Lent 2014

In college I had a roommate who introduced me to the practice and idea of lent. I had never even heard of it but thought why not try it?

Back then I gave up things like french fries (I l-o-v-e french fries), diet coke, reality tv and complaining. Complaining was so hard. But I had a roommate and best friend right there cheering me on.

To be honest, I haven't practiced lent in years. And this year something moved in me to bring back going without something for 40 days.

So what is lent?

Lent is a spiritual ritual among many faiths. It is a call to give up something or fast in preparation for Easter. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter. 40 days of constant faith, prayer, change, accomplishment, difficulty and repentance. With lent I am giving up something that distracts me from my walk with God. This is what lent means to me and a bit of what I have researched.

So what am I giving up for lent? Good question. The answer was so easy. It is one area of my life that is out of control. Out of control. I am constantly on social media. With every spare minute I get it controls my life and time. I find myself getting in bed at a good hour then spending two on social media. It was so clear that I needed to give it up.

40 days of no twitter, facebook or instagram. No updating or posting or tweeting. I am totally okay with it. I am totally okay with it. Honestly, I already feel like I have lost 10 pounds. When I want to check social media, I pray or talk with God. I need this. I need a social media cleanse. Yes, I have gone two or so weeks without social media but 6 weeks is a new record. I have a feeling I may not want to go back. Social media and my phone in general keep me away from Christ and the time I want to spend with him. Well, it is one thing of many but this is my start.

Also if you give up social media (about a week), you get emails like the photo above pulling you back in. I am thinking I have a post in mind for that. Really Facebook, really?

For any of you who are practicing lent here is a little bit of encouragement:

"During these 40 days, let me put away all my pride. Let me change my heart and give up all that is not good within me. Let me love God with all that I am and all that I have." Genesis Grain