The Good of Giving Up: Discovering the Freedom of Lent

For many modern Christians, Lent is a strange ritual that “other” people do. This should not be! Christians have observed a period of Easter preparation from the very beginning of church history. For those who are interested in Lent but don’t know where to begin, Aaron Damiani’s book is the perfect introduction. With biblical expertise and a pastor’s heart, Damiani invites modern Christians who are skeptical of Lent into its true meaning: deeper union with Jesus Himself. Don’t miss out on what Lent has to offer. Let this wise Anglican pastor lead you into the spiritual riches of the risen Christ.

BRYAN LITFIN
Professor of Historical Theology, Moody Bible Institute, and author of After Acts

This book will help Christians who are just discovering the practice of observing Lent or who need fresh inspiration regarding how to make their observation more meaningful. It is insightful, practical, and grounded in a wise understanding of our historic Christian faith.  It will encourage you to discover how good giving up can be!

RUTH HALEY BARTON
Founder, Transforming Center, and author of Sacred Rhythms and Life Together in Christ

Aaron has done the church a great service by taking Lent, something many think is only for the “those other churches” or the super spiritual, and showing us why it is important for every follower of Jesus. His clear explanations and practical tips remove the confusion from this topic and make it possible for everyone to understand and practice Lent. I can’t wait to recommend Aaron’s book to our church!

JACKSON CRUM                                                                                                                                              
Lead Pastor, Park Community Church, Chicago

Our deepest hunger is for bread that only Christ can provide. Anyone who knows this cherishes practices that reorder our desires and direct our longing toward Christ. Aaron has given us a clear and compelling way of entering into Lent as a life-giving spiritual practice. Pastoral, conversational, and practical, this book is a marvelous invitation to journey with Jesus through death and resurrection.

GLENN PACKIAM                                                                                                                                            
Lead Pastor, New Life Downtown, a congregation of New Life Church, Colorado Springs, and author of Discover the Muster of Faith

In his preaching, pastoring, and personal life, Aaron Damiani is a gift to the church. A remarkable primer on the most overlooked season of the Christian year, The Good of Giving Up grounds and connects Christians of every background to our perennial need for God’s gifts in the wilderness. I am grateful for this passionate introduction to Lent, at once challenging and inspirational. I will embrace the Lenten season more deeply because of this book.

PAUL J. PASTOR                                                                                                                                            
Author of The Face of the Deep

Lent, like any unfamiliar practice, is best explored with a competent guide. The Good of Giving Up is just that. Aaron beautifully sets forth the practices of Lent as a gentle harness, yoking us to the goodness and power of Christ. Get in a Lenten yoke with Jesus and you’ll discover that is not heavy or ill-fitting, but food for the soul.

TODD HUNTER                                                                                                                                            
Founding pastor of Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Costa Mesa, CA, and author of Our Favorite Sins

For too long, Christianity has been dancing without any rhythm or beat. But to dance, we need music. Therein lies the brilliance of what Damiani does here. In these pages, we hear the music of Lent, if we are willing. This book invites us to a whole new rhythm that is both ancient and fresh.

A. J. SWOBODA                                                                                                                                               
Pastor of Theophilus in Portland, OR, and author of The Dusty Ones

In a historical moment when the church seeks to stand on her toes to apprehend the inestimable beauty, excellence, and glorious light of Christ, Aaron makes a counterintuitive case: these gifts are not realized by self-elevation or whiteknuckled effort; they come by following the sacrificial trajectory of the incarnate Son. Toward this end, he focuses on the manifold opportunities afforded by the Lenten season, making a case for its importance and forging a path toward its realization.

CHRIS CASTALDO                                                                                                                                           
Lead Pastor of New Covenant Church in Naperville, IL, and author of Talking with Catholics about the Gospel