So maybe you’ve had a weak start to your Lenten plans. And now the Enemy’s telling you that you’ve blown it, you might as well throw out the idea, or you can just try again next year. There’s another way to look at this. When faced with any setbacks or failures, one of the young women I work with and who greatly inspires me has a plan of response. First, she tells herself, “Come on, I’m better than this.” Second, she makes time to sit with Jesus, confessing her shortcoming and letting His presence fill her with strength. Third, she plunges herself right back into her daily life with a renewed faith and her community. Like this young woman, be reminded: 1) there’s no good reason in faith (or Lent) for condemnation since Christ is in us, 2) there’s no good reason in faith (or Lent) for giving up since we’re more than conquerors in Christ, and 3) there’s no good reason in faith (or Lent) for isolation since we’re all traveling toward holiness according to the Spirit. (Leviticus 11:45, Isaiah 41:10, Romans 8:1, 37, Galatians 5:23, Ephesians 1:19, 1 Peter 1:13-15). Bonus Practical Tip: It might help to write down what you’d like Lent to accomplish for your faith. Provocative Quote: “Christian, remember your dignity.” Leo the Great