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Spiritual Beliefs
The idea behind giving up is the same as the more recent and in vogue "taking on". From the sideline I have the opinion that it is indeed a rare thing that either giving up or taking on lasts beyond the 40 days and 40 nights of the season. Once Easter arrives we tend to forget from which we have come and in the mode of celebrating Easter, go right back to where we were before Lent was in our thoughts or on our lips. There is purpose to the season and it was never intended to be a seasonal whim or limitation. We "give up" or "take on" in Lent to amend our lives. We deny ourselves so that we may be about the work of doing for others who may be in need more than ourselves. We take on as an inner pledge of making a difference in the world. If giving up alcoholic beverage does the above, then by all means give up alcohol. If abstaining from candy or sugar does the above, I salute the noble deed. If taking on the study of your faith is beneficial to how you deal with the world, then there is a chance that the world will be a better place. A story of two friends came across the wire service recently that hit home for me. Two former athletes, former teammates are setting a standard for people that is incredible. One of these men went on to play professional football; the other enjoys sports now as a pastime, as he is a businessman. Their story is however, unique because of who they are and what they have done. This story has become a Lenten awareness for me this year. The pro athlete found his health failing and after examination, doctors announced that his kidneys were failing him. The prognosis was dim: dialysis at best, the probable early end of his life. His friend responded to his wife in great mental and spiritual anguish, that he wanted to help but knew not what to do. She helped him to come to the conclusion that donating one of his kidneys could save the life of his friend. Objection came from his family of origin, especially his mother. "You see," said the reporter on the radio, "there is not a great percentage among African Americans of organ donation." His mother was frightened and voiced her concern. For a short period of time the man agonized about what to do. As he watched this former strong, professional athlete's body discolor and wither he made his decision. The operation was planned, executed and was quite successful. Both men are doing well. When asked how he felt about receiving such a gift, the athlete said, jokingly of his friend the donor, "I'm going to be around for a long time...and I know that he will always hold it over my head." The laughter from the reporters by his bedside gave the two men an almost instantaneous mutual reaction. They decided to go on the road with their story. They decided to "take on" something about a "giving up". Together these men are going around the country to encourage other African American people to consider organ donation. As a person who signed on to organ donation years ago, I applaud their stand. More so, I rejoice in their joint gift. These guys are doing exactly what I believe God calls us to do during the penitential season of Lent. Selfexamination has led both of them to give of themselves for the betterment of humanity. There is no way of knowing how far, wide or deep their efforts will go in arousing interest. I hope that in time this message will spread to the entire community, rather than being targeted in just one ethnic zone. If that branching out has not already taken place, I feel that it will happen when the tale of togetherness is told.
Lent? It ain't just for Roman Catholics, Episcopalians or Lutherans anymore. Anyone can use this time as a moment of amendment. Life changing attitudes begin by life changing actions, whether it be taking on or giving up. Following the way of the cross (a Lenten theme) is never easy, and yes it does cost, but when it is with the intent to see life differently, it matters.
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