To Keep a True Lent

Is this a fast, to keep

The larder lean?

And clean

From fat of veals and sheep?

Is it to quit the dish
 Of flesh, yet still

To fill

The platter high with fish?

Is it to fast an hour,
 Or ragged to go,

Or show
    A downcast look and sour?

No, 'tis a fast to dole
  Thy sheaf of wheat,
And meat
 Unto the hungry soul.

It is to fast from strife,
  From old debate
 And hate
To circumcise thy life.

  To show a heart grief rent,
To starve thy sin,
 Not bin,

    And that's to keep thy lent. 

by Robert Herrick, (1591 - 1674)

This is one of Ele Richardson's favorite poems.

One Family's Choice of Fast

Ok, bring it on. The Sperls are gearing up for this. We have decided on rice and beans. We are excited and every night we try to define the parameters of just how we are going to do it.

Does Ben have rice and beans in his school lunch? How about breakfast? Of course, I will certainly enjoy my coffee BEAN! Maybe with RICE Krispies. Sundays will likely be feast days - perhaps a chicken or two! We also have three birthdays and Valentine's day during Lent. Do we make an exception? Cindy has said she is pleased that her special day falls on a Sunday.

By IRRI Images

Cindy has been digging through recipes finding variations from all over the world. This should be a wild ride and we are looking forward to hearing about your fast as well.

Certainly God isn't holding us to this. I do feel that our effort to eat in solidarity with much of the world will be a very eye-opening experience. I believe it will help in my family's reflection on what Jesus did for us so long ago and how He has called us to care for the hungry.

Here's a sad confession, on a very shallow note: Who knows, I may even lose a pound or two.

Our family plans to use the grocery money saved for the Feed My Starving Children food packing event on May 18 that our church is hosting.

Please join us, Church FAM!!!