Day One: Ready or Not – Ash Wednesday

Did anyone else forget Lent was beginning this week? Just me?

What a nuts year 2022 has already been. With everything going on in the world, calendar items have seemed distant…even when they’re only a couple of days away in actuality.

Lent has arrived whether I’m ready or not, and I feel…raw. Honestly, I’m a mess right now, but part of me is quite excited by the idea of a time to focus, to cleanse, to prepare.

Which brings me here, dear readers. For the next 40 days, I am going to do what I do best: write.

No fancy frills, no real structure, just a desire to reset. Christ journeyed to the cross knowing the promise of resurrection would be fulfilled. Yet he also knew of the pain and torment and anguish awaiting him.

Because of Jesus, I am not destined to suffer. However, I do feel “in the weeds,” scouring for the bursts of light that inevitably breakthrough the darkest of circumstances. Ash Wednesday feels pitch black.

In John 9:5, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world.” Well folks, this is me stepping into the light.

I hope you’ll journey with me this Lenten season, whether you, yourself, are working toward Easter or just seeking a relatable voice in this hour of night. May we all emerge…lighter.

God bless you friends,

Rachel