Its That Time Again

If there's one thing we love in New Orleans, its a good party. Now before you start throwing the items on your desk at the computer screen, there's a few things you need to know about Mardi Gras. That stuff you see on T.V., the drinking, the carousing, the flashing (don't act like you don't know), the debauchery, only accounts for less than 10% of Mardi Gras activities. The rest of Mardi Gras, the part that never makes the news and that we locals love, is very family friendly and safe. Personally, I love the parades, although not as much as Jaime. The second thing you need to know about Mardi Gras is that its ingrained in the New Orleans culture. Mardi Gras is just what we do. Wisconsinites sit bare-chested on aluminium bleachers in Lambou Field in sub-zero weather. New Yorkers cram into Time Square like sardines each New Year's Eve. Iowans willing subject themselves to presidential candidate after presidential candidate every four years. New Orleanians stand on the side of the street with hands raised in anticipation of catching 13 cents worth of beads from a guy who paid around $2000 for the right to throw them. The third thing you need to know about Mardi Gras is that its a great time to show people the love of Christ. Because many have such a harsh view of Mardi Gras, their view of those that participate becomes tainted. What passes for evangelism during Mardi Gras usually takes the form of judgement and condemnation. Do I approve of some of the activities that go on during Mardi Gras? No. More importantly, does God approve of some of these activities? No. However, not once do I recall in Scripture where Jesus brow beat or belittled a sinner. In fact, we usually find Him having dinner with them or hanging out in their homes. Jesus has authentic love for the lost and demonstrated perfectly what it means to be in the world but not of the world. Pray for our efforts this Mardi Gras to love people as Christ loves us as we live out our faith in plain sight of parade goers. Pray for us as we share the Gospel with those who listen and may Christ be glorified this Mardi Gras season.