Post # 1
Member
950 posts
Busy bee
Hey all you Catholic bees,
What with tomorrow being Ash Wednesday, I thought it might be nice to start a thread to help us stick with our Lenten promises…but then contemplated that some Catholics might view it judgmentally (as in “that’s not a serious/appropriate Lenten sacrifice” or “I keep this between me & God”). So, before starting that thread (and possibly offending someone or opening a can of worms) I thought I’d take a poll.
What do you think about sharing your Lenten promise/sacrifice with others to help keep them?
Post # 3
Member
1465 posts
Bumble bee
Not Catholic but there are other denominations who observe Lent, such as Lutherans, etc. In my experience when I was growing up as a Lutheran (which I no longer subscribe to) where Lent was considered a serious part of church/school life, even if it didn’t extend into the home, the promises made were kept between you and God. But everyone has their own ideas on what works best for them, while realizing that everyone is human and will slip now and then.
Post # 4
Member
1135 posts
Bumble bee
I’m giving up french fries. Seriously. Today I’m going to get my fill and have fries with lunch and with dinner. Then, no fries for me.
We talk about this at work all the time. Some of my co-workers are giving up smoking, chips, pop, cookies, etc. Usually it’s a food thing. But I have no problem telling people.
Post # 5
Member
950 posts
Busy bee
Thanks for sharing, ladies! Any other opinions out there?
@all non-catholic bees: if Lent pertains to you, please feel free to answer. I didn’t mean to exclude any bees – I just ignorantly didn’t know other faiths made Lenten promises/sacrifices.
@whitesonnet: that’s what Fat Tuesday has traditionally been for, hasn’t it?!? 
Post # 6
Member
6009 posts
Bee Keeper
I really believe in the community approach to Lent. 🙂 I think that the support and encouragement of others can make you more dedicated to your Lenten promises, and can help strengthen your resolve to complete the sacrifice. Part of the reason I feel so strongly about Catholicism is because of the emphasis placed on the community instead of the individual, and for me this also extends to things like strengthening my personal spiritual life.
For Lent this year, I am cutting back on my internet time. I think I think I spend way too much time doing frivolous surfing, and I would like to refocus on other parts of my life (like spending more time outdoors with my husband and my dogs!).
I hope, if others do decide to take part in a support thread, we can refrain from judging one another. Every person is different, and what one person gives up may be a difficult sacrifice, even if another thinks it isn’t a serious enough commitment. Also, I think people have different ideas on the level of “seriousness” a Lenten promise should be: I hope we can all be appreciative that Lent is a time for self-improvement and bettering, no matter the “seriousness” of the approach. 🙂
Post # 7
Member
4123 posts
Honey bee
I’m always sharing mine. Sometimes too it’s things that you don’t necessarily cut out, but add to your life. i.e. once for lent I went to daily mass, something I’m tempted to do again…
The one thing I do know, is that once again, I’m NOT spending ANY money for lent. obviously, if I need shampoo or deodorant that’s one thing… but I give myself a strict food budget and can’t spend money on anything. which will be hard, there’s some movies coming out I want to see!
Post # 8
Member
2208 posts
Buzzing bee
I am no longer Catholic, but I still love to talk to my mom and dad about what they are doing for Lent, and I think that the community aspect CAN be really great. My mom usually gives up an indulgence and makes a real behaviour change. For many years she gave up being catty, so me being a part of it helped (do I wouldn’t launch into a cat fest about an ugly dress, for example).
I think as long as you post up front that no one needs to join in and that you recognize that many people make sacrifices that are best kept personal (I made a few of those), I can’t see how you will offend people.
Post # 9
Member
950 posts
Busy bee
Thanks for your feedback, ladies! I think you’ve helped me drum up the courage for a Lenten promise keeping thread! Please feel free to share as soon as it comes up!
