Lent?

Do you celebrate Lent, Fat Tuesday, and Ash Wednesday? If so, then why do you? Growing up in a main line denomination, I too went through the ritualistic events every year. I thought and believed that these rituals are what Christians do. In some wierd way I saw significance and understanding to these rituals because that is what others professed to me, including the church. I thought "Why would thousands upon thousands of people go through Ash Wednesday and display those ashes all day in public if it wasn't so?"
Lent is not scriptural at all. No where does it say in scripture that we should celebrate and go through these acts. Let me explain in 'Common Words' the short of this season. Beginning monday people live it up in debauchery, lewdness, drunkeness, etc, until midnight Tuesday knowing that Wednesday would be ash Wednesday and then reflect on Jesus death and resurrection. You did not have to give up everything that was wrong in your life, but at least one things and only for 40 (forty) days.
When I became a 'Real' Christian this season of Lent and all the man made affiliation's with it only became more questionable and down right hypocritical. When I had surrendered my life to the Lord for real, I surrendered everything...all. 'BC' (Before Christ) I would give up Drinking, Gambling, or Cussing fully knowing that it would only be for 40 (forty) days. How could I focus on the cross and the meaning of the season when I began counting the days before I cold pick these things back up? SO, Lenten celebrations and ituals are merely a mockery of what 'Real' Christainity is all about. Dying to self of all things that keep you from righteousness is for life and not a season. Many view 'Lent' also as a time of fasting, but from just one or several things, not all.
I pray that each of you that read this blog will see that 'freedom in Christ' and being a Christain is an everday offering to the Lord, and not a 40 (forty) day partial fast. If we truly 'Believe' in the death and resurrection of Christ, then we will lay down anything in our life that is not pure. We will not party no more with hopes of getting cleaned up for a span of time. To me.....Everyday is Lent and Dying to self of anything that is not right in my life. This is the same for all who are true Christians. Learn more about this season and share with people the true gospel of Jesus Christ that changes lives for eternity~