#Ashtag

What if Ash Wednesday went viral? Imagine a world where your forehead is the trending topic. No, really.

You don’t often walk out of church with a temporary tattoo on your forehead. But on Ash Wednesday? You do. And it says something.

If Lent is about humble, private reflection, Ash Wednesday is an opportunity to literally wear your faith—on your face.

Hashtags connect people. They group ideas. They create movements. #Lent. #Fasting. #AshWednesday. A simple mark on your forehead does the same thing—except in real life.

So why not embrace it? We are walking, talking Ashtags. Get it?

When you receive that smudgy black cross on your forehead, take a moment to reflect on what it means. Without God to animate our lives, we’re like dust. Every step we take away from God is a stumble away from the flame that has been lit within us. Ashes, ashes, we all fall down.

Yes, let that moment sink in. But then… don’t go home.

Go to the grocery store. Go to a restaurant. Go somewhere public where people can see you. On Ash Wednesday, you can be a living reminder of humility and discipleship.

It’s the one night you can say “I am a Christian” without having to say a word. Your face hints at a deeper faith, a connection to something powerful and mysterious.

Wear that ashy cross with pride, but also humility. Ash Wednesday is not a night to strut your stuff. It’s a night to bear your own cross.

With so many ashtags filling up our public places, Jesus will be trending in no time. And if not, at least we’ll be reminded that we don’t go through Lent alone.

Who knows? Maybe someone will ask what it means. If they’re curious, be an influencer—meet them head on.

And by that, I mean you could literally press your forehead to theirs and pass along the mark of devotion. Kidding! (Kind of.)

By all means, spread the word via social media. Post a picture of your ashtag, share what you’re giving up, or, hey, even give up social media for six weeks and tell your friends why.

The hashtag is a modern way to spread a message. But ashtags? They’re ancient. They remind us where we come from, where we’re going, and who walks with us.

Any way you can let others know is fantastic. Still, I would contend that the very best invitation to Lent

is the one made

face to face.

Have a great Lent,

Mitch