Do you give up anything for Lent?
By soccermom
@soccermom (3198)
United States
February 26, 2007 11:29am CST
I remember when I was a kid we always observed Lent. Now that I'm older we don't. We don't in my household, and I haven't seen my parents do it in years either. It's really just my grandma who pays attention to it. I guess I'm asking because my Gma asked me what I had given up for Lent this year and I told her "crack" and she didn't appreciate my humor. So it got me thinking..did you observe Lent as a kid? Do you still do it now? Or has it just fallen by the wayside? My Gma called me a heathen and told me I'd burn for being a smarta** by the way. So I guess I'd better add it to the list of things I'm going to Hell for.
2 people like this
4 responses
@michelledarcy (5220)
•
26 Feb 07
I don't give up anything for lent.
I'm not a christian.
If I want to help with some bad habit, I just do it any time of the year, rather than waiting for lent. It seems to make more sense to do it when you want to rather than because you feel you have to.
1 person likes this
@soccermom (3198)
• United States
26 Feb 07
I was always under the impression you had willpower to give up bad habits when you are ready to do so, not just because it's Lent. I've been trying to stop smoking for years and it doesn't get easier to do so just because it's Lent, I seem to quit for a few days and end up right back at it. I guess maybe it's people that really have faith that are successful during this time of year.
@lauriefnp (5109)
• United States
26 Feb 07
LOL! I love your attitude- it sounds like me!
I was baptized, confirmed, and raised as a Lutheran. Back then we didn't get ashes on Ash Wednesday (they do it now in the Lutheran church, as they have become more "symbolic"). We never gave up anything for lent, as this was not the practice our religion. We could eat meat on Fridays during lent except for Good Friday. And of course we went to church and celebrated Easter. I am not into symbolism and don't believe that you have to have a crucifix, get ashes, or give up something for Lent to be a good person or a good Christian. I am the same person whether I go to church or not. I can pray and worship God from home or from wherever I am. As for you going to He*l for your beliefs, I guess that your grandmother is entitled to her opinions, but I don't agree with people who think this way. What counts is how you live your life 365 days of the year, whether you are in church, eating meat, eating chocolate during lent, or whatever.
@soccermom (3198)
• United States
26 Feb 07
LOL Last Wednesday I forgot it was Ash Wednesday and one of my policyholders came into my office and I was like "You have something on your forehead." and offered her a kleenex! She looked at me like I was so stupid. After she left the lady I worked with comes into my office and says, "you are such an idiot." but it was said with love. LOL
@SuperDheng (208)
• Philippines
26 Feb 07
we have this "pasyon" at home. it's an overnight singing of the book passion of christ(maundy thursday and good friday). year after year, i remember it since i was a child. but i think 5 years ago, my other siblings are already in another country. my eldest sister changed religion (born again), i'm the one left and mom (with some of the neighboors) doing this.
after i got married, my hubby wants me to observe lent with him with his home province. so since mom can't be doing this on her own, (with all the preparations and stuff)... she decided to stop the said tradition at home. but she sings with the neighboors house.
I keep my fasting on good fridays though. no eating anything, just water.
@awonderfullife (2893)
• United States
31 Mar 07
I observe Lent as far as not eating meat on Fridays, but I didn't give up anything this year. I usually do try to give up something-- something silly like choclate-- but this year I never came up with anything. Maybe next year!
