40 Days of Letting Go: Ash Wednesday and Lent

What exactly is Ash Wednesday, and do I really need to have ashes placed on my forehead?

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day season of reflection, repentance, and preparation for Easter. It is a solemn day when Christians receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross as a symbol of humility, mortality, and a call to turn away from sin. The ashes, often made from the burned palms of the previous year’s Palm Sunday, serve as a reminder that "from dust we came and to dust we shall return" (Genesis 3:19). This sacred tradition invites believers to enter a season of surrender, prayer, and deeper connection with God. It is a humbling moment, one that calls us into a sacred journey of surrender, a journey that mirrors Christ’s 40 days in the wilderness.

And no, you don't have to actually wear the ashes.

While receiving ashes is a traditional part of the Ash Wednesday observance, it is not a requirement for participating in the day’s spiritual practices. You can still observe Ash Wednesday through prayer, reflection, fasting, and penance, which are central elements of the day, regardless of whether you receive ashes. The ashes are a symbol of repentance and humility, but the key focus is on the intent of your heart and your commitment to the season of Lent.

Letting Go

Lent is not merely about giving up chocolate or social media; it is an invitation to relinquish something that keeps us from fully embracing God’s presence. It is a call to let go so that we may be filled anew. It is a season of stripping away distractions, idols, and comforts that quietly distance us from Him. What is God asking you to surrender? What is He calling you to release in order to draw nearer?

Surrender is not easy. It requires trust, an act of faith that whispers, "Lord, I place this in Your hands." Perhaps it is pride, resentment, fear, or the need for control. Maybe it is an unhealthy habit, a toxic relationship, or the constant noise of busyness. Whatever it may be, the moment we loosen our grip, we create space for God’s grace to move freely in our lives.

Transformation

These 40 days are not about deprivation, but transformation. When we surrender, we do not simply remove something; we make room for something greater. We exchange fleeting pleasures for eternal joy, surface-level distractions for deep intimacy with God. We begin to hear His voice more clearly, to feel His presence more tangibly. Surrender leads to a freedom we never knew we needed.

Some days will be harder than others. There will be moments when the temptation to return to old comforts feels overwhelming. But remember this: Jesus, too, was tempted in the wilderness. Yet, in every trial, He clung to the Word of God. Let His strength become your own. Let His example be your guide. When you feel weak, let His Spirit sustain you.

As Easter approaches, you may find that what once seemed like a sacrifice has become a source of joy. That which you laid down in surrender has made room for a deeper sense of peace, a richer faith, a heart more attuned to God’s love. This is the gift of Lent—a season of drawing near, of being refined, of remembering that our lives are not our own but His.

So, as you step into these 40 days, do so with an open heart. Let each moment of surrender be an offering. Let each sacrifice draw you closer to the One who surrendered everything for you. And may you emerge from this season renewed, transformed, and more deeply rooted in the love of Christ.