Give It Up Sis! 7 Things Black Girls Can Give Up For Lent!

March 6, 2019

Breanna Arthur

So, it’s that time of year again. It’s that occasion where we scramble to find something to lay on the line, something to give up, something to sacrifice -- Yep... it’s Lenten season. And unlike Christmas or Easter, there isn’t a big Hallmark commercial reminding us that it’s time to enter a season of solemn reflection and deep faith. (Honestly if it wasn’t for my best friend calling to remind me, I too would be scrambling to find something to give up come day 1!).

The Lenten season officially begins, this upcoming Wednesday and it'll last for 40 days until Easter Sunday on April 21st. That’s why we’re here to give you a nudge and remind you that it’s time to GIVE IT UP!

For many Christians, Lent is a time to focus on your faith by giving up something that is considered a luxury, extravagant or something that can cause distraction. In addition to focusing on faith, the act of giving up something for Lent is to practice self-discipline and remember the sacrifices Jesus made for us.

For us “Johnny come latelys”, the typical lent sacrifices that immediately come to mind are the pasta, the alcohol, the red meats, and the chocolates. To be honest, we might end up breaking our commitment to give them up because they had no importance to us in the first place! (No Judgement, just saying…)

But Sis, we’re not gonna give you a read without teaching you how to write a new page.That’s why Black Girls Pray has put together 7 things we think Black Girls should consider giving up for Lent!

#1 GOSSIP!

I know we need to hear the tea every morning on the Breakfast Club, but think about how much we’ll be able to accomplish if we started the day with prayer and minding our business and spreading truth! Instead of sharing details of a friend or acquaintance's misadventure, take a moment to say something positive about them instead (or nothing at all). If you can’t find anything nice to say, simply share a scripture – we all know the word is good.

#2 BINGE WATCHING

Going through an entire series in a day usually means putting off things we actually need to do or not pursuing a goal that we wanted to make happen! Turn Netflix and Chill into God and His Will. Okkurt!

#3 NEGATIVITY

Simply put, no complaining, nagging, shade throwing, judging, or criticism. Good vibes only beloved.

#4 CLUTTER

Cleanliness is next to Godliness ladies, we all know the mad dash out the door can leave our rooms in a mess, but this Lent, commit to making the bed every morning and decluttering your living areas (Living Room, Bedroom, Kitchen). Creating a peaceful environment for you to come home to will ultimately improve your mood.

#5 ONLINE SHOPPING

FASHION NOVA is going to hate us for this one, but it is what it is. How many of us can go cold turkey here?!.. us neither. Here are 3 quick tips that will help you to put a halt to online shopping for Lent:

Remove your card numbers from the saved payment features on your phone and laptop
DO NOT WINDOW/SCREEN SHOP! Placing your hand in the fire will lead you to get burnt! (Trust us on this one sis)
Repurpose the funds! Create a savings jar and turn the money that you would spend on that Pretty Little Thing dress into a jumpstart for you next travel adventure!

#6 MAKEUP

Let you inner glow shine for Lenten season! Recognize your inner beauty and cut down on the full beats beloved. Give you skin time to breathe, drink plenty of water, and spend time figuring out a morning and night time routine that works for your skin type!

#7 SOCIAL MEDIA