Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season, a time of self-examination and repentance for Christians. And the word “repentance” or “repent” simply means to turn; to turn from one way of living to another. And so it is fitting that we begin that season by looking at an incredible turning point (in more ways than one) in the story of Genesis: the story of Abraham. 

Abraham’s story is the story of a NEW beginning for all humanity; one in which God starts with a single family by calling Abraham to leave behind all that he knew to be safe and comfortable and follow Him into a new way of living. And in this introductory story to the life of Abraham we learn what it means to respond to the call of God.