Well, Lent season is upon us! And I’ve never really practiced Lent before. I grew up in the Baptist tradition where we never really followed the church calendar (or at least if we did I was unaware of it??). But being in Christian circles for most of my life, I’ve always had a loose understanding of what Lent is… a time to give something up for self-improvement or for dieting purposes… right?
But this is the first time where I am actually practicing Lent and understanding what it really is. Lent isn’t so much about going on that sugar-free diet that I’ve been meaning to start, but it’s actually about letting go of whatever is twisting the desires of my heart away from the Lord. Lent ultimately is a reminder that apart from Christ we are nothing; truly, we are nothing. The season begins on Ash Wednesday, a day where the body of Christ comes together and is reminded of our mortality and our finite-ness. I was able to go to my very first Ash Wednesday service and it was a surreal and humbling experience. As I got up from my seat and made my way towards the front of the sanctuary, I remembered that I do the same thing every Sunday to receive communion. Except this time, instead of receiving the bread and wine, ashes were smeared on my forehead and I was told that I am dust, and to dust I shall return. Probably the most humbling thing I could ever hear.
So going back to the desires that are leading me away from the path of life. I wanted to give up something that would hurt, something that would be really challenging for me to walk away from, something that would allow me to rely on the Lord and look to Him for assurance and stability. As many of you may well know, I love social media. I love Instagram. I love TikTok. I love BeReal. I love sharing my life and I love how social media makes me feel connected to the friends who are no longer close to me geographically. And that’s not all bad! But for me, social media is a slippery slope. All the good things I like about social media and the good intentions I have can quickly turn to self-glorifying, self-consuming, and self-obsessive thoughts about how I am portrayed and how I measure up to others on these apps. And those thoughts and desires are not life-giving; they do not lead to Christ. And so, I decided to lay those things at the feet of Jesus. It’s been almost two weeks and I can honestly say that it has not been easy! I miss social media and the feeling of connectedness I had. But in those moments where I feel like something is missing, I want Jesus to fill that space. I try to pray in those moments and ask God to cleanse me from the inside out. Or maybe I’ll look at a piece of Scripture. I want to be reminded of God’s goodness constantly and that true joy and satisfaction can only come from Him.
And there are so many ways to feel connected without social media. During this lenten season, I also wanted to try to be more intentional with the people I care about by sending a text message or making a phone call. To me this feels even more personal than seeing a photo on Instagram. My prayer is that I will feel more connected during this season; connected to God and connected to the people He has given me, despite the loss of social media.
I will leave you with this blessing from Kate Bowler.
A Blessing as Lent Begins
Blessed are you, ready to open yourself to a new joy, a doorway that until now has been hidden.
In this culture of acquistion and gain, blessed are you who desire fresh ears to hear what might be a bit too loud. Who take the next step to turn it down a notch and make more space for God.
Who discipline yourself, with time, intention, and hope, anticipating God to show up in your discomfort. Trusting that when we need God, God promises to be there.
God, give me courage, give me strength, give me hunger for you. Let this set time of less be a chance for more of You.
Let this fast be an entrance into the discernment I desire, the divine presence I’m longing for, and the hope to will what You will, oh God, to be who You’ve called me to be.
— Kate Bowler, a blessing from Good Enough
May God bless our seasons of less!
Emily 💗💗