Lent and health

It’s a beautiful Wednesday morning in Calabar. I woke some hours ago and thought to write to you, because I did try to write yesterday, but, my device malfunctioned.

If you’re catholic, you know today is Ash Wednesday, and marks the beginning of lent. Lent is a 40-day period of fasting that culminates in Easter.

As we step into the season of lent, I write to remind you of the tremendous good that the principles practiced in this season will do for your health.

First off, what principles are practiced?

• Prayer
• Abstinence
• Almsgiving
• Fasting

Bottom to top, we’ll go:

Fasting: This period is a time to abstain from food. Remember my #nofoodafter6pmchallenge? I’ve been unfaithful, so, I’m beginning again. I’ve also become abnormally attached to cornflakes. I want to stop this too. Do you have habits you want to fast from too?

Almsgiving: Unlike other times, this is not a season for giving random and useless things. What yo give out now are things you love. The essence is to gain, from this loss, a supernal joy.

Abstinence: The rule is to abstain from eating meat. During these days, it is not acceptable to eat lamb, chicken, beef, pork, ham, deer and most other meats. However, eggs, milk, fish, grains, and fruits and vegetables are all allowed. Starve appetites too and refrain from excesses.

Prayer: This is last because it’s most important. Take out time to commune with God daily. No time is better than the present. Set reminders in your day for short bouts of prayer if you cannot take stretches and probably have tightly wound schedules.

May this year’s Easter celebration be most profitable for you, Ufan. 💜

Emem ye ifure! (Peace and serenity).

Your GJ.