This reflection is challenging.
I know I’m often tempted to “work backwards” from my desired outcome/impression/position to fashion or refashion a narrative that suits my purpose. When talking to folks who weren’t there and who have no way to verify any other version of the story I might tell, I can tweak things so I come out on top.
Jesus doesn’t put up with that.
Read the rest here: Lenten Reflections: Refusing To Reframe My Past, Embracing Truth
Today’s fast is appearances.
When my kids were young we watched a movie in which one of the female characters worked hard to keep up a perfect appearance in hopes of “catching her man”. But all her efforts were undone by a child who saw through the fake.
“Does your face hurt?”, asked the little girl, referring to the obvious strain required to try to keep that smile exactly right.
I’ve often thought about how much energy I’ve wasted trying to pretend that I’m something I’m not.
It’s especially tempting to put on that “holy habit” when I walk through the doors of church or gather for a women’s ministry event.
Read the rest here: Lenten Reflections: Letting Go of Masks and Making Space for Authenticity
Today’s Fast: APATHY
In a society drowning in bad ‘news’, apathy can seem an attractive alternative to absorbing the insane amount of planetary pain the Internet brings to our attention every waking moment. However, the antonyms of apathy are not absorption, activism or even emotionalism; they are sympathy, sensitivity and concern.
Alicia Britt Chole
Holy gets angry.
When the things that break God’s heart break mine, it’s natural and right that my spirit cries for justice.
Read the rest here: Lenten Reflections: Fasting Apathy-Making Space for Holy Anger
If you’ve ever spent even a minute in an museum of art you’ve probably run across some old paintings where saints are signified with round rings of light over their heads.
Halos were meant to be a shorthand for identifying the truly righteous from ordinary folk.
Problem is, more often than not the standards applied by those making the distinction are not the true standards God reveals in His word and by the example of Jesus, His Son.
So today we are fasting halos-false definitions of holy-and making room for the TRULY holy which often makes us uncomfortable.
Read the rest here: Lenten Reflections: Making Space For the TRULY Holy
I picked this book up on a whim years ago not knowing how wonderful and insightful and helpful it would be as I hurtled toward the eight year mark of Dom’s leaving for Heaven.
Yet every single day when I turned the page to the next discussion and reflection there was a fresh awakening in my spirit to something I needed to explore.
I understand how a heart wants to wall itself off after prayers go unanswered (please don’t regale me with, “But they are all eventually answered”); plans fall apart; others’ sinful actions pound a soul to dust; and lives sacrificially poured out on the table of service are abruptly and unceremoniously cut short.
Why hope if hope is never realized (on this mortal plane)?
Read the rest here: Lenten Reflections: Making Space For Vulnerability
How many of you enjoy looking at Pinterest or other idea-generating Internet sites? How many of the ideas you’ve saved have ever resulted in actual projects?
I think spectatorship has been elevated to an entirely new level with social media.
It’s easy to do in real life too! I can stand by and watch others getting involved and making a difference and convince my heart that’s the same thing as doing something.
Read the rest here: Lenten Reflections: Fasting Spectatorship-Choosing to Participate
You know what makes me very, very sad?
When those who follow Jesus are parsimonious they proclaim by action that the God we serve is Himself limited and stingy.
And that is a lie.
So today’s fast is stinginess.
Don’t get me wrong-don’t start a string of comments that pit one economic system against another, please. BUT-God’s economy is NOT a zero-sum “game” where if one person receives plenty another goes wanting.
Read the rest here: Lenten Reflections: Letting Go of Stinginess, Living a Generous Life
It’s particularly unfortunate that the term chosen for physically distancing ourselves during the recent pandemic was “social distancing”. Because we are not created to remain socially distant/isolated from other human beings.
The toll shows. Elderly folks stuck behind doors, unable to talk freely and often with others withered away from isolation as often as the virus. It’s become obvious that children have suffered as well.
ALL of us need connection.
Read the rest here: Lenten Reflections: Fasting Isolation, Choosing Community
If I read the Gospels and really put myself in the story, I would have to admit that I may well have wanted to “protect” Jesus from some of those that sought His help and His blessing.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of deciding who might be worthy of God’s time and attention.
Read the rest here: Lenten Reflections: Welcoming Those Whom Jesus Loves
Uncertainty is quite revealing. The unknown triggers different reactions in different hearts and exposes our souls’ defaults. Ambiguity reveals where we instinctively go to feel the illusion of security again.
Alicia Britt Chole
Wow! Can I identify with this!
One of the things I’ve learned in this life I didn’t choose is that the earthquake of child loss revealed all the weak spots in my character and my faith.
When faced with uncertainty and lack of control, I desperately want to bring order to my wildly disordered world.
Read the rest here: Lenten Reflections: Letting Go of Avoidance and Choosing to Engage
thelifeididntchoose 