the Lent we never asked for

Much like an unwelcome diagnosis, or a sudden accident or unexpected death, who could have predicted how Lent of 2020 burst in and suddenly transformed our lives forever.

In truth, we have all experienced personal moments like this before. Events that stop us in our tracks and almost always force us to our knees. With one phone call, or medical diagnosis, or accident, or the birth of a baby— life as we know it is changed forever.

But seldom do we experience those moments together, as a community. Here in Oklahoma, the bombing of the Murrah building — 25 years ago this April 19 — was such an event. Everyone was affected, changed, transformed. It is not an exaggeration to say that the fabric of our identity as a city and a state was shaped and changed forever that morning. 

And now here we are, facing an unthinkable and unimaginable crisis as a global community. It is truly beyond my ability to ingest, let alone comprehend. 

And yes, it is Lent. 

Last year at this time, my Lent was a struggle to accept the newly revealed diagnosis of being a heart patient. I didn’t want it. I didn’t ask for it. And it was not the Lenten journey I would have chosen.

So forgive me for sounding — and being — selfish when I say, I am truly grateful to have company in this year’s challenging Lenten and Holy Week journey! 

Let me explain. I am not saying that I wish suffering or hardship or darkness upon anyone. But I am genuinely thankful to be reminded that we walk together on this earthly journey, with all the bumps and unforeseen things that we are and will encounter.

The devil wants to tell us that our suffering and our pain is unique, that no one else feels what we feel, and that no one can understand what we are going through, how difficult life can be.

Don’t believe him. 

We are all uncomfortable. We are all in unfamiliar and uncharted territory. We are all struggling, experiencing dis-ease, out of our comfort zone. We are all, in our very specific, personal situations, on a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage. 

It is a pilgrimage we didn’t choose. True! May it be a good reminder that God is here and in control.

From my porch in Oklahoma City, I will be praying for you and your Holy Week! ❤️