Today is Ash Wednesday, and I have been doing some thinking about what I would want to “give up” for Lent.  Last year, I didn’t even bother because I knew I had long days with a newborn and I was so tired I was bound to lose any willpower quickly.  But my son, in second grade and learning about the deeper meaning of Lent now that he is getting older, came home today asking, “Mom, I don’t know what I want to give up for Lent. Why do we give up things?  Can you help me think?”

After a little while, I told him that Lent was a special time for us to think about how Jesus lived his life for us, and everything he gave up for that, including his life.  I didn’t know how much detail my kid would understand.  I told him the best way to live during Lent was to maybe DO things that Jesus would like.  After all, Lent is a time to make our faith stronger, and I am a believer that any way you choose to do that is fine.

One way you can partake in Lent is to learn more about the life of Jesus, the tales and mystery surrounding him, and how he affected others, such as the apostles.

Finding Jesus: Faith, Fact, Forgery is a supremely interesting show.  Each episode explores in detail some facet related to Christ: the Shroud of Turin, Mary Magdalene, the Cross.  While the story is reenacted in the foundation of the show, you are taken on a journey around the world to hear from religious and secular experts to learn more about the episode’s subject.

Season 2 of Finding Jesus will debut on Sunday, March 5–just in time for your family to experience together during Lent.  The first episode is centered around the apostle Thomas. Known most famously by his somewhat notorious nickname, “Doubting Thomas,” this episode proves that there was so much more to his life than his momentary disbelief.  After his faith in the risen Christ was restored, he traveled and spread the word of the Lord, affecting the faith of millions today.

Doubt is such a prevailing theme in everyday modern life.  A person is always wondering if they’ve done enough; if they have said something wrong; if they are doing right by their family.  I believe Lent is the best time to realize that you should give up your doubts to the Lord, just as Thomas did.

I am giving away a $25 gift card to Lifeway Christian Stores to one commenter.  It’s just in time for you to get a new bible, gift for upcoming confirmations and communions, and much more.

Please leave a comment letting me know if you have seen Finding Jesus, and if so, what you think about it.  I will choose a winner on March 10.