Go Fast
“Lots of people think they’re charitable
if they give away their old clothes and things they don’t want.
It isn’t charity to give away things you want to get rid of -
and it isn’t a sacrifice to do things you don’t mind doing.”
-Myrtle Reed, author (1874-1911)
Below is a modernized version of Isaiah’s (AS) – chapter 58.
This is an attempt to weave with common thread -
to tie into today.
Isaiah 58:
Scream. Don’t hold back.
It’s ok to raise your voice.
Maybe the neighbors will hear you;
you are all behaving like children.
Stand in a parking lot on Friday afternoon -
make a searching confession:
do not hide your guilt any longer.
release it – and let it go.
Men and women run around in blind panic – asleep -
dreaming of “success”, asking Me to give it to them.
What’s worse, they tell each other that’s what I want!
They act like they’re playing by the rules.
But they threw the rules away when they bought the game.
I hear it all the time, “Oh, God.” “Oh my God.”
“Well, for Christ’s sake!” or “God Bless America.”
…”I swear to God” “In the hadith…”
They’re being genuine ?? This is sincerity?
I heard someone say: “I am fasting this week.”
And someone else, “I’ve been overseas – I am a missionary.”
And this is humility? You’re doing it to please men!
You do it because it makes you feel good.
What good does it do to fast,
and flat out refuse to help with the dishes?
Your fast is already over in your heart
before it begins.
You’re just creating what you love: more drama!
Do you want Allah (SWT) to hear you?
Then change the way you fast.
Learn to hear your own heart first.
What do you really want!?
A vacation from fast food!?
Wearing old clothes…
Not fixing your hair…
Is that what you call fasting?
One day’s worth of “sacrifice” ?
Please!
Isn’t it time to remember what you learned when you were a kid:
A real superhero wears a disguise,
fights injustice, makes a mockery of greed,
and rescues the innocent from the clutches of villains…
? ? ? ?
Now that’s what I call fasting!
… a real switch from business as usual.
Aren’t we called to take it even a step further?
To share our food with those who don’t have any,
(how many times this week have you said, “I’m hungry!”)
To provide a place for a wanderer to sleep,
To give some of your favorite clothes to the folks who need them,
and stop acting like your family isn’t your first priority?
If we do all this stuff, would that not be miracle enough?
Would it not appear that we were all healers – working wonders in the streets?
The Truth will make headlines – with a full color photo.
Allah will smile on us.
And then, when we call out to Him, He’ll say:
“I’m right here!”
Get rid of oppression.
Stop being tattle-tales, glorifying and spreading drama
just to make yourselves look righteous.
Wear yourselves out trying to feed people.
Sneak medicine into countries where “sanctions” are imposed.
Then, before you know it, your face will be shining.
Your depression, anxiety attacks and restless leg syndromes
will just up and magically disappear. Amazing!
Allah will guide you.
He has sent messengers. His signs are everywhere – obvious.
He will keep you satisfied, if you’ll let Him.
He’ll make you strong enough to withstand the real enemy:
YOURSELVES!!
You will become gardens where the needy come
and eat their fill of what they really need.
The thirsty will be able to drink
because then, your water will have been purified.
Your children will build on the ancient teachings
and reveal the Truth in ways you’ve never imagined.
They’ll start giving you nick-names like
“Best friend” and “My hero”.
If you can keep your bodies from getting in the way,
from eating like pigs, drinking like fish, staying up late;
watching the terror marquis scroll in red across your screens,
if you will get some rest, stay hydrated and watch what you watch,
you’ll be so filled with Joy you will know His heart…
you’ll walk in the mountains all the time – in the High Country.