My First Lent 2025)

After such a rough and challenging 2024, I knew I needed to let God and Jesus know how grateful I was for getting me through that season. And I thought, what better way to show thankfulness than to participate in Lent?

I had never truly practiced Lent before. I tried once in 2024 but didn't make it past the first few days. However, I was so thankful for God's protection and healing that I felt I had to follow through this time.

Some of my family members observed Lent, but those I was surrounded by did not observe Lent, so it was up to me to completely figure it out on my own. I did some research, watched some videos, and then I came up with my goals.

My main Lent goals were:

1. Avoid processed sugars.

2. No cursing.

3. Delete food delivery apps.

4. Pray three times a day and read my Bible more often.

I also wanted to fast every Friday, wear a veil on those days, and practice more discipline overall. I even tried to stay away from vulgar music, which I'll be honest, didn't go so well (Dancehall got the best of me halfway through Lent!).

Again, I was trying to observe Lent the best way I could, even though I had no prior experience. I think with Lent, we have to find our own groove and discover what works best for us.

What I Didn't Accomplish

Let's start with what I struggled with. I didn't manage to wear a veil every Friday, even though I really wanted to. Veiling has always felt sacred to me; covering my hair while praying makes me feel closer to God. That's something I'd like to practice more throughout my life.

As for the "no music" goal, I didn't do so well with that goal.

What I Accomplished

Yayyy!

I kept a Lent journal, where I wrote devotionals and reflections. Every time I sat down with that journal and spoke to God, I felt peace (even though I missed a few days here and there due to my hectic work schedule).

However, since Sundays were our rest days, I did not journal. I felt great sitting down and talking to the Lord and having one-on-one time with him; that felt amazing. 

Fasting became a significant part of my routine, too. I'd usually fast in the mornings and break it between 3–6 PM, then sometimes fast again through the night. Now, I have stopped eating breakfast altogether, not intentionally at first, but it has become a natural habit (bad, I know).

I also made tremendous progress with my swearing. Usually, every other word out of my mouth is a curse word (if I'm being real), but during Lent, I was way more mindful. If someone around me cursed, I'd even ask them to refrain.

Deleting food delivery apps was another goal I stuck to (with one or two slip-ups). It taught me discipline for sure.

The Big One: No Processed Sugar

Now, I'm most proud of the fact that I gave up processed sugars completely. I am not a sweet girl, but I've gotten a sweet tooth over the past year. I used to be obsessed with Crumbl Cookies, and I was there for every new lineup. I went the full 40 days without a single cookie.

And I still haven't gone back. When Lent ended and I finally tried Crumbl again, I thought, Wow… I could've done without this. I guess God really took away that craving.

My Miracle During Lent

Shortly after Lent began, I got the news that all the abnormal cells, the ones that could've turned cancerous, were gone. Completely.

That moment was my miracle. I dropped to my knees, thanked God, and cried tears of gratitude. I knew then that He heard me. He had been with me through every part of my storm, my health, my heartbreak, my personal struggles, all of it.

Takeaways

Observing Lent 2025 was truly the best 40 days of my life. It brought me closer to God in a way I can't fully explain, which is funny, because I'm a writer, but there are no words for that kind of peace.

I felt pure. I felt purposeful. I felt like the best version of myself.

I will continue to observe Lent, and even though this was my first time, I now know more about approaching it next time. I'm not perfect, but I try my best. I am so thankful that God continues to bless me and work miracles in my life.