Lent starts February 14, and so does the RESCUED Blessed is She Lent devotional. This year, you’ll be receiving an excerpt from the Lent devotional every day in your inbox (in lieu of our regular daily devo). We want to pray with one heart and one mind as the BIS sisterhood. If you prefer to have the book, purchase the 2024 Blessed is She Lent devotional RESCUED right here. Right upon purchase, you’ll receive a link to come into the free Blessed is She app to walk through the Lenten season with us in daily live prayer, small groups, and more. Together let’s look to the Lamb of God who came to rescue each one of us.
“The Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel.” // Mark 1:15
There is a small lake near our home, and on certain days, the water glistens beneath the light of the sun. Gentle waves ripple across the surface. Ducks dive for fish, shaking their wings and sending droplets of water into the air. I love going to the lake on those days. However, there are other days when the water is murky and stagnant.
Recently, on one of those not-so-beautiful days, I sat on a grassy hill noticing the water frothing with impurities against the wooden dock, feeling exceedingly annoyed with this reality. While my five-year-old daughter ran through the grass, and shouted gleefully in her charming, raspy voice, I brooded. I brooded because the murky, churning lake reflected the disposition of my heart perfectly. I felt frustrated by a struggle I was having with a multitude of venial sins. Habits that I recognized were hurting those around me. I was bringing the same sins to Confession again and again. The reality of all of this left me feeling discouraged and ashamed.
As I thought of all that was going on in my heart, my daughter ran up to me with a smile on her face. She pointed to an old scrape she had on her knee and said, “It’s getting better.” I nodded in agreement. She continued, “It hurt when it was getting better. But I think sometimes getting better hurts.” After she ran off, I sat there completely in awe of her words and how they had struck my heart.
Sometimes when we let the Lord pour His mercy into our stagnant and sinful souls it is painful. We fear the exposure of our brokenness. Will the Lord love us here? Will He ever heal us from this? Jesus says, “The Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel” (Mark 1:15). If you are struggling, go to Confession. Go to the Sacrament of mercy, and do not grow weary. His love poured out for sinners like you and me. His love conquers all, and He offers you that reality today.
Leana Bowler is a wife and mother of eight little ones. She is a Holy Rosary enthusiast with deep devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Her love for the message of Divine Mercy led her to become a Marian Missionary of Divine Mercy. She enjoys the miracles of family life, strong coffee, and encountering others on this journey to sainthood. She was a contributing author to And Hay Became Holy and Made New: 52 Devotions for Catholic Women.
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