Giving Up Sarcasm For Lent? Yeah, Right!

In Lents past I've given up Facebook, sweets, coffee, and other simple life pleasures. This year I’m giving up sarcasm, and I’m serious. While sarcasm can be used to prove a point or make lighter of a situation it can also be uncharitable, disrespectful and insulting to others. Sarcasm runs deep in many of the people I grew up around so it’s a habit I developed over the years, and it hasn’t been easy to break.

When we step out of the realm of giving up a personal “good” for Lent (like specialty drinks or desserts) and step into the realm of giving up a vice, we are supposed to view Lent as the beginning of the end of that vice in our life – not something to go back to after the 40 days are done.

Lent also isn’t about giving up things perfectly. Other years I was flawless in my goals, but I knew this year would be different. I’ve stumbled at least a handful of times, but I realize that we’re not supposed to make Lenten resolutions or sacrifices that we know we won’t fail at. It’s much better to aim higher if it’s going to make a more lasting impact on our soul and life.

When I catch myself slipping into sarcasm, I backtrack and look for more positive wording. The lesson to learn? Don’t just try to remove a vice and leave a void. Remember to plant the seed of a virtue that can grow up in its place.