VALDOSTA —
Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, was technically yesterday but will be observed with much revelry and parades in many cities around the world. Fat Tuesday was once the day when you ate and drank to excess in preparation for Lent. Now folks just typically eat and drink to excess for no particular reason.
And Fat Tuesday is followed by Ash Wednesday, which is observed the world over today as it is 40 days from Easter. Many Christians will attend church services today to repent of their sins and receive the priest or pastor’s blessing, followed by receiving the mark of the cross in ashes on their forehead.
Today is also the traditional beginning of Lent, a time when those who observe the practice give up something, a manner of sacrifice. Lent observers also often fast, hold special prayer gatherings, do acts of penance, and in some traditions, remove all adornments in the church. It’s a time of self sacrifice, and often people say they are giving up various items for Lent. It has to be something meaningful and difficult to do, or the sacrifice is meaningless.
The practice dates back to the first century. An observance of Christ’s 40 days fasting in the desert, enduring temptation.
While not everyone observes Lent as a religious tradition, many observe it as a personal tradition. Giving up something as a means of cleansing mind, body and soul. Showing a measure of self sacrifice that is woefully absent in today’s society.
What We Think
Ash Wednesday
- What We Think
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Congratulations, VSU Softball!
This weekend, Valdosta State University Blazers Softball became the latest team to add to Valdosta’s TitleTown legacy.
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School’s out so watch out!
Summer is a time of rest, vacations and trips. It is a time when school is out, when people take time off from work, when people may stay out a little later. It is a time of swimming, trying new things, and seeking adventure.
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Qualifiers are next leaders
While the national media focuses attention on the presidential election, it should be remembered that we will also choose our local leaders this year.
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Thumbs up
THUMBS UP: To the 2011-12 arts season. Theatre Guild Valdosta’s rollicking comedy, “Caught in the Net,” officially brings to a close a magnificent schedule of shows ranging from theatre to opera to concerts to art exhibits and more from a variety of area venues. Theatre Guild will also open the 2012-13 season this summer with the musical “Into the Woods.” Until then, arts lovers can soon enjoy a new series of exhibits from the year-round Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts and three musicals starting in two weeks from Peach State Summer Theatre.
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Events that get things done
Finding something that repeatedly attracts the public is difficult enough, but finding an event that accomplishes that feat while also promoting your organization and helping others … well, in many places, that’s a rarity.
Not so for the Valdosta area. -
Furloughs: They beat the alternative
As summer break nears, many area education boards have spent the final school days preparing faculty and staff for furloughs for the 2012-13 calendar.
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Getting a jump on hurricane season
Come June 1, the 2012 hurricane season begins and lasts through Nov. 30.
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A few thoughts for new graduates
Graduation ceremonies reflect how life marches on. For the students receiving their diplomas and degrees, graduation is a culmination of the majority of their lives’ work.
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Video helps veterans
During Thursday night’s Military Officers Association of America meeting, the local chapter shared a video presentation regarding the Community Blueprint program, which is also known as Valdosta Veterans First.
For those unfamiliar with Community Blueprint, Valdosta is one of three cities across the nation selected as a pilot city for the program. -
Happy Mother's Day!
Mother. Mama. Mommy. Ma. Mom. She fed us when we were too small to feed ourselves. She nurtured us, clothed us, cleaned us, protected us.
She helped us form our first words. - More What We Think Headlines
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Congratulations, VSU Softball!
