A recurring image in this blog series on Bipolar Disorder is the image of light shining out of darkness. So, I picked this picture to celebrate the beginning of Lent.
Lent should be celebrated.
Lent should be celebrated by letting go of something.
People give up something for Lent. Chocolate, cigarettes, meat, booze, sex, Facebook...whatever.
Don't give up something. Let go of something. Let go of something and celebrate.
Let go of anxiety. Let go of worry. Let go of resentment.
What? Did I hear you say it's too hard, that I don't know how severe your anxiety gnaws, how deep your worry plummets, how harsh your resentment of some one or some thing?
Whatever it is, whatever it takes...
Just. Let. It. Go.
For 40 days.
And celebrate...
The resurrection of our Lord.
For after Lent comes crucifixion and after crucifixion, death.
But after death there comes resurrection...
And resurrection is a glorious event.
I know. My recovery from the devastating effects of having Bipolar Disorder and not taking meds is like being raised from the dead.
And you can be raised, too.
Let go of something for Lent this year.
And celebrate rebirth.
Here's an amazing video meditation on Lent from Christine Sine. Here's her blog, Godspace.
Gene-
ReplyDeleteThanks. This is a powerful message. I celebrate with you!
Tim
:-)
ReplyDeleteI like this a lot. I'm letting go of self-doubt this season; something I've struggled with my whole life. Resurrection indeed! :)
ReplyDeleteYou go, girl!
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that "letting go" seems to work in almost every season! A few Advents ago, I found myself walking around with my fists clenched most of the time (figuratively and literally). In reflecting on the Advent lectionary, I kept thinking, "Let go, and be open to something new."
ReplyDeleteThank you, too, for reminding us to "let go" instead of "give up". A wise minister once mentioned that if we give up something temporarily for Lent, then we look forward to Easter for the wrong reasons.
(and is anybody else sick of other people moaning about missing their chocolate/wine/sex/etc. during Lent? -- Oops, please excuse cranky-bear. I have NOT given up coffee for Lent, and I certainly need a cup right now!)
Thinking abt how Advent developed in the Liturgical Calendar as a mini-Lent.
ReplyDeleteBetter get ur coffee!