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Lent for When Your Life IS LENT
There was a period of time where I thought I really didn’t need to do much if anything for Lent.
I’d skip the meat on Fridays, but other than that, I tried being a good Christian all year long – so I figured I’d keep doing that for Lent.
I didn’t realize Lent is a gift.
Fast forward to 2025, and I see that those who are no stranger to suffering embrace Lent in ways that I have never done myself.
Immaculee Ilibagiza comes to mind. I once heard her speak after her treacherous experience in the Rwandan genocide and she talked about how she fasted before her book was published and her fast ENDED on Ash Wednesday so she was continuing her fast longer than she had planned. I thought, “hasn’t this woman been through enough that she should get a hall pass to all other Lents in her life??!!”
My thoughts and attitude had it all wrong.
Eileen Tully lost SEVERAL babies,
Lisa Fahey ‘s husband died in a TRAGIC accident the day before Lent,
Nichole Haughen lost BOTH of her parents in a few months time . . .
All of these women have taught me this:
Lent is a gift.
Lent can actually help you heal.
Lent helps us prepare for suffering.
Self-denial is a muscle that needs to be strengthened, and Lent is our gym.
If you recently experienced the loss of a child, embrace Lent rather than skip it
Eileen Tully, Founder of Sursum Corda, wrote this incredible article about Lent “Lent is a gift”.
I highly recommend you read all of it.
Here is an excerpt:
I spent most of my life as a Protestant, my family having left the Catholic Church shortly after I made my First Communion. The message that I got about Lent and other penitential practices that Catholics did was that they were trying to earn their way into heaven. We didn’t “need” that, we Protestants. We knew that Jesus’ sacrifice was the only sacrifice that was needed – once and for all – and our life could be free and easy as a result of his finished work . . .
But there was not much about my life as a Protestant that prepared me for trials and suffering. “Everything is permissible,” the Corinthians believed, but St. Paul reminds them, “not everything is beneficial.” (1 Corinthians 10:23) It seemed to me that the “freedom” that I had to ignore the penitential rules that Catholics practiced may not have been beneficial.
Eileen’s story is one of sorrow but also of finding peace and God’s love. It’s incredible and I highly recommend you get to know her and her ministry.
Especially if you experienced a miscarriage or infant loss.
Eileen Tully has incredible resources to help those who have gone through one or both.
If you are grieving the loss of a child, spouse, parent or simply just feel like your life is Lent . . .
Take a moment to consider that diving into the season of Lent, might actually bring comfort.
If you are mourning the loss of your spouse or a loved one, embrace Lent rather than skip it
Drawing from her own profound experiences of loss and spiritual awakening, Lisa Fahey reveals the heart of Lent—a time not marked by despair but infused with hope and genuine reflection in her new book, Simply Lent.
Simply Lent is not just a devotional; it is a heartfelt invitation to engage with this sacred season meaningfully. Each day offers thoughtful reflections rooted in virtue, empowering you to release what no longer serves you, and practical steps to draw closer to Jesus. Striking a perfect balance between avoiding guilt and excessive cheerfulness, Lisa crafts a narrative that resonates with all who seek to reignite their spiritual journey.
Discover how the practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving can usher forth the vibrant new life that Easter promises. Let Simply Lent be your steadfast companion, guiding you ever closer to the heart of Jesus through the transformative power of this sacred season. Embrace the journey and find renewal in the hope that awaits you!
Join Lisa this Lent as she encourages you to step out of the shadows and into the light of grace.
Simply Lent: A Journey Of Reflection And Renewal With Jesus
When Life Feels Like Lent: Finding Healing in Grief
Nichole former hospice Nurse and daughter who lost two parents in a few months, says this:
” I definitely had a few years where life sucked. I was hopeful it wasn’t forever though, even though it felt neverending…”
Nichole is running a program this Lent because she felt called to create a space where you can talk about the things involved with grief it seems no one talks about.
The Things No One Talks About
You think you know grief, until it happens to you.
No one talks about the guilt, the loneliness, and the overwhelm. You feel like you are on a timeline where the end goal keeps moving.
You have a strong faith but question what you did to deserve this? How could God allow this to happen?
You have an illogical fear of dying or others around you dying.
If you’ve lost a loved one, every day can feel like a season of Lent—heavy, exhausting, and full of sorrow. Life already feels hard enough, and the thought of taking on one more thing might seem overwhelming.
But what if this Lent could actually help you heal?
Healing Grief This Lent: Journal Through the Seven Sorrows
This isn’t about adding more sadness to your life. It’s about finding comfort, support, and peace through faith. It’s a space to bring your grief, process your emotions, and lean on Mary, who knows what it’s like to suffer loss.
Here’s what you’ll get:
A Place to Be Understood – You don’t have to do this alone. This group is a safe space to share, pray, and reflect with others who get it.
Spiritual Strength Through Mary – We’ll walk through the Seven Sorrows of Mary, learning how she held onto God even in her deepest pain. Her story can bring you hope and peace in yours.
Simple Daily Reflections & Journaling – I’ll guide you through gentle journaling prompts to help you process grief, invite Jesus into your pain, and take small steps toward healing.
Weekly Group Gatherings – Once a week, we’ll meet for prayer, reflection, and encouragement. You’ll have a chance to learn, share (if you want to), and feel supported.
Want More Personalized Support? – If you need extra encouragement, you can add Voxer coaching to receive 1:1 support between sessions. Message me when you need to talk, and I’ll be there to listen and guide you.
This Is for You If…
You feel like grief has left you stuck and exhausted You want to process your emotions in a faith-centered way You’re looking for comfort and guidance without feeling overwhelmed You’re ready to take one small step toward healing
Nichole knows how grief can feel like too much to carry, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Consider walking this journey together, leaning on Mary, leaning on faith, and leaning on each other.
If you are interested in Nichole’s program, click here.
If you’d like other ideas for Lent, see this post.
If you want to be in a community of mission driven leaders like Nichole, Lisa and Eileen, join Catholics Online here!
Do something for Lent. Try not to do Lent alone. If you want to talk to more Catholics and feel inspired, join this Facebook group: Catholic Talk and Inspiration!
