Every year, people talk about what they're giving up for Lent, or what they're resolving to do. Usually, it's something frivolous that won't actually cause them much strife or improve the world.
People will talk about giving up candy and television or doing yoga every day. While these aren't bad ideas, here are some ways to help as many people as possible this Lenten season.
1. Donate money.
If you have enough disposable income, it's always a good idea to put some of it towards a good cause. Whether it's donating funds to your local homeless shelter or conducting a bake sale for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, you can make a difference with your money this Lent season.
One place, in particular, that could use some money is Puerto Rico, which is still suffering from this past hurricane season. You can donate to the Hispanic Federation!
2. Donate time.
Helping the less fortunate does not have to involve money, especially if you don't have any to spare. You can donate your time, instead!
Try volunteering at a soup kitchen or a youth center. You'll find that your soul and society, as a whole, will be better for it.
3. Smile.
This might be the easiest one on this list! Instead of allowing your RBF to make your face its home, why not smile?
You might find that something so small as a facial expression can help improve someone's day exponentially.
4. Give a compliment a day.
Much like the one above, this is an idea/resolution you can do even if you don't have time or money to spare. Why not try giving a compliment a day?
To make it even more impactful, try giving this compliment to someone you don't get along with. This can go towards helping to love your neighbor, and you might make a friend this Lenten season.
5. Call people out, kindly.
Finally, don't let people get away with hurting you or others. If you find gossip to be particularly slanderous and undeserved, speak up in defense of the person in question.
If someone goes on a racist rant, point out how they're wrong. There is a way to prevent problematic behavior without being problematic yourself.
This Lenten season, look towards prayer and good intentions to help yourself, your loved ones, and the world itself. Together, we can make the world a better place.
It's important to remember that Lent is to help make a change -- not temporary, but permanent. These actions do not have to be confined to the upcoming forty days.
