Do you even ash, Bro?

I called my boyfriend at work… “Where can I get ashed? Am I saying that right? Ashes… like the ash cross you get on your forehead. Can I do that? Can the kids do it?”

He’s Catholic and has all the answers. I just love me some Jesus! Sometimes formalities escape me, but I try to be respectful of others’ religious practices. After all, I am a preacher’s granddaughter at heart and a recovering Nazarene.

I took to Google to see if we were “allowed” since we aren’t Catholic. Yes. But my kids have never been to a Catholic Church and the person who needs to do all the ‘splainin’ is at work.

Next Google search… Christian churches near me with Ash Wednesday services. Is that even a thing? Apparently not where I live. We should definitely make it a thing.

Then, “ok Google, Can we do this at home?” Yes, yes we can… so we did ❤️

We read about Lent, Ash Wednesday, and Easter. About sacrifice and service. My favorite part of the reading -
“Jesus knows that there are things that make us sad or are difficult for us. These things burden us and make it hard for us to focus on God and others. But Jesus wants us to share our burdens with Him and He promises to help carry them and make it easier for us. As you prepare to receive your ashes, think about what you want Jesus to help you with and silently thank Jesus for taking your burden from you. Then, with a lighter heart, you can receive your ashes.”sjspwellesley.org

“Then with a lighter heart”… isn’t that incredible?!? Just that phrase gives me all the feels.

Hands a bit shaky, I put crosses on my kids’ foreheads with some cold ashes from a Bath and Body Works candle, and then my kids took turns and did the same for me. It was a bit awkward but so intimate and precious to this mama's heart.

Here’s to all the formal traditions and practices - they bring us together as one, educate us, and bring us hope. But the real OG is sitting on his throne and He sees your heart - whether it be in a big fancy building or within the small four walls of your home. Don’t let the formalities EVER stop you from doing your thing directly with Jesus!

Blessings on Blessings,