Into the Wilderness: Ash Wednesday

Picture with coal ashes and quote: Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. - Genesis 3:19

I grew up Catholic, but these days, I consider myself a recovering Catholic. What people might not realize is that I still love Jesus—after all, he never said anything bad about gay people. While my faith has evolved and I’m now Protestant, I’ve carried some valuable lessons from my Catholic upbringing. One of the traditions I still practice is Lent. 

For me, Lent isn’t just about sacrifice—it’s about reflection and renewal. Every year, I give something up and add something meaningful to my life for 40 days. 

As the Bible says on Ash Wednesday: 

"Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." – Genesis 3:19 

This verse reminds me of humility, growth, and the fleeting nature of life. It’s a call to reflect on who we are, where we’ve been, and how we can do better. 

So this Lent, I’m committing to two things: 

1. Giving up soda pop—because I don’t drink enough water, and being intentional about my health is part of taking care of myself. 

2. Daily self-reflection on past relationships (both romantic and friendships)—owning my mistakes, acknowledging growth, and honoring the lessons I’ve learned. 

Every day for the next 40 days, I’ll be sharing reflections—some written, some as videos—on what I’ve learned from my relationships, the good and the bad, and how I want to move forward. This is about accountability, growth, and maybe even a little redemption. 

Why 40 Days? 

Lent mirrors Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). During that time, he fasted, prayed, and faced temptation. It wasn’t just a test of endurance—it was a time of preparation. He left the wilderness stronger, clearer in his mission, and ready to step fully into his purpose. 

Maybe we’re not wandering a literal desert, but we all go through wilderness seasons—times of struggle, questioning, and learning who we really are. Lent is an invitation to embrace that process, to sit with discomfort, and to emerge on the other side renewed. 

Finding Strength in a Chaotic World 

Let’s be real—the world is exhausting right now. The political climate is chaotic, injustices are rampant, and so many of us are walking around carrying frustration, fear, and fatigue. It’s easy to feel powerless, to let anger take over, or to burn out from constantly fighting battles we shouldn’t have to fight. 

But Lent reminds us that transformation starts within. If we want to face the world with clarity and purpose, we have to first confront our own mess—the ways we’ve fallen short, the ways we can grow, and the ways we can show up stronger. 

Reflection isn’t passive; it’s a tool for resilience. By engaging in this process, I hope to not only acknowledge where I’ve been but also prepare myself to be more intentional in how I move through the world—especially in times like these. 

So here’s to 40 days of reflection, renewal, and hydration. Here’s to stepping into the wilderness, coming out stronger, and facing the world with a little more clarity and purpose.