This title caught my eye this evening because I am exhausted, too. Another chronically ill human here, and this Lent has felt different in a similar way for me, as I wrote to my email newsletter last week: "Maybe I shy away from fasting because life already feels like a fast. I've already lost so much. I'm already in the tension. Maybe my body and her fear know more than I do about Lent. I don't have to give anything up. I don't need to widen the gap. If anything, I need to close it. I need practices of joy and hope. I need my eyes on the horizon of resurrection today, not in 40 days."
Thank you for being an "amen" of sorts for me via your writing today.
Yes - amen to your writing! Did you know that once a week, on Sundays during Lent, they were meant to be feast days? Even in a season of fasting (though we tend to do Lent practices unbroken). I wonder if that is a way of reframing it for you - you live in permanent fasting, so you need to plan for feasting. Much love to you
Fabulous post. Thank you for sharing. I went to Mass to get my ashes this evening and this morning through His Word in my daily reading plan I was in Numbers and learned all about how God required His people to use ashes in various purification ceremonies. That also seems relevant at the start of Lent. I'm going away for a few days to have some prayer ministry and to lay down a few burdens to usher in some life and resurrection. :D
I loved this book and the way Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes connects self-care with spiritual growth, connectedness, and service. I agree that many of us don't need more deprivation!
In recent Lent years I've enjoyed adding something that feels meaningful (rather than fasting from something), e.g. sitting outdoors daily for a few minutes doing nothing, or reading a different prayer every day (there are so many gorgeous ones) from Cole Arthur Riley's book Black Liturgies.
Thank you for expressing so clearly how I feel, without my realising this is how I feel. I too am overwhelmed by World news, but try and comment, share or join in petitions where I can. Even writing to Ministers and my MP.
As you say, having ME means we have already given up so much, and not through choice. But still, with my faith, needing to feel thankful and Blessed daily. Bless you.
This title caught my eye this evening because I am exhausted, too. Another chronically ill human here, and this Lent has felt different in a similar way for me, as I wrote to my email newsletter last week: "Maybe I shy away from fasting because life already feels like a fast. I've already lost so much. I'm already in the tension. Maybe my body and her fear know more than I do about Lent. I don't have to give anything up. I don't need to widen the gap. If anything, I need to close it. I need practices of joy and hope. I need my eyes on the horizon of resurrection today, not in 40 days."
Thank you for being an "amen" of sorts for me via your writing today.
Yes - amen to your writing! Did you know that once a week, on Sundays during Lent, they were meant to be feast days? Even in a season of fasting (though we tend to do Lent practices unbroken). I wonder if that is a way of reframing it for you - you live in permanent fasting, so you need to plan for feasting. Much love to you
The Lord gave me a word yesterday. The word is 'warrior'. I think it is for you.
Thank you- I will ponder that in my heart.
So imperfectly perfect. Thank you.
Thank you x
Fabulous post. Thank you for sharing. I went to Mass to get my ashes this evening and this morning through His Word in my daily reading plan I was in Numbers and learned all about how God required His people to use ashes in various purification ceremonies. That also seems relevant at the start of Lent. I'm going away for a few days to have some prayer ministry and to lay down a few burdens to usher in some life and resurrection. :D
Thank you, Dawn! I’m praying that your days away are beautifully restorative to you
I loved this book and the way Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes connects self-care with spiritual growth, connectedness, and service. I agree that many of us don't need more deprivation!
In recent Lent years I've enjoyed adding something that feels meaningful (rather than fasting from something), e.g. sitting outdoors daily for a few minutes doing nothing, or reading a different prayer every day (there are so many gorgeous ones) from Cole Arthur Riley's book Black Liturgies.
Thanks for your comment! I like your take on Lent. I also love the prayers from Black Liturgies.
Thank you for expressing so clearly how I feel, without my realising this is how I feel. I too am overwhelmed by World news, but try and comment, share or join in petitions where I can. Even writing to Ministers and my MP.
As you say, having ME means we have already given up so much, and not through choice. But still, with my faith, needing to feel thankful and Blessed daily. Bless you.
I’m cheering you on as you walk this difficult path.
Hi Tanya I am really struggling with believing anything at the moment and actually I found your post so relevant- am sending you much love xx
I’m really glad. I hope you can be gentle on yourself - God is gentle.
From one vicar’s wife to another - gentleness in the church is a really undervalued gift; true compassion is rare. Thank you.
I have that book but haven't done much with it right now. Hope you feel more like you soon
Thanks, Andrea