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
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THUMBS UP: To all South Georgia graduates. Congratulations on your success in completing school and best wishes on your continued success in the future.
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New era at the Boys and Girls Club
Next week on June 1, it will be the official end of an era at the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta when Robert Soper hands over responsibility for the organization to the new Chief Professional Officer Jim Wink.
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Thank you, EMS
We always pull over for them, but we rarely seem to thank them.
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Tornado: An aftermath of help
Seeing the massive path of destruction left in the wake of tornadoes in Oklahoma Monday was a sobering reminder of the power of spring storms.
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Thoughts on graduation
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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THUMBS UP: To Dr. John Gaston, retiring dean of Valdosta State University’s College of the Arts. For the past 10-plus years, Gaston has worked to build a more interconnected program with various artistic and communications departments working together. Given that you are likely to see one College of the Arts department collaborating with another during events is proof of Gaston’s success.
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On the go this weekend
Take a breath.
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Sharing the roads with motorcycles
With the recent pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, the number of motorcycles on area roads has increased.
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Thank your local law enforcement today
Today, May 15, was designated Peace Officers Memorial Day back in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy was in office.
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Visit musical roots this weekend
Beginning Saturday, May 18, Nashville, Ga., will be hosting a special Smithsonian exhibit, “New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music.” The exhibit will continue through the end of June and Nashville has done a tremendous job in promoting and planning for the exhibit.
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