Podcast Summary: "Mardi Gras Is Cancelled"

The Wake-Up Call — Host: Andrew Forrest (Seedbed)
Date: February 17, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Wake-Up Call, guest host Andrew Forrest shares his reflections on Mardi Gras, Lent, forgiveness, and the profound inclusiveness found in the book of Leviticus. It’s a transitional episode, marking Andrew's final day as guest host, and sets the stage for the Lenten season with both encouragement and thoughtful questions for reflection. The episode weaves together themes of reconciliation, access to grace, and the real meaning behind religious traditions like Mardi Gras and Lent.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Personal Updates and Farewell

• Andrew introduces himself and thanks the community—this is his last fill-in day for J.D. Walt.
• He plugs his book Love Goes First and announces a live video course happening in March through Seedbed.
  • Quote [00:38]:

    “It’s running on Mondays in March, Monday the 9th, the 16th and the 23rd, with a bonus on the 30th from 6:30 to 8:00 Central Time … I hope you’ll be a part of it.”

2. Ash Wednesday and the Meaning of Lent

• Andrew expresses anticipation for Ash Wednesday and emphasizes its importance for all Christians, not just Catholics or Orthodox.
  • Quote [02:22]:

    “Ash Wednesday might be strange for you, but it’s not a Roman Catholic thing, it’s not an Eastern Orthodox thing, it’s a Christian thing. And it’s about preparing for Easter and reminding ourselves that before there’s the cross for the crown, there’s first the cross.”

3. Scripture Reflection—Leviticus 5:7-10

• Andrew reads from Leviticus and reflects on its significance:
  • Leviticus provides a path for all—even the poor—to receive forgiveness.
  • The passage describes how, if someone can’t afford a lamb, two birds will suffice for sacrifice and forgiveness.
• Central Insight: God’s heart is for everyone to have a way to forgiveness, revealing a radical inclusiveness.

4. Mardi Gras, Lent, and the Nature of Forgiveness

• Forrest connects Mardi Gras (“Fat Tuesday”) and Lent, highlighting their spiritual sequence and meaning:
  • Mardi Gras marks indulgence before the season of self-reflection and repentance.
  • Without Lent (and Good Friday), there’s no Easter or reconciliation.
  • The tragedy of a world without forgiveness is likened to “hell, literally.”
    • Quote [06:35]:

      “What if you could never, ever be reconciled to someone? … You know what that life would be like? It would be hell, literally.”

• Mardi Gras’ value is not in the revelry, but in the reminder that forgiveness and Easter are real and essential.

5. Inclusivity in Leviticus & the Heart of God

• Emphasis on Leviticus’ provision for the poor is used to underscore God's desire for universal access to forgiveness.
  • Quote [08:01]:

    “Leviticus shows us the heart of the Lord. He wants everyone to have the opportunity to be forgiven and thereby receive eternal life.”

6. Application—Reflection Questions

• Andrew offers three journal prompts for listeners:
  • What does it say about the Lord that He makes provision for the poor in Leviticus?
  • Have you ever been reconciled with someone after a falling out?
  • Have you ever been unable to reconcile?
• These prompts tie the episode's themes back to personal experience and practical faith.

7. Closing Hymn & Blessing

• Andrew leads the community in “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” (Charles Wesley), emphasizing the joy and freedom found in forgiveness.
  • Notable Lyric [10:42]:

    “He breaks the power of cancelled sin, he sets the prisoner free; his blood can make the foulest clean, his blood availed for me.”

• He ends with a warm invitation to visit his church, a blessing for Lent and Easter, and his final sign-off as guest host.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Lent and Forgiveness [02:32]:

  “It’s about preparing for Easter and reminding ourselves that before there’s the cross for the crown, there’s first the cross.”

• On the Tragedy of Unforgiveness [06:35]:

  “What if you could never come back close to someone with whom there’d been a betrayal or a loss of trust? … You know what that life would be like? It would be hell, literally.”

• On the Inclusiveness of God’s Forgiveness [08:01]:

  “How beautiful is that? Leviticus shows us the heart of the Lord. He wants everyone to have the opportunity to be forgiven and thereby receive eternal life.”

• Closing Blessing [11:14]:

  “May God bless you. I hope you have a really great Lent, because I hope this Easter is the sweetest and best we have ever celebrated.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:03 – Introduction, farewell announcement, info on "Love Goes First" book/course
• 02:00 – Reflections on Ash Wednesday and Lent
• 03:21 – Candle-lighting and opening prayer
• 03:57 – Scripture Reading: Leviticus 5:7-10
• 05:27 – Reflection on Leviticus, forgiveness, and the meaning of Mardi Gras
• 08:01 – God’s inclusiveness in Leviticus
• 09:08 – Journal prompts for reflection
• 10:00 – Hymn: “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing”
• 11:14 – Closing blessing and sign-off

Episode Tone and Style

Andrew Forrest’s tone throughout is warm, personal, reflective, and accessible. He invites listeners to self-examination, provides theological reflection in down-to-earth language, and closes with sincere pastoral care and gratitude for the Wake-Up Call community.

For full engagement, listeners are invited to reflect on the journal prompts and to join Andrew’s upcoming course, as well as to enter the Lenten season with renewed focus on grace, reconciliation, and forgiveness.