Give Up, Take On, and
Make a Difference This Lent
The Revd Julie Baker, Chaplaincy Manager
It’s approaching that time of the year when Christians everywhere wonder about GUS and TOM. I’m sure that this is not new to many of you but if you are unfamiliar with these terms, allow me to explain. The tradition of Lenten observances including a discipline of fasting or similar has been summed up in these two ideas, Give Up Something (GUS) and Take On More (TOM).
The mindset of fasting as a spiritual observance is a short season each year for Christians. For some of our clients at St Bart’s, fasting not by choice has been their lived reality. For those who come into our services, going without food and other necessities is part of life. The effect of doing so is wide reaching and long lasting and the psychological harm of trauma is compounded by hunger and need. As a result, we don’t dwell too much on encouraging clients to work on GUS, but there is a real benefit working with TOM.
Taking on new challenges and enjoying new experiences has real value for our clients in their journey of healing. Moving beyond the experience of day to day survival through the support services we have here and into a place of healing and wholeness allows for the possibility to grow and dream. As part of our engagement with clients, St Bart’s offers as many opportunities as possible to try new things or enjoy activities otherwise out of reach. From simple table tennis tournaments with lunch, to days out at the beach and even riding the Matagarup zip wire with views of the city and Optus, activities which challenge and encourage confidence are vital for thriving rather than just surviving.
We are grateful for the donations and volunteer support that make events like these, and many more, possible. So, while you are making your fast this lent, whether related to food, social media or something else, please spare a thought for those for whom fasting is not a choice. If you find your fast leaves you with a gift to share, perhaps you might consider St Bart’s as a recipient. Such gifts allow us to offer so much more to our clients than funding otherwise would and these small offerings make a huge difference.
We wish you a blessed and spiritually significant lent.