferrell to give us her insight on what she thinks giving something up for Lent is all about.
Lenten Sacrifice Through Service
New Orleans 2010 (Emma: Center with the pink sunnies)
With the start of Lent this week, I found it appropriate to discuss our responsibilities during this time. It is not that we have a responsibility to give something up, but we have a responsibility over the next 40 days to replace something in our life with God’s presence. I personally try to find something that I enjoy, even tend to rely on, and then give that up. This year I am giving up soda, I usually rely on the caffeine to “get me through the day.” By giving up the caffeine I tend to rely on, I am also forcing myself to focus on why I’ve given it up every time I’m faced with it…which is every day, multiple times a day. This goes hand-in-hand with dedicating time to add something to my daily routine during Lent. I know I will be turning to my prayer life to lead me through the day instead of caffeine, which will be more fulfilling. I have found in the past when I do something positive to enhance my faith and relationship with Christ that I am much more prepared when Easter comes. Spring Break falls during the Lenten season, and this is another way that I have tried to add something challenging and positive to Lent. This will be my third year choosing to go on Spring Break Mission trips with St. Toms to serve. This giving of my time and energy has been a great way for me to not only help those less fortunate, but have provided me with opportunities to deepen my faith and discover Christ through all that I come in contact. I challenge all of you to find a way to sacrifice for Christ this Lent as he gave the ultimate sacrifice, and to also to do something that will enable you to deepen your personal relationship with God.
God Bless.
-Emma Ferrell, 4th Day Coordinator and Lenten Sacrifice Connoiseur
If you give up the same thing every year and want to try something new, or if it’s your first time giving something up for Lent, we have provided a list of creative ideas below!
Ideas to Give Up:
-Facebook or another time consuming activity like video gaming
-Complaining
-The snooze button on your alarm
-Warm water for your shower
-Wearing make-up
Ideas to Challenge Your Daily Routine:
-Listen More
-Go to Daily Mass
-Intentionally offer a silent prayer for someone different at beginning of one of your lectures everyday
-Devotional every night before bed
-Dedicate a certain number of hours you’ll give to do some form of community service
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