Lent for the Non-Catholic Catholic

I think perhaps being an ex-Catholic is like being an ex-Marine. It's not possible. If Catholicism has been a part of your life, especially your early life, I think it gets down in your soul and informs the person you become even if you choose a different church later as I have (I'm a sort of Methodist-Congregational type now, LOL).

I told someone this morning that when Brady was getting very anxious about tornadoes coming last year, the only thing I could think to do was say, "Here, hold a Rosary!" And what do you know, it worked and really had a calming effect. He sleeps with one by his bed too.

I have practiced Lent ever since I can remember.  I've at times given up everything from alcohol to sweets to popcorn to fried foods.  I love Lent and the idea of sacrificing, forgoing our sense of instant gratification, working on becoming a better person, focusing more on our God.

But a couple years ago, after I'd joined the Methodist church but committed to continuing the Lent tradition, I decided not to give up in the traditional way. I decided to "give up" blocks of time devoted to reading the Bible. I made it through Matthew, Mark, Luke and John during that time and it was really a wonderful, eye opening experience.

In that same fashion, this year I am going to finally read the book a friend loaned to me months and months ago. Here it is. I am excited about what reading this book might teach me. To all my fellow current and former Catholics: Happy Lent!