the season of lent is officially upon us.

the season of lent is officially upon us.
now.. ever since high school i have enjoyed doing lent. i feel like it prepares me for easter and is just an overall good time for reflection on what it really meant for Christ to do what he did (not -just- the crucifixion... but you know, what the crucifixion DOES for us... for the world.. how it reverses death and brings redemption.) but anyway... i know we are to be conscious of those things all year... but i like to do it.
i even went to the ash wednesday service the last few years of college. i thought i would really kick off my absolution from chocolate, sweets, or makeup.
and now i live in southern louisiana where it is catholic country. i even work at a catholic hospital. so i thought i would continue my lenton tradition and give something up/take something on and maybe even go to the hospital's ash wednesday service. (ps... i was GOING to wait until the 6pm service since i got off at 7... that way i wouldn't have the ashes all day.)
however... around noon, a cute little priest came by offering ashes... i ran into him in the hall, and he offered them to me. "of course!" i said enthusiastically. he then said “you are dust and unto dust you shall return,” and marked a very distinct ash cross on my forehead.
then it started.
the jokes, "hey stephanie... you've got something on your forehead..."
the serious questions, "what's on your head...?"
the concerns, "did you know you have ink all over your face?"
the solemn catholic cohort, "i need to get my ashes. do you know what times they are offering them?"
and then there were just the plain 'ole awkward stares.
i have never been so aware of my forehead. nor did i realize that -others- could be so aware of my forehead.
i thought i lived in the most catholic area of the states... but only 2 other co-workers received ashes. and i was surprised by how many people didn't know what they were.
i ALSO had many comments from people who "didn't know [i] was catholic."


Oh my dear JBU, thank you for allowing me to be my non-denominational, charismatic self and still enjoy the tradition of centuries past.