Starbucks for Jesus
This year I gave up Starbucks for Lent. I realize not all religions celebrate this season and not many people choose to “give up” something. For many years I didn’t see the point. How did my giving up something have anything to do with God?
The trick as a kid was to find something I could either sneak when no one was looking or something I wouldn’t miss too much. Most kids were giving up either candy or soft-drinks. In college I once gave up cussing, which lasted all of about 1 day. Our neighbor gave up drinking beer a few years ago, which is his favorite past-time. Although his Lent season was only Monday - Thursday, leaving the weekends open.
Over the past few years I’ve reflected more on the reason we’re asked to surrender something close to us. I’ve tried to think of the things I’m most thankful for and then thought about how my life would be different if I didn’t have them. Finally, I realized that maybe the idea of Lent and giving something up isn’t even about me.
If you look up the word “sacrifice” it is defined as:
to surrender or give up, for the sake of something else
This Lent I choose to surrender my addiction with Starbucks. I don’t even like coffee, but I am in love with their white chocolate mocha. At over $4 a cup, it is a ridiculous purchase. Not to mention loaded with calories.
Besides sacrificing my “want” I also decided to put that $4 in an envelope each time I drove by Starbucks and was tempted to stop. At the end of Lent I will donate that money to a local food pantry. Not only am I giving something up, but I’m giving something back.
I don’t think Lent has to be a religious experience for everyone. Sometimes it can remind you of the difference between wants & needs, that it isn’t always about you and how much you have to be thankful for. You can’t tell me Jesus wouldn’t have loved some Starbucks now and then!
A new media campaign could make a comeback for WWJD - What Would Jesus Drink?
I don’t practice Lent…but your choice this year seems ideal. Your sacrifice really did turn into a gift for those who needed it. Sounds like the true spirit of sacrifice and generosity.
And I love the photo of Jesus with the coffee! LOL
This is the best Lent story ever…
See! That’s what I’m talking about!
No doubt Jesus would have loved him some Starbucks!!!!!!!!
I love, love, love the picture Jesus holding a Starbucks cup. Made my Easter day.
Wow! It’s so awesome that you’re giving up AND giving back. LOVE IT! But, mmmm…white chocolate mocha! The Chai Tea latte is by far my FAVE drink….
That’s a great idea not only to give something up but to also give back. Most sacrifices for Lent only really effect the person doing the giving up, except in cases like yours.
I have to agree with Haley-O. The Chai Tea latte is my favorite drink from Starbucks.
I love that you gave up AND gave back.
My 10 year old decided to give up chicken for Lent. I didnt’ have the heart to tell him that as a Presbyterian he doesn’t have to give up anything for Lent. Being a Catholic my self, I call my two Presbos (dh and ds) the Catholic Lite boys.
i gave up my morning starbucks expensive-o latte for a cheaper tim horton’s plain coffee.
i didn’t do it for lent, though….i did it for roll up the rim to win. so far i’ve won 4 times. three coffees and one donut. don’t ask how many times i’ve played…
I’m glad you all loved the picture! I will have to try the Chai Tea Latte….everyone seems to be recommending it. Kerry - if your 10 yr old was Catholic they could have given up chicken on Fridays! That is too cute! Ali - I’m almost afraid I should already know this, but what is “roll up the rim to win?”
No amount of Catholic guilt could get me to give up coffee. I gave up sit-ups.
All I know is that I could NOT give up coffee.
I think Jesus would have drunk wine…
I’m sure Jesus would have welcomed a Venti Gingerbread latte (my favorite) on a cold Palestininian morning… what, with no central heating and all.