Every year, Ash Wednesday arrives quietly. It does not come with the celebration of Christmas or the joy of Easter morning. Instead, it comes with ashes, reflection, and an invitation to slow down.

For many Christians around the world, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent—a 40-day season leading up to Easter. But even for those who do not share the Christian faith, Ash Wednesday offers a powerful moment to pause, reflect, and consider what renewal might look like.

At the Upper Room Mission, we believe deeply in fresh starts. Ash Wednesday is a reminder that fresh starts are possible—for individuals, for communities, and for all of us.

What Is Ash Wednesday?

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. In many churches, people receive a small mark of ashes on their forehead in the shape of a cross. The ashes are a symbol of humility, mortality, and repentance. They remind us that life is fragile and that we all need grace, mercy, and renewal.

The words often spoken on Ash Wednesday are: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” These words are not meant to be harsh or hopeless. Instead, they are a grounding truth: we are human, limited, and in need of something beyond ourselves.

Ash Wednesday is not about guilt or shame. It is about honesty. It is about recognizing where we are, acknowledging our need for help, and opening ourselves to change.

From Love to Renewal

Valentine’s Day has just passed—a day that reminds us how deeply we long to be loved, seen, and valued. That longing is universal. Every person who walks through our doors carries that same desire.

Lent begins right after this season of love, and that timing is meaningful. If Valentine’s Day reminds us of love, Lent reminds us of love that restores, heals, and renews.

This is a season many Christians use to slow down, reflect, and start again. Not with pressure to be perfect—but with permission to take one small step forward.

At the Upper Room Mission, renewal is not an abstract idea. It happens in conversations with case managers, in shared meals, in a safe place to sleep, in moments of belonging, and in the hard work of rebuilding lives.

Week 1 of Lent: Self-Examination and Renewed Strength

The first week of Lent often focuses on self-examination—taking an honest look at where we are and where we want to go.

The Bible offers this promise:

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” — Isaiah 40:31

This verse does not promise an easy journey. Instead, it promises renewed strength for the journey we are on.

Self-examination does not mean harsh self-judgment. It means asking gentle, honest questions:

• How am I really doing?
• Where do I feel tired, discouraged, or stuck?
• What gives me hope and strength right now?

Hope is the starting point for change. Without hope, it is hard to imagine a different future. With hope, even the smallest step forward matters.

Hope and the Journey Forward

At the Mission, we see hope take shape in practical ways. Case management helps create a roadmap—from the street to stability, from crisis to community. Each appointment, each goal, each conversation is a step toward renewed strength.

Isaiah speaks of soaring, running, and walking. Not everyone feels ready to soar. Some days, just walking is a victory. Ash Wednesday reminds us that walking is enough. Taking one step is enough. Beginning again is enough.

A Season for Fresh Starts

Ash Wednesday is not about perfection. It is about permission—permission to reflect, to restart, and to grow.

You are already loved. You are already welcome. And today can be the beginning of something new.

Whether you observe Lent as a spiritual practice or simply as a time for reflection, this season offers an invitation: slow down, take stock, and consider what a fresh start might look like.

As we begin this Lenten journey, may we find renewed strength, deeper hope, and a shared commitment to care for one another.

The Upper Room Mission exists to care for and improve the lives of people struggling with poverty, homelessness, and addiction. We believe in belonging, hope, and the power of new beginnings.