3 Things You Never Considered Giving Up For Lent
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Ashley Haynes
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Lent is a period of 40 days that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter. It is a time of reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal for Christians around the world. The origin of Lent can be traced back to the early Christian church when new converts were instructed in the faith and prepared for baptism. This period of instruction and preparation usually lasted for several weeks or even months, during which time the converts fasted, prayed, and did acts of charity. Eventually, the practice of Lent was extended to the entire Christian community as a way of deepening one’s faith and preparing for the celebration of Easter.
One of the most well-known aspects of Lent is fasting. Many Christians choose to give up something during Lent, such as a favourite food or activity, as a way of practising self-discipline and focusing on their spiritual life. The idea behind fasting is to create space in one’s life for God, and to remind oneself of the sacrifices that Jesus made on behalf of humanity.
While it is very popular to give up the more tangible temptations, there are others things to give up for lent that you may not have considered before. If you give up these three things for Lent, then you deserve all the bun and cheese in the world. Here are three things you should consider giving up for Lent this year.
Red Eye
Red eye: The Jamaican term for covetousness; wanting to possess something that someone else has.
When someone has “red eye”, they desire what someone else has, even if they already have something similar of their own. Being ‘red eye” can lead to a never ending cycle of dissatisfaction, because you will never be content with what you have. This period of lent is the perfect time for you to practise gratitude and self-reflection. Actively stave off “red eye” by engaging in self awareness and. Instead of focusing on what others have, be grateful for all that you already have.
Badmind
Badmind: A Jamaican phrase to describe negative thoughts and feelings of envy and resentment towards another person, especially after they have revealed good fortune. It consists of feelings of jealousy that involve slanderous gossip or actively plotting their downfall. This can be compared to the evil eye; a look filled with malice and envy towards the prosperity of others.
Badmind can be disguised as unresolved issues in our lives that are left to fester. Mental health is a key factor in our daily life, from work to interpersonal relationships. It can be uncomfortable to approach friends and family with certain issues, so the best remedy is to talk things out with a licensed mental health professional. This can be a great way to get an objective view of things that are bothering you and to take care of your mental health at the same time.
If you have sought professional help for your badmind, yet you are still struggling , you might need to enlist the help of divine intervention. Call on your pastor, Iman, or any spiritual guru to help you. You might need to buy some sage or a gallon of olive oil.
Draw Out
It is a well known fact that Jamaicans are a hot-headed bunch. Conversations quickly turn heated at the slightest shift in tone, arguments brew over the smallest of things, with no diffusing. It is safe to say that Jamaicans are the first to “tek draw out”.
To “ tek draw out” means that you take the bait when someone is provoking you or pressuring you into doing something you don’t want to do. It is usually done to elicit an emotional response and make you look like the fool in the situation. For lent in 2023, give up succumbing to “draw out”. Before responding to something petty, pause and ask if it is really worth your time and energy.
That coworker that keeps making snide comments wants you to get upset and waste your energy on responding to foolishness. You might believe that by responding, you are making sure nobody can “style” you, but you lose every time. As Mrs. Obama once said, when they go low, we go to HR. Rise above.
By participating in Lent, Christians are reminded of the sacrifice that Jesus made on behalf of humanity, and are inspired to live out their faith in tangible ways in the world around them. Remove these things from your life this season and slowly but surely become a better person. Then you can reward yourself with a heavenly piece of Jamaican Bun and Cheese.
