Lent: A time for self-reflection, sacrifice, and deep personal growth. Traditionally, it’s about giving up chocolate, social media, or Netflix.

I grew up Southern Baptist. We didn’t participate in Lent or get black ash smeared on our foreheads. 

Back in 2007, while in college, I decided to participate in Lent. And if I was going to participate, I wasn’t going to half-ass it.

I was going to give up something that would truly test my resolve: underwear

Yes, you read that right. I voluntarily gave up underwear for Lent.

At first, it wasn’t easy to remember NOT to put on underwear. I had been putting underwear on since I left diapers.

By the third day of Lent… You wanna talk about FREEDOM!

I was walking around like a rebel without a cause! Free from the constraints of the elastic bands. I was no longer confined by the cotton and spandex. I was liberated!

As Lent season continued, things got tricky. The constant shifting and waddling awkwardly…

Things started getting uncomfortable (to put it mildly).

Despite the struggles I was facing. I did find some perks while participating… I became much more aware of my own body… If there is one thing that participating in Lent taught me, it’s that I am completely aware of leg position at any given time.

By around week six, I was over it. I was flirting with the fine line between sacrifice and stupidity… I had learned a lot about myself. Most of all…I never want to do this again!

But I continued… I am no quitter.

All I could hope for was that the spiritual benefits would outweigh the discomfort.

Easter Sunday finally came. I could not have been more excited to reintroduce underwear back into my life. I truly felt born again!

While I don’t believe that I grew any more spiritual…I absolutely gained a more profound understanding of the importance of elastic waistbands.

Would I ever recommend giving up underwear for Lent? No chance in the world. Its very impractical and highly uncomfortable.

But, at least I learned a lot about myself… And that is what Lent is all about…

Right?

-Matt Webb