Over the centuries, Christians have typically seen Lent as a time of self-examination. A time for us to reflect on our lives and our relationship with God through prayer and some form of self-denial. Pastor Chris Seay, in his new book A Place at the Table, is inviting you to take a journey with Jesus this Lent, through 40 days of solidarity with the poor.
If you sponsor a child you have probably tried to imagine as best you could what life is like for them growing up in poverty, but that’s all you can really do…imagine. But what if you could experience it. Would it change you?
Some say that poverty is essentially a lack of choice and opportunity. In this book, Chris Seay has put together a compelling opportunity to try and think and feel like a sponsored child, and emerge from the experience with a better understanding of their lives.
Here’s the challenge: could you take on a similar diet to your sponsored child for a sustained period of time? It would mean denying yourself of luxuries, of choice, of snacks and convenience. Instead of waking up with the decision between cereal, a fry-up or a continental breakfast it could mean plain porride…every day. (This is just an example. The book suggests that you tailor your fast and commit to that for the duration of Lent.)
It would be a true sacrifice, but one that would unite you with your sponsored child.
“I believe that when we lay down our desires and begin to seek the heart of God we will become radically different people on the other side of these 40 days.”
How about it? Are you up for it?
Towards the end of last year, Fiona Morton accepted the challenge and she has emerged with a totally different approach to food. Check out her blog for inspiration.
Buy your copy of A Place at the Table at Amazon.
Tags: a place at the table, child poverty, child sponsorship, compassion, diet, fast, lent, solidarity
