A few years ago during Lent, my son-in-law Russ asked me if I wanted to meet him for a prayer session. Me? Pray? And with another family member? Needless to say I was excited. Russ gave me an address on Tustin St. in Orange, but I could not find the church. I called him and he explained that is was at someone’s home, and to just follow the address. This led me to Planned Parenthood. I was baffled and called Russ again. He instructed me as to where to park and told me he was almost there. I was uncomfortable and a little upset with the situation not being presented in an honest manner. The truth is that if Russ had told me where we were going, a big emphatic NO would have been my response. Russ explained to me that this was part of his penance for Lent. I looked at him, and asked him “Why would you assume that it was mine too?” I added that God did not make this my penance, He did not call me to do this. Boy was I wrong. The Lord did call me to be there at that very time and as much as I protested, I knew in my heart that it made a difference. Before this experience abortion was an “out of sight, out of mind” stance and now I was face-to- face with the opposition. I felt like an oddly potted tree in the middle of a concrete sidewalk . It took a while to ease into the role and to finally lift up my head. I prayed. First for the doctors, and then the assistants and all the other workers who were employees at the clinic.
A car pulled in with what looked like a mother and her very young daughter. I felt the pain for both of them, not judging them but praying for them to make the right choice. I was scared for the young lady, what I could see from where I was standing, she looked confused and sad. The mother refused to have eye contact with me and just my presence made her uncomfortable. I was the physical conscience for those who passed through the wide drive way. I was not holding any signs depicting how the procedures are done, because I could not find in myself to that.
Shortly after the the mother-daughter incident, came a young immature man, with loud music was blaring from his vehicle. He and his female companion made their way past the driveway. I prayed for them as well. All of us knowing that the decision that they were about to make would change the course of their lives forever. Some of you reading this may say it was for the better but this is not true. You can look up the statistics for yourself, if you question my writings. The damage from these heinous acts is not easily removed from the subconscious mind.
Lent is 40 days and when you make a commitment, remember it’s not to be taken lightly. When Moses was on Mt. Sinai in the presence of God for 40 days and 40 nights without eating or drinking anything, he was transformed (Ex. 34:29). His countenance changed and his face was bright red from being in the presence of God. We should all experience a transformation during the 40 days of Lent. Our Lord was tested in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights, with no food or water. This was to prepare Him for his public ministry. (Mt 4:2-6). The number 40 represent victory.
Yes, give up your sweets but don’t forget to incorporate prayer during your fast.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you today to seek your face. During these 40 days of Lent, help me Lord, to set aside special time for prayer. Lord transform me into the person you have called me to be. I graciously accept your perfect will in my life. Dear Lord, let me be an example of love to others, especially to those that struggle with their walk. Heavenly Father, you were with your Son Jesus in the desert, you were with Moses at Mt. Sinai, so be with me as I go 40 days in the wilderness to seek you. Make my face shine as you did for Moses, from being in your presence. Amen