Today, the first day of Lent, I jump on board with NCC’s Bible reading plan, From Garden to City. I have set out many times to take on such yearly Bible reading plans. Granted, I have read the Bible several times but for the past few years I’ve noticed that I tend to stick to my favorite areas, like Paul’s epistles…or Paul’s epistles. Breaking my trend and reading the Good Book from cover to cover in one year is an idea that has always appealed to me.
Admitting that we might not feel, might not believe, this faith, which many of us have professed as long as we can remember, is not generally discussed at church. Yet, the feelings associated with these inner doubts – guilt, shame, pride, fear, inadequacy – run the gamut and must be addressed. When dealt with, doubt is of the greatest of spiritual blessings. It purifies the soul, calls us to leave the carnality of religion, and embrace the essence of faith.