Reflections on Mardi Gras

What’s the attraction?

People haul food, family, and friends downtown--chairs, coolers, tents, kids--to sit around and wait for a few parades that are pretty non-impressive. People seem to go to catch a “throw”--that can be moon pies (I think this is a ‘Mobile only’ phenomenon), beads, frisbees, peanuts, or even the prized, and often fought over, stuffed animal. Competition for those little trinkets can get pretty heated. I won’t go into detail about all the alcohol being consumed . . . .

So if the parade is unimpressive (unless you know someone in one of the bands), and the throws would be cheaper to come by at Party City--why go? Could it be because I like being jostled by a tipsy lady who is trying, in vain, to keep her cup of beer from spilling on my shoes? Or perhaps I like seeing the bored kids who want to come but then are exposed to some really bad examples in adult behavior. Maybe it is walking down a crowded sidewalk trying to keep the little kids from being burned by someone’s lit cigarette.

Sure, there are traditions there and I’m an outsider but I still couldn’t believe my eyes the number of cars and people. People were everywhere like they were giving away money or something . . .I was so glad to get home, wash the smoke smell out of my hair and rinse off my beer splattered tennis shoes.

But, I’ll go back next year. And, I’ll take my whole family with me just like I did this year. Why? My family, friends, and I diligently told many people about Jesus yesterday. We explained how God through His son Jesus brings us victory over sin, offers forgiveness for those who ask, and makes a promise of an eternity in heaven.

People need Jesus in their lives. Mardi Gras offers a steady stream of people who need that hope that only Christ can give. “And Jesus told them, I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). There were hundreds of people who did not know the way, the truth, or the life.

I can’t share my faith as well as a whole lot of people (many of whom were with me yesterday), but I can do it. I can’t fix the world but I know who can. Although I’m definitely not the most articulate person they could have found to talk with, I did share some hope. Some sneered, some looked bored, some walked quickly away . . . but some listened, responded, and God touched their heart and today they have a life that has hope in Christ.