Lengthening Days

Written By Angel Ford

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:4-5 (NIV)

Friends! We are currently in the season of Lent. For some of us, the practice of observing Lent comes with some baggage. Perhaps it fed and nourished a personal narrative of self-shame, being incapable, or fear of judgment. You may have fallen into the belief that refraining from something during the Lent season was an act of spiritual martyrdom — another reminder of what you weren’t doing well enough. In contrast, you may land in the camp of participating in Lent as an act of preparation for the resurrection life that God has promised us through the completed work of Jesus’s ministry here on earth.

Wherever you are, you are seen.

Now, if you’re like me and have realized while reading this devotional that the season of Lent began unbeknownst to you, I have good news! You can start observing Lent today. If you do, you can also end your observance on April 4th, or continue for a full 40 days. Or you know you can really do whatever you want. This observation is man-made anyway. In fact, it took the early church roughly 2 centuries of developing this practice before it settled into a traditional 40-day observance. So, feel the freedom to follow along in accordance with your own spirit-led convictions, and Jesus will be faithful to meet you right where you’re at. The point is not perfection, it is attention.

Lent comes from the Old English word lencten, meaning spring or the lengthening of days. Appropriately, it is through the practice of Lent that we aim our focus towards the One who gives us new life and is the very light that shines in the darkness. In light of March being National Women’s History Month, you might consider engaging in Lent by turning your attention toward the faithful women who have reflected Christ’s light throughout history.

Here are a few ideas:

  • Add daily devotions to your morning routine, written by women.

  • Spend each day reading about a different woman in Scripture who loved and served God faithfully. There are more than forty! 

    • You might begin with Jael in Judges 5, and if you enjoy that story, read it again the next day and say it’s for Deborah.

  • Engage Christian content written by female theologians, apologists, preachers, and teachers.

  • Encourage a woman pastor, missionary, or ministry leader you know.

  • Fast from interrupting, dismissing, and invalidating women in leadership. Yes, it counts even if it’s unintentional.

    • Call a woman “passionate” in her ministry calling and not “aggressive.”

    • Notice who does the invisible labor in your church or ministry—and thank the women who quietly carry it.

    • Practice listening fully when women speak, without preparing your rebuttal or correction.

    • Credit women publicly for their contributions, insights, and leadership.

    • Make space for women to speak, teach, and pray.

    • Ask women in your community what support, encouragement, or advocacy would actually help them flourish.

  • Support women-led ministries in tangible ways.

    • Giving your time

    • Giving financially

    • Offering them a platform

Lent is not about shrinking yourself. It is about clearing space to notice the light. And that light, Christ himself, continues to shine in the darkness.

Angel Ford

Angel Ford is a mental health therapist and group practice owner passionate about integrating discipleship and emotional health. She founded her private practice to empower clients, clinicians, and leaders to pursue lasting wellness—believing that mental health care is about more than symptom management; it is about wholehearted, integrated living. Angel is especially called to cultivate discipleship pathways that move believers from passive church attendance to courageous, multiplying leadership. She cares deeply about creating spaces where LGBTQ+ / SSA Christians can engage their faith without fear, isolation, or being reduced to a single conversation about sexuality.

“My journey regarding the intersection of faith and sexuality has been a long one. Today I would describe myself as bi/queer, but it took about fifteen years to be able to write those two words. I began following Jesus when I was seven years old and grew up in an old-fashioned Pentecostal church where conversations about sexuality rarely went beyond “don’t have sex before marriage.” The assumption was that every Christian was straight—end of story. By middle school, I realized I didn’t fit that mold. With no one to talk to and a healthy fear of a pre-tribulation rapture, I decided the safest thing was to bury that part of myself and pretend it didn’t exist.

After graduate school, I left my Pentecostal background and entered what once felt like the borderline-heretical world of non-denominational church. In that space, I slowly began extending more grace, compassion, and understanding to others who loved Jesus but didn’t fit the heterosexual mold. Over several years—through books, relationships, and one very significant afternoon with the Holy Spirit—I realized it was time to stop hiding. I shared with a few trusted spiritual mentors and, to my surprise, the world didn’t end. I never really doubted God’s love for me—what I feared was His judgment. With guidance, I’ve come to know a far more compassionate and companionate God.

I share my story through writing because I want to be transparent and outspoken for others—especially queer youth in my small rural town in Idaho. Queer youth in rural communities are among the most at-risk populations for suicide, and if my voice can help move that needle even a little, it’s worth it.

In my writing for Revoice’s “Our Voices” Blog, I’m most passionate about exploring discipleship, mental health, grief, and spirituality—especially how those realities intersect in the lives of LGBTQ+/SSA Christians seeking to follow Jesus faithfully.” — Angel

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That Feeling When You Hate Your Life