Have you ever put yourself in the place of someone else and tried to experience what they experienced? Live how they lived? Suffer like they suffered?
As I considered today's holiday, I took some time to review the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. especially during the years 1955-1968. Can you imagine being King in those days? What would it have been like to not be able to sit at the lunch counter at Woolworth's and be served a sandwich and coffee? What would it have felt like to be persecuted and oppressed? What would it have been like to stand in front of throngs of people and share "I Have a Dream?" What would it have felt like to be arrested for leading a freedom march? How would It feel to constantly live in danger?
It is a good exercise to contemplate in some little way what Martin Luther King experienced while on this earth. I know I've been guilty of glossing over holidays, but not really taking time to consider the life we honor. King brought to the world's attention how unfairly blacks were treated. He helped millions of Americans, standing up for rights for the African-American people.
In March, 1968, King went to Memphis, Tennessee. Black garbage workers were on strike there and King wanted to help them win a pay raise. He planned to lead a march, but a riot ended the march. He went back to his home in Atlanta, but felt he had given in to the violence. So King went back to Memphis and began another march. On April 3, he made his last speech there. He was murdered April 4th, as he sat on the balcony of his motel in Memphis.
A tape recording was played at his funeral from part of the last sermon King had made in his church. In speaking about his death, he stated "I'd like someone to mention that day that Martin Luther King, Jr. tried to give his life serving others....I want you to be able to say that day that I did try to feed the hungry. I want you to be able to say that I did try in my life to clothe the naked. I want you to say on that day that I did try in my life to visit those who were in prison. And I want you to say that I tried to love and serve humanity." Would someone be able to say these things at our funeral someday?
We may never be confronted with the same level of suffering and persecution that Martin Luther King, Jr. experienced. But we deal every day with people. Oppression can be anything from physical attack, bullying, negative words, judgments and constant put downs. When we are oppressed, how do we choose to deal with it? Martin Luther King chose to make a difference in spite of the oppression. How can you follow in His footsteps this day?
"Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety." Proverbs 29:25
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." Martin Luther King, Jr.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
The Legacy of Lauren Bump
I didn't know Lauren Bump, the 24-year old graduate student, who happened to be running in an area park on New Year's Eve and was stabbed to death. Her story has captured the hearts of many of us in San Antonio and around the country. Lauren was working toward her Physician's Assistant degree at Harding University in Arkansas. She had done missionary work in Guatemala and desired to use her talents to help those less fortunate with medical needs. I just don't get it... a precious life cut short.
Even though I never met Lauren, I attended her funeral at our church. Lauren's funeral was a celebration of her life here on earth. Those family and friends near her, knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that upon her death, Lauren was in the presence of Jesus. They knew that she had lived her life for Christ and now, she would see Him face to face. That's worth celebrating! But in the midst of this truth, there was also so much sorrow. The loss of an innocent life. The sting of a life cut short. The loss of a daughter. Sister. Friend. Fellow student. Missionary. Loss is unspeakably tragic. Life will forever be different for those left behind.
During the funeral, several of her close friends read Lauren's blog dated November 16th, entitled "Success." Lauren contemplated how her definition of a successful life had changed over time. She stated "It is often seen as a summation of all of our achievements; the number of degrees you've attained, how much money you make, how prestigious your job position is compared to the average Joe, the type of car you drive, how nice of a house you have, how expensive your wardrobe is, or even how many kids or friends you have." (labump.blogspot.com) Lauren then shared how, during an 18 month period after college, that the Lord began to show her about true success. She lived at home, became a youth group leader at her parent's church, and held several different little jobs. She wrote "It would be very easy for anyone to look at me at the time and think that I was one of those that never amounted to anything close to being successful, but what they didn't know is how God changed my heart and brought me to a dry season not for my glory but for His." I'll let you read her blog spot for the "rest of the story." Suffice it to say that Lauren knew true success.
Lauren's funeral changed me in several ways. It reminded me of the brevity of life and loving people well. What if today was the very last day you would see your loved one? What would you say? How would you treat them? So often, we can bear grudges, live in unforgiveness, hold on to an offense and miss loving people really well. Then, one day, they die. Unexpectedly. Without warning. And we feel remorse, for not saying enough "I love you," For not making wrongs right. For not telling people what a difference they made in our lives. The night of Lauren's funeral, I called my brother and left a message. With tears in my eyes and a shaky voice, I just shared with him how much I love him and shared my remorse for how rarely I tell him. He called the next day and thanked me. Sweet. Funerals have a way of affecting us. Don't they?
"You were made by God and for God. And until you understand that, life will never make sense." Rick Warren
The true way to living a successful life is finding how to live one in JOY: 1. Jesus 2. Others 3. Yourself. Yes, yourself, is put very last." Lauren Bump
Nancy Abbott in the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Even though I never met Lauren, I attended her funeral at our church. Lauren's funeral was a celebration of her life here on earth. Those family and friends near her, knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that upon her death, Lauren was in the presence of Jesus. They knew that she had lived her life for Christ and now, she would see Him face to face. That's worth celebrating! But in the midst of this truth, there was also so much sorrow. The loss of an innocent life. The sting of a life cut short. The loss of a daughter. Sister. Friend. Fellow student. Missionary. Loss is unspeakably tragic. Life will forever be different for those left behind.
During the funeral, several of her close friends read Lauren's blog dated November 16th, entitled "Success." Lauren contemplated how her definition of a successful life had changed over time. She stated "It is often seen as a summation of all of our achievements; the number of degrees you've attained, how much money you make, how prestigious your job position is compared to the average Joe, the type of car you drive, how nice of a house you have, how expensive your wardrobe is, or even how many kids or friends you have." (labump.blogspot.com) Lauren then shared how, during an 18 month period after college, that the Lord began to show her about true success. She lived at home, became a youth group leader at her parent's church, and held several different little jobs. She wrote "It would be very easy for anyone to look at me at the time and think that I was one of those that never amounted to anything close to being successful, but what they didn't know is how God changed my heart and brought me to a dry season not for my glory but for His." I'll let you read her blog spot for the "rest of the story." Suffice it to say that Lauren knew true success.
Lauren's funeral changed me in several ways. It reminded me of the brevity of life and loving people well. What if today was the very last day you would see your loved one? What would you say? How would you treat them? So often, we can bear grudges, live in unforgiveness, hold on to an offense and miss loving people really well. Then, one day, they die. Unexpectedly. Without warning. And we feel remorse, for not saying enough "I love you," For not making wrongs right. For not telling people what a difference they made in our lives. The night of Lauren's funeral, I called my brother and left a message. With tears in my eyes and a shaky voice, I just shared with him how much I love him and shared my remorse for how rarely I tell him. He called the next day and thanked me. Sweet. Funerals have a way of affecting us. Don't they?
"You were made by God and for God. And until you understand that, life will never make sense." Rick Warren
The true way to living a successful life is finding how to live one in JOY: 1. Jesus 2. Others 3. Yourself. Yes, yourself, is put very last." Lauren Bump
Nancy Abbott in the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Become a Better You!
How many New Year's Resolutions did you make this year? New Year's Resolutions can be a good thing...if they're kept. But often, resolutions are simply wishful aspirations that lasts until the end of January. However, I do think it's important to consider our personal lives and how we've lived this past year. The new year is a wonderful time to pause and think about the direction of our lives. Where we've been. Where we're going. It's so easy to allow the calendar to flip over to 2014 without even a thought for quiet reflection.
Over the course of this last week, I've done some needed evaluation of my life. I've looked at my marriage, my work, my relationships, my relationship with God, my extra-curricular activities, my character, and more. I realized this time of evaluation was critical for me as I desire to grow in mind, body and spirit. I've looked at some specific areas of my life that need to grow in the coming year and set some specific goals. By God's grace and help, I will make progress in 2014.
We don't often take time to be quiet...and reflect. How we miss out! Here's a challenge. Take one hour out of your life in the coming week to do just that! You could use some of the following questions to help guide your time: What one thing could you do this year to increase your enjoyment of God? What 3-4 character qualities require focused attention this coming year? (more patience, love, grace, kindness, better listener are some ideas...) What have been your biggest time wasters in 2013 and what will you do about it this year? How do you want to make the biggest difference this year in your life? What relationships in your life need the most work? What will you do to work on them? Who do you need to forgive that you haven't? What's the most important decision you need to make this year? What areas of your life most needs simplifying, and what's one way you could simplify in that area? What is the one person you most want to encourage this year? What habit would you most like to establish this year? What's the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your work life this year? What one thing do you most regret about last year, and what will you do about it this year? (Many of these questions are taken from Don Whitney, Ten Questions to Ask at the Start of the New Year, Online)
I want 2014 to count. I want to make a difference. I want to be the best I can be. Don't you? God delights in partnering with us to help us grow to become better people. Why not carve out that hour in the next week, snuggle up with a cozy blanket, a fire in the fireplace and a warm cup of coffee? Take some time for reflection. Become a better you.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Over the course of this last week, I've done some needed evaluation of my life. I've looked at my marriage, my work, my relationships, my relationship with God, my extra-curricular activities, my character, and more. I realized this time of evaluation was critical for me as I desire to grow in mind, body and spirit. I've looked at some specific areas of my life that need to grow in the coming year and set some specific goals. By God's grace and help, I will make progress in 2014.
We don't often take time to be quiet...and reflect. How we miss out! Here's a challenge. Take one hour out of your life in the coming week to do just that! You could use some of the following questions to help guide your time: What one thing could you do this year to increase your enjoyment of God? What 3-4 character qualities require focused attention this coming year? (more patience, love, grace, kindness, better listener are some ideas...) What have been your biggest time wasters in 2013 and what will you do about it this year? How do you want to make the biggest difference this year in your life? What relationships in your life need the most work? What will you do to work on them? Who do you need to forgive that you haven't? What's the most important decision you need to make this year? What areas of your life most needs simplifying, and what's one way you could simplify in that area? What is the one person you most want to encourage this year? What habit would you most like to establish this year? What's the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your work life this year? What one thing do you most regret about last year, and what will you do about it this year? (Many of these questions are taken from Don Whitney, Ten Questions to Ask at the Start of the New Year, Online)
I want 2014 to count. I want to make a difference. I want to be the best I can be. Don't you? God delights in partnering with us to help us grow to become better people. Why not carve out that hour in the next week, snuggle up with a cozy blanket, a fire in the fireplace and a warm cup of coffee? Take some time for reflection. Become a better you.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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