Changing the Story

The Greek word for “repent” (metanoia) literally means “to change your mind.” Change? Change is not something most of us look forward to, much less say we are good at. We are creatures of habit. Most of the time we like our daily routines. Once we figure out what we like, once life becomes manageable and stable, we want it to stay that way.  As much as we espouse the new and adventuresome aspects of life, most of us honestly prefer what is known and predictable. Simply put, we like things the way we like things. And yet the first words out of Jesus’ mouth invites us to embrace a life of change: “Repent,” – Change Your Mind - “for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 3:2, Mark 1:15).

Our 2025 Lenten theme is Changing the Story. We all have a life story we live by. Too often we forget that this ‘life story’ is still being written, edited by life experiences, followed by re-writes and new editions. Too often we forget about the eraser we have in the drawer, or the delete button on the keyboard of life. Using the words of Jesus as our guide, we invite you to embrace the days and weeks of Lent as an invitation to repent and Change the Story, for your life isn’t stuck. Repent (Change the Story) for old habits are meant to be broken. New ways of living are possible. Repent (Change the Story) for you don’t have to give power to your assumptions and biases. Repent (Change the Story) for maybe your life is out of focus and just needs to be adjusted. Repent (Change the Story) for God is here, God is now. And God is doing a new thing. God is Changing the Story!

“True happiness may not be all that far away, but it requires a radical change of view as to where to find it,” are the words author and teacher Sharon Salzberg uses. John Donne, the poet, wrote, “Change is the nursery of music, joy, life and eternity.” “Change is clarifying,” writes Jon Katz. It’s “like getting a new pair of glasses with a better prescription. Fuzzy things become clearer; perspectives sharpen; the focus changes. After a while, what you feel is different from what you felt. You've rearranged yourself.” Theologian and Civil Rights Advocate Howard Thurman said, “You can't stand in the midst of the world and struggle for fundamental change unless you are standing in your own space and looking for change within.”

Throughout the days and weeks of Lent, we will dive deep into Scripture, prayer, and reflection, asking how God is calling us to change the narrative in our lives. Whether it’s letting go of past hurts, shifting our perspective on grace and forgiveness, or embracing new paths of growth, we believe that God is always at work transforming and changing our stories. As we walk through this season together, may we open ourselves to the possibility that God’s story for us can change our hearts, our relationships, and our world. Let us journey through this season of Lent with hope, trust, and faith in the one who changes everything.