I was not raised Catholic but hubby was and I have a deep interest in the Episcopal faith (which is the denomination we chose to be married in). I have always liked the idea behind Lent even though I have never participated in it before. It seems very fitting to give something up in order to allow yourself to get closer to God. So this year I have decided to participate in Lent by giving up "trash" tv. (Game shows and reality television) We don't have cable at our house but do get a few stations and I am embarrassed to say that on days that I did stay home from school game shows, Maury and Jerry Springer were how I spent my time.
When deciding what in my life seemed pointless and possibly even harmful to my spiritual self these television shows are what kept coming to my mind. The game shows I don't think are really bad, but once I start watching those the tv stays on through the rest of the afternoon lineup so it seemed best to give them all up. In addition to giving up these television shows I am going to work my way through a devotional book and start attending an Episcopal church I found near our home.
I have never lost my faith but am ready to get more serious about it and to become closer to God. A series of events including the death of a friend and severe episodes of OCD have left me with a fear of attending church. (My OCD is religious based but that is a story for another time.) This Lent/Easter season I am finally ready to face those fears and I think that God will help me find my personal way to worship him again.
Blessings to you all.
THAT is such a good one! I am the same way, when I have an extra hour, I fend myself watching something like The Bachelor.... not so great. Usually in my family it's alcohol or sugar or something like that that's given up for lent. But I like your idea way better!
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