A few years ago I participated in my first Ash Wednesday service. It was at Lookout Mountain Church and my friend and co-pastor Aram (who comes from an Armenian Orthodox background) administered the ashes to my forehead.
At first I thought, "do I need to cross myself, or genuflect, or say to him in response, 'l'chaim!'" I didn't do anything. Just let his word to me sink in:
"From dust you have come, to dust you will return." Bombshell! Those words cut through my self-sufficiency, control, and sense of self-worth. There I was with a cross of ashes on my forehead beginning a new tradition of these 40 days of Lent.
This year I am doing something new in this season. I will attend early morning prayers at the Next Level Church for the next 4 Fridays, 7:30 to 8:00am. A good way to end a work-week and begin the weekend during this important season.
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