Yesterday we had Ash Wednesday across the world in the Christian Communities. I know at least the Catholic and Lutheran faiths. As people were marked with the Sign of the Cross, they were given the reminder of how Christ died for us on the Cross. So, this Lenten season I give you all a 40-day challenge maybe even shorter. Before you eat say your prayers and thank the Lord for the meal that you are about to receive. Do something for someone else. When you go out fast a little and order something smaller. I know it may not be done by all since of health issues and all so if you do that do it if you are able too.
This Lent I am reading and studying the Bible front to back then I am also finding ways to add it into my everyday life and write little homilies (sermons) with each reading. Tuesday before Lent began, I was at a Funeral, and it was heartbreaking to see someone who had helped so many young adults and children grow in their faith.
I took that time during the wake and funeral to reflect on how they had touched my heart and taught me so much.
The hardest thing is for the Deacon who now is without his wife, and kids without a loving mother.
So, this Lenten season I give everyone a Lenten challenge:
Married and Struggling: Fireproof (40-day love challenge)
Single and you're struggling with temptation: Grab a Bible instead and put your phone down.
In a relationship and it is struggling begin to pray and ask for guidance with your journey to have a stronger relationship with your partner or even boyfriend or girlfriend.
I wanted to say an example of how I changed someone's day by being just like Christ.
On my way to School one morning a cool but not to cool morning I decided to stop and get myself coffee and something to eat before going into school. I saw a homeless lady sleeping in her car, it broke me to see that while I had a nice warm bed to sleep in and be safe every night she was in her car. I bought her a doughnut and a coffee and knocked on her car window. She thought I was a Police Officer since I was wearing a reflective vest and a radio to talk with my friend whom I was riding my bike to Highschool with. She said, " Sorry Officer I will move." I said in reply, "I am not a police officer no need to move I wanted to give you this as it was pay day for me and I should share with you something." From that day forward when I see her car I say a prayer. When I see her, I say, "Hello" as that day when she got something from me not only did, she received food, but she received a friend in Christ.
Say this Lent prayer,
Lord, I come before you with a broken heart and sinful heart and I ask you to cleanse me of my sins and help me to be more like you. Let me show love, kindness and a helping hand for those in need. Let me be an instrument of your peace and love. Amen