Ellington

When my pastor invited our congregation to take part in a 21-day fast, I was thrilled with the idea. "What a great way to start the year off right," I thought. My zeal soon turned to frustration, however, as I began contemplating how I would fast successfully.

All sorts of people throughout history have fasted for causes: Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness; Mahatma Gandhi fasted for peace in India; Mexican American labor activist Caesar Chavez fasted for farm workers' rights; and Mia Farrow fasted to bring attention to conditions in Darfur. I chose to fast to gain a better perspective on my life and renew my reliance on God as the ultimate supplier of all my needs.

A spiritual fast is less about the physical and more about your heart and soul, and most religions observe fasting. Catholics are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and abstain from meat on all the Fridays of Lent to represent the sacrifice of Jesus. Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan to redirect the heart from worldly activities, abstaining from food and other pleasures from dawn to sunset. Jews fast for up to six days a year, and Hindus observe a number of fast days depending on their personal beliefs and local customs.

Fasting isn't always strictly about food; you can fast by giving up a specific activity, for example. You must also decide if you will be observing your fast 24 hours a day, from sun up to sun down, or on some other schedule. I chose to give up desserts, soda, movies and TV for my 21-day fast.

However you choose to structure your fast, the main focus should not be on what you are giving up but what your purpose for fasting is. In my case, it was my relationship with God. I spent extra time in prayer, reading scriptures and meditating on God's role in my life.

During my fast, my mom's health took a turn for the worst, which caused me to fiercely rely on my faith and strengthened my belief that God is ultimately in control of our lives.

My experience with fasting was positive; it was not easy but was worthwhile. Fasting exposed spiritual deficiencies and areas of my life that need improvement. In the end, I believe my spirit is stronger and healthier.

Fasting Resources
• 10 Ways to Detoxify Your Body, http://www.life.gaiam.com/article/10-ways-detoxify-your-body

• Awakening: 21 Days of Prayer, Fasting and Personal Devotion, http://www.awake21.org

• Detox Diets: Cleansing the Body, http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/detox-diets-cleansing-body

• Healthy Eating and Diet: Fasting Diets, http://www.webmd.com/diet/fasting

• "The Daniel Fast" by Susan Gregory (Tyndale, 2009, $13.99)

• "Daniel' Fast Cookbook" by Grace Bass and Lynda Anderson (Atlas Books, 2008, $24.95)

• "Fasting: Opening the Door to Deeper, More Intimate, More Powerful Relationship with God" by Jentezen Franklin (Christianaudio Seed, unabridged audio book, 2009, $21.98)

• "Fasting Journal: Your Personal 21-Day Guide to a Successful Fast" by Jentezen Franklin (Charisma House, 2008, $14.99)

• "Heinerman's Encyclopedia of Healing Juices" by John Heinerman (Prentice Hall Press, 1994, $16.95)

• "Juice Fasting and Detoxification: Use the Healing Power of Fresh Juice to Feel Young and Look Great: The Fastest Way to Restore Your Health" by Steve Meyerowitz, Beth Robbins and Michael Parman (Book Pub Co., 1999, $10.95)

• "The Kind Diet: A Simple Guide to Feeling Great, Losing Weight, and Saving the Planet" by Alicia Silverstone with introduction by Neal D. Barnard M.D. (Rodale Books, reprint edition, 2011, $21.99)

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