etee's Blog

Recently, I received an email that started out like this:

I feel ashamed. I haven’t given anything up for Lent yet. Our Savior gave his life and I can’t seem to stop long enough to consider what luxury to drop.

As I thought about this, and considered my response, I began to wonder just why we as Christians feel it necessary (or even proper) to "give up" something for Lent. Certainly, it is a tradition, stemming from the days that the Roman Catholic church pretty much reigned supreme in Europe. In fact, the idea of sacrifice is as old as the Judeo-Christian-Islamic tradition itself.

However, as Christians we believe that God gave His son as the perfect and complete sacrifice for us. And, this being done, there is no need for us to continue the practice - as Jesus Himself said on the cross,

"It is complete."

I remember as a child some of my Catholic friends deciding what to give up each Lent. Mostly it ran along the lines of TV, or ice cream, or a particular plaything. However, one friend proudly announced that he was giving up spinach and broccoli for Lent, which I am sure led to a healthy heart-to-heart with his parents shortly thereafter. Since this wasn't a practice in my family, I never really thought about it all that much (though I do remember fish on Friday in the school cafeteria.)

I want to reach out to my friend who wrote this missive, and tell him it's OK. There is no need to feel ashamed, no requirement that we flagellate ourselves whenever life gets in the way. God's plan is not in jeopardy because you haven't selected something to do without for the next 6 weeks or so. However, this reaction of yours may well be the wedge through which doubt will enter into your relationship with Him, so I would urge you to close it quickly.

So, what to give up? Well, if you are like many of those with whom I share the roadways of this great city, maybe you should consider putting down the cell phone while you are driving. Shed your burden, and eliminate a road hazard at the same time!

Seriously, though, maybe this year you should try something different. Instead of agonizing over what trinket you can put in the drawer and do without, how about reaching out to another, and show what having Christ in your heart really means? If you need a hint, go over and check out the 2007 AIDS Walk Houston website. The event is scheduled to take place this Sunday, and they're aiming to raise $1,000,000.00 to help people with HIV/AIDS. That, folks, is some serious $$$$MONEY$$$$$.

You can donate your time as either a volunteer or as a walker, or you can donate some much needed funds to this effort. Doing so will relieve you of your burden, bring you closer in your relationship with Him, while at the same time showing the world that Christians can in fact 'walk the walk'.

(Update: I received the following from the person who sent me the email that prompted this: )

Thanks for the posting. I am moved that you put so much thought into your blog response. I certainly hope the responses on the blog stir some emotion and awareness. I want to reassure you that I don’t feel my soul is in any danger if I don’t give something up. You see I was raised in the Catholic Church, and some of the traditions (brainwashing?) are still there. I too gave it more thought after I sent it to you all and pretty much see it the same way you do. I do still feel the desire to give up something I would miss … not because Christ’s sacrifice was not good enough for me, but quite the opposite. I had a friend that once mentioned he was fasting for a week (actually fasting during daylight hours only). When pressed as to why, he shared with me that he felt in a low spot on his faith walk and needed a lift. Every time he felt hunger it served as a reminder to think about his faith, and pray, even if just for a moment. I think the same way about giving that luxury up. Every time I miss it, I am reminded to think of our Lord and thank Him for what He gave us, and that all blessings flow from Him.

Again, thanks for putting thought into it. It makes me feel good that God has moved through me to move through you to move though others.

Your Brother In Christ!