Doing Days of Repentance

Grandmom

Shalom shalom, y’all. Welcome back to Repentance. I’m Grandmom, and I got my dear friend Kevin here with me. Today, we’re diving into this idea of “doing days of repentance.” Now, Kevin, you ever heard that phrase before you met me?

Kevin

Honestly, Grandmom, nah, not really. I mean, I grew up hearing about repentance in church, but “days of repentance” like a whole process? That’s new to me. I always thought repentance was just, you know, say sorry, pray, and try to do better. But this Community Rule thing you talk about, it’s got a whole structure to it.

Grandmom

That’s right. In our community, doing days of repentance is like—well, it’s a code of behavior. It’s not about punishment or shaming. It’s about taking time, real time, to look at yourself and why you do what you do. See, in the world, when somebody corrects you, it can feel like an insult. But among the righteous, reproval is just an invitation to grow closer to the truth, to the Lord. It’s loving guidance, not a slap on the wrist.

Kevin

Yeah, that’s a big shift for me. I used to get defensive when folks pointed out my mistakes. Felt like they were just trying to put me down. But learning about this—how it’s about aligning with God, not just trying to please people or avoid trouble—man, that changed how I see my own setbacks. Like, I’m not in trouble with the Lord. He’s just steady, loving, and patient, even when I’m taking baby steps.

Grandmom

Exactly, baby. The Lord don’t want you to change all at once. He’ll walk with you, even if you only got a little step in you today. That’s what days of repentance are for—spending time with the Lord, figuring out what’s really going on inside. It’s sacred, personal time. And it’s not about changing for someone else, it’s about changing because you love the Lord and your people.

Kevin

So, Grandmom, break it down for me. How do these days work? Like, is it always the same, or are there different kinds?

Grandmom

Oh, there’s a whole structure, honey. Four days is the most common. That’s for the little things—like, say, you slip up and say a word you shouldn’t. We call those “four-day words.” Then there’s ten days, for big Curse words and for stuff that messes with your relationships in the community. Twenty-two days, that’s for deep habits, things you been carrying since you was a child. And forty days? That’s for the big, life-changing commitments. That’s like, Enoch or Elijah level.

Kevin

Wait, so if I say, like, “shoot” or “darn,” that’s a four-day word? And I gotta do four days of repentance for that?

Grandmom

That’s right. Let me tell you a story. There was a brother who grew up with a stepdaddy who swore a lot, so his mama taught him to use slang instead. When he joined the community, he realized even those “softer” words needed attention. Every time he slipped, he did his four days—one for each direction, using the meanings of the directions to guide his reflection. He kept slipping, kept doing his days, and finally, after asking the Lord for help, he realized he used those words when he felt ignored. Once he saw that, he could let it go. Thirty years later, he ain’t said one since.

Kevin

That’s wild. So it’s not just about the word, it’s about what’s underneath. And the process is what helps you get there. I like that. And you said folks write their names on a message board? Like, everybody knows what you’re working on?

Grandmom

Yes, sir. We put our names up, say what we’re on days for, and what day we’re on. It’s about transparency. Everybody knows, and it builds trust. We even share what we’re learning during meals. It’s not about shaming—it’s about support. When you see your neighbor working on themselves, it makes you wanna do the same. It keeps the whole community steady.

Kevin

I can see how that would make you feel less alone. Like, you’re not the only one struggling. And the pacing—taking it one day at a time—probably helps folks not get overwhelmed, right?

Grandmom

Absolutely. The Lord don’t rush you. He honors every step, even the small ones. And the community’s there to hold you up, not push you down.

Kevin

So, Grandmom, is it always about sin? Or can you do days of repentance for, like, other stuff?

Grandmom

Oh, honey, it ain’t just about sin. Sometimes you gotta repent for things that ain’t even wrong, just changes in life. I did 22 days for getting old. My body wasn’t keeping up, and I had to let go of some responsibilities, trust others, and accept new ways. That was hard for me, but it was needed. The Lord wanted me to change, not because I was bad, but because I was growing. The community helped me through it—folks stepped up, supported me, and I learned to let go with grace.

Kevin

That’s real. I think a lot of us struggle with change, even when it’s not about right or wrong. And you said something earlier about forgiveness—how does that fit in?

Grandmom

Before you start your days, you seek forgiveness from the Lord. That’s salvation—being saved from your mistakes. But after you learn and change, you feel close to the Lord again. That’s redemption. Salvation is knowing what God means to you; redemption is knowing what you mean to God. Both matter. And sometimes, you gotta take notes, so you don’t keep asking for forgiveness for the same thing over and over. It helps make the change stick.

Kevin

I love that. It’s like, every day’s a chance to start fresh, but also to get deeper with God and with your people. And the community’s role—man, that’s powerful. I can see how that would help folks through all kinds of transitions, not just the big dramatic ones.

Grandmom

That’s the beauty of it, baby. We’re all in this together. Repentance ain’t just a private thing—it’s a way to build love and understanding in the whole community. And the Lord’s right there with us, every step.

Kevin

Well, Grandmom, I feel like I learned a lot today. I’m gonna be thinking about this next time I mess up—or even when I’m just facing a change. Thanks for sharing all that wisdom.

Grandmom

Thank you, Kevin. And thank y’all for listening. We’ll be back next time to dig even deeper. Until then, keep walking in love and truth. Shalom, baby.

Kevin

Peace, Grandmom. Peace, everybody. See y’all next time.