The Post About A Baptist in the Land of Lent

#1. I grew up in the Baptist church.

#2. Because of #1, there are some inalienable truths about me.

#3. Some of those truths:
   a. I know the words to most classic hymns, minus the 3rd verses.
   b. I think eating while studying the Bible makes it easier to understand.
   c. I don't manage the conga line at weddings as well as my Catholic friends.
   d. I own 17 copies of the Bible.
   e. I believe God's presence to be the strongest on the last 2 pews.

One thing I never knew much about was Lent. Here's one description of this special season:

The 40 days of Lent that lead to Easter are the most sacred and spiritually powerful in the Christian calendar. From the Ash Wednesday reminder to "remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return," to the the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, to the joyful Easter song of "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" -- Lent is a time when Christians are invited to examine our faith, and deepen the commitment to live the Christian life.

For the last 10 years, I've embraced this chance to reflect and take stock of my faith. Last year, Lent was one of the most fascinating times of fasting as I turned off the TV for 46 days.

I was changed by it. For the better.

This year, I researched and asked God to show me what He might have me break up with until Easter.

His clear response was "Everything."

Umm...

God reminded me how distracted I get. I, in turn, reminded Him of my ADD diagnosis. He countered with various scriptures about loving Him because of my weaknesses.

That awkward conversation led to a discovery this Seasons of Lent Guide from The Village Church. (pdf)

This guide suggests a fast for each week based on the noise in our lives.
Week 1: Food
Week 2: Television and Movies
Week 3: Social Networking and Internet
Week 4: Caffeine and Sweets
Week 5: Radio and Music
Week 6: Shopping for Non-Essentials
Week 7: Sleep
Note: The guide encourages you not to make Weeks 1 & 7 absolute fasts.

That's where I begin tomorrow. I plan to post weekly about my journey into this clutter-free wilderness.

We shall see.

A couple of other great resources for Lent (and if you start a little late, don't fret!)

• 40 Ideas for Lent by Rachel Held Evans
• Lent at Home by Kristen at This Classical Life

Do you practice Lent? What are you fasting? Have you fasted in the past? Tell me everything.

{image: Jamie}