Ash Wednesday

It feels as though in some ways we have been reliving and reliving that old Lenten feeling. Sure, we have had periodic reprieves where we are able to come up for air, bask in the sun and feel a little careless, but those days seem far too fleeting. Many of us have done our best to be good citizens in the chaos of the past two years but as we cross the threshold to Lent, I can’t help but feel completely distracted and a little unmotivated. I know I am in good company.

As I type this post on 3/2/22, WWIII feels more real to me than it ever had before. Even as a child of the Cold War who lived twenty miles from a strategic Air Force Base, I always believed that cooler heads would prevail. On some level I do still believe that. I believe that we all have angels working on our behalf. It is evidenced in the resolve of the brave Ukrainians who are fighting for their country and for the Russians who are protesting war. I am inspired by their determination. I feel righteously angry and disgusted by the complete disregard for life which Putin and the other morally bereft people involved, and that once again religion is being manipulated to support their agenda, I believe that they will not win the final effort. I feel devastated for the people whose countries are being torn apart and I feel sick at the thought of children having to once again be the victims of our failings. But beyond prayer and donations I feel powerless to help them.

It is with this in mind that I am hoping to use this season to Rise From the Ashes. There has to be a better way to walk through this world. I seek to understand how I both contribute to and hinder peace. I have to ask myself, knowing my own capacity to create or contribute to conflict, how can I change? What can I do better?

I feel it is important to repent. Wipe the slate clean. Start again. That has always been what Lent is about to me.

Repentance is an unpopular word for many. It holds judgement and shame, but hey, that is part of our human experience. As is redemption and resurrection. WE are called to be unafraid, to trust in God’s abundant goodness and mercy. I am banking on it. I trust God is with with me as I examine my life, my world, my very being, through daily scripture and to remind me that I have nothing to fear in knowing where I need to be better. There is nothing that cannot be changed or transformed through God’s love. If I stick with God as I journey with his Son through this season, there will be resurrection.

Join me, won’t you?

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew in me a steadfast spirit” Ps. 51:10

** I tried originally publishing on Heeding and healing but that didn’t work so rather than fight a battle I am sure to lose with technology, I decided to stay here this year. Thanks so much for your patience. Comment and share if you wish!**