Trying Lent for the First Time

by Terri White

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you."

1 PETER 5:6-7

I grew up in the Baptist church, where we didn’t celebrate Lent but focused on the Holy Week and Resurrection. We had consecration services in the late spring, which involved fasting and prayer; that’s where I learned the fundamentals and importance of those actions.

So, of course, I had to conduct research on Lent, as this is the first time that I will be participating in this religious service. My personal perception is that Lent is a season of self-reflection and self-actualization. It’s a time to analyze what type of relationship you have with God and how far you are in your spiritual walk and/or growth. It’s about how you live your life in service to God and whether you actually follow Jesus’ teachings. 

I started thinking about when I first became unhoused; I was fearful, depressed, hopeless, and angry with myself. I didn't want to be out here on the street, and how could I allow this to happen to myself?

As I was going through it, I didn't want to ask for any assistance or support because I've always tried to be the giver, not the recipient. And, of course, I was asking God why I was going through all of this. What did I do wrong, and how do I fix my situation?

Then, I was so entrenched in my feelings that I forgot all about God at one point because I was in crisis. 

Well, God sure worked on me and had me in a situation where I needed immediate help. You all know that prayer is a wonderful and powerful thing, and this scripture seemed to be in my forefront and on my mind constantly: 1 Peter 5:6-7, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." 

That was my reminder that God's grace is sufficient; His grace and mercy endureth forever! I just needed to be obedient.

So, I thank God for grace and mercy as well as for allowing me to be a blessing to somebody else. I thank Jesus for all of the sacrifices he made just for me and am very grateful for Mercy Community Church. I know that through it all, I am blessed and highly favored in the midst of this storm.