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“Be Bold”
We’re off and running! The 2025 Lenten Season has begun, and quoting Monty Python, “There is much rejoicing.”
Not really. Lent is not exciting. I work hard to dress it up, but really, I’m putting lipstick on a celery stalk. I’m guessing you thought I was going to say, “pig”, but I can’t do that because it’s Lent, and anyone who gave up pork for Lent doesn’t need any additional temptation.
A lipstick-colored pig might be too much to handle.
This sarcastic humor is a result of one week’s worth of sacrifices. In the last week, I’ve suffered through fasting and a myriad of Lenten Challenges, not to mention the other personal things I’m trying to accomplish. The tunnel ahead isn’t exactly dark, but it’s grey enough to remind me that I need to be prepared to suffer withdrawal as I let go of some of the things I’ve grown accustomed to since last Easter.
I’m not sure how or why I’ve arrived at this place. The last year has been filled with so many challenges that if I have adopted an unhealthy behavior pattern (or two), then it’s probably okay. I’ve needed some things to help me cope with challenges this past year, and it’s doubtful that anyone would think I’m heading down a dangerous path.
No, I’m not in a place of danger. I doubt anyone taking the time to read this is in harm’s way, but one never knows. The last thing I would want to do is to put a burden on anyone during Lent, especially because I would not want anyone else to do that to me. I’m still recovering from last year, so adding more weight to my shoulders isn’t going to help.
Instead, I’m looking for ways to improve my situation. I need to unload some things, sure, but I also need to add some things back to my life that will help strengthen and encourage me. That’s what I’ve wanted to do for Lent this year by adopting the Lenten theme,
“Bold for God,” this year. I don’t need any more gimmicks. Nor do I need any more roofers,
tile installers, or electricians. I need authentic, effective, and real help.
What do you think? What do you need? I’m trying to help us think. The daily Lenten Challenges that we’re posting at the Chapel are tools to help all of us think about our relationship with God. I’m not expecting that every day’s Lenten Devotion will be helpful for everyone. Instead, I’m hoping that the diversity of the Daily Challenges will stir imaginations about something we can do for the LORD and, in the process, help ourselves.
During these next six weeks, be bold. Be strong. Keep it private. I hope and pray that, sometime during this Lenten Season, each of us is able to discover something that we can do for the LORD.
God Bless, Brock
Brock’s Email Address: revbrock@longboatislandchapel.org
(If you want the daily devotions sent to your email, tell me what address to send it to!)
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