Fasting for real
So I’m thinking that my columns in The Oklahoman have jinxed me.
I wrote a column before Christmas about being thankful for things that money can’t buy, things that I think come from God, like love and compassion. Then my house was burglarized and some items were taken that I had bought for my children.
Recently I blogged about possibly fasting or abstaining from some of my favorite old sitcoms like “Frasier” during Lent. Then this past Saturday, I wrote a column about being mindful of the spiritual premise of fasting.
Well Sunday my own pastor called an all-church fast for one week.
We are to abstain from meat, breads, sugar or sweetener, fried foods and soft drinks. Add to this list items with sugar – and there’s to be no salt to season the food we do eat.
I’m going to be straight — the food part is something that my family has adjusted to pretty well. We can eat fruits, vegetables, 100% fruit juice and whole grains. We can use herbs for seasoning. It has definitely given us a new appreciation for all the splendid varieties of fruits and vegetables. And salt — I never knew I loved ya.
Here’s the kicker: We also are fasting from television, movies and the Internet, although the Internet can be used for Bible study.
We are to use this time of fasting to pray, particularly with our families.
Without the TV and Internet (this includes video games, I had to tell my son) , there should be ample family time and moments to reconnect and explore biblical teachings and each other.
So my plan to possibly abstain from sitcoms became a literal fast. I have to tell you, I don’t think I would have done it all by myself. It’s one week and I’m sure I will make it. One loooonnngggg week, but yes, I will make it through.
Who can ever question whether or not God had a sense of humor?
Of course He does!
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
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