SubscribeGiving up to gain during Lent
About six older black men stood near a neighborhood grocery store in the small shopping strip where I was picking up my dry cleaning. Their voices carried in the wintry wind. As I neared the door of the cleaners, I heard something I didn’t expect.
“My church is starting a 40 days fast,” one man said. “Everybody’s suppose to fast for 40 days.” A rumble of responses rose from the others, which I couldn’t make out.
I paused for a moment, hand on the door, before going into the cleaners and cast a quick glance over at the men. They were a bit of a rag-tag looking group. I certainly didn’t expect to hear them talking about fasting but was pleasantly pleased and curious although I didn’t stop to hear more.
As I begin today my own 40-day fast as part of my church’s observation of the Lenten season, I am praying that God will continue to surprise me with the ordinary and disabused me of my quick assumptions about people. I want to see people as God sees them, with love.
I have fasted –traditionally the giving up of food for spiritual purposes– for more than 30 years. I’ve used a variety of fasting practices over the years, from one day a week to the full 40 days with varying success. I’ve given up French fries, one of my favorite foods, sweets, meat, television and other things as I sought to give myself more fully to God during my fasting periods. More recently I have used the Daniel fast, based on the partial fast used by the prophet Daniel found in Daniel 1, which allows eating vegetables and drinking water. I include fruit as well (sometimes almonds to get me through a rough patch), but otherwise try to stay true to the fast and it ultimate purpose.
As a twenty-something, I struggled through my first 21-day fast, taking in just water and juices. I read the Bible and had the support of other church members who were also fasting.
But I couldn’t wait for that fast to end, and as soon as it did I went with a friend to “celebrate” at Pittypat’s Porch in Atlanta, where I was living at the time, and ate the delicious Southern cooking until my stomach hurt. Not a recommended way to end a fast. It is better to slowly reintroduce food after an extended fast.
I am looking forward to this time of denial of some physical substance for spiritual growth. Fasting is a time to draw closer to God and to listen to Him speaking to me. The Lenten season, particularly, is a time for repentance, prayer, unselfishness and self-denial as we prepare for Resurrection Sunday or Easter, as it’s more commonly known.
Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of the season of Lent. Our pastor, Rev. Cynthia T. Turner, has asked that everyone, even those who had not fasted before, to give up all white foods –breads, flour, rice and sugar and all sugary drinks. “Kool Aid too?” blurted out a youngster on the row where I was sitting. “Yes, Kool Aid too,” the pastor replied.
She is also encouraging us to walk 30 minutes a day during this time. As I’ve said before, walking is a great way to meditate and gain spiritual insight.
I’m looking forward to this time of self-denial, reflection and prayer. It’s part of my journey to deepening my faith.
Do you observe Lent? If so, what are you giving up for Lent? If not, why not begin today?
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