Storm Stories

Watching the Texas weather news this past weekend was enough to put a bit of fear and trepidation in me. Between the predicted wind gusts, rain predictions, tornado potential and flooding concerns- Harvey became a force to be reckoned with. The pictures of what we see are devastating! I'm sorry for anyone named Harvey. You do not deserve this.

With each passing hour, we inch closer and closer to a new understanding of what a bad boy Harvey is. With all the hype and warnings, Harvey has come with wrath and vengeance.

Jesus is in the business of calming storms. He can handle them quite well. There is a cool story in the Bible where Jesus got into a boat and the disciples jumped in too. All at once a big bad "Harvey" type storm came up on the lake and the waves went ever-which-a-way over the boat. But, Jesus was snoring. Not really, but he was sound asleep! The disciples woke him up and screamed for them to save him cause they were going to drown. Jesus replied "Y'all of little faith! Why are you so chicken?" He then got up and yelled at the wind and waves. All at once, everything was calm. The disciples were like "Dude, how did you do this? What kind of dude are you, anyway? Even the winds and waves obey what you say!" Matthew 8:23-27 (NBA paraphrase)

We will all experience treacherous storms in life. Some are real live storms like Harvey. Some are other kinds of storms. Cancer. Marital strife and divorce. Loss and grief.  Financial strain. Loneliness. Heartache. No one is protected from the storms of life. However, there is great relief in knowing that no matter how great the storm is, Jesus is very present and real.

Did you notice the disciples in the story? They were trying to take control and figure things out on their own!  But, Jesus was fast asleep. The disciples must have felt that Jesus totally abandoned them! But, he didn't one bit! I have a feeling He was so in synch with God that He was at peace in the storm and could sleep soundly. And we wonder why we stress? How often do we play "God" just like the disciples?

Whatever trial you face today, please know that it does not go un-noticed by our Lord. He knows and sees all and is in full control. God will see us through our storm.

Updated August 28: As we view the devastation this day, our hearts are breaking. Honestly, what can we do? One thing we can do is pray. God is still in the business of calming storms. Please join me in praying:

Father in Heaven, We come to you today on behalf of all who are in and around Houston and surrounding cities devastated by Harvey. It is beyond our comprehension the devastation. Our hearts are breaking as we watch the news and glance at these pictures of rising water. We long to help but feel so helpless. Lord, show us how we can make a difference from afar. Each of us can do something. Please show us. Please teach us the power of prayer and being on our knees on behalf of our fellow Texans and rescue workers.

For those who are dealing with rising waters, we ask that you could comfort them right now and meet their every need. We pray that you would raise up an army of people, volunteers, and organizations around our country to rescue and provide for those that need help. We pray for you to provide places of refuge and refreshment for those that need a place to lay their head. God, give wisdom for our city officials, civil servants, governmental and community leaders throughout the state of Texas and the United States. Give them daily strength and meet their every need as they deal with the task ahead. We pray for a calming of the storm in every way. Please, we ask that you would stop the rains. We ask that you would prevent any more loss of life in the wake of this tragic event. We ask that your love would shine brilliantly as humans serve their fellow man. We ask that your peace would pervade all who have been traumatized by this event. We pray that our Houston friends would not fear, but know that when they pass through the deep waters, you will be with them. May they experience your constant presence and peace today. In Jesus' name. Amen.

"Do not be afraid- I will save you. I have called you by name- you are mine. When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you. For I am the Lord your God, the holy God of Israel, who saves you." Isaiah 43:1-3

"Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5: 7

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Pressure Cooker Times

I honestly don’t know how to talk about what I should be talking about this week. I’ve started this blog way too many times only to delete my words. The events of last week both in our country and Spain have been horrifying to see. Each day, I find myself a bit reticent to read the news of the previous night. What’s next?

Our country feels like a pressure cooker. A pressure cooker is an airtight cookware used for quick cooking or preserving of foods by means of high-temperature steam under pressure.  Once water boils, it will stay at the same temperature. As water evaporates and become steam, it also is the same temperature. The only way to make steam hotter is to put the system under pressure. That’s what a pressure cooker does. If the pressure cooker fails to release, the built up pressure could explode causing serious damage.

We are living in pressure cooker times. It’s hard not to be fearful of what could happen next. How shall we live our lives during these pressurized days?

I’m not going to protest, because that’s not me. I’m not going to make waves about what should and shouldn’t happen, because that’s not me either. But, what I can do is draw people to my God. My God gives perspective. My God loves all people perfectly. My God has wisdom on how each of us can make a difference:

How do we deal with those we don’t like? “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Mathew 5:44

How do we care for those that are hurting? “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”Colossians 3:12

How do we practice peace with those in my world? “Let us therefore make ever effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”  Romans 14:19

How do we communicate with others about issues? “A man of knowledge uses word with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.” Proverbs 17:27

How do we respond to people who feel differently about things? “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1

How do we treat people?  “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

How do we look toward the future? “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”Deuteronomy 31:6

Stop the pressure cooker. God’s word instructs us to live differently. Do you know what blows me away even more? God loves when we look to Him for help!

Practice: As you start this day, pick one or two verses that YOU would like to make a reality in your life today. Ask God for help in this journey to look more and more like Him.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Out of Control on the Animas

At first glance, the Animas River in Durango looked a bit intimidating. The water was super-high and running at a rate of 800 cubic feet per second, which is pretty fast. Looking like fun, we went ahead and made reservations for two inflatable kayaks, also called duckies. We're on vacation, why not?

This trip was like no other kayak trip I've taken. Waves that belonged in the ocean. White waters crashing against rocks. Rocks to dodge. Eddies to get out of. I was pleased to master most of it until Smelter. Smelter is a section of the trip known for dumping pesky little duckies like ours. Smelter gives new meaning to feeling out of control. It's the grand finale for all little duckies.

My husband killed it at Smelter. I did not. As I entered the Smelter area, I paddled left following our neophyte guide. I should have gone middle. When I tried to correct my error, I was parallel to a six-foot drop with a swirling eddy below. I paddled my heart out, but couldn't get to the middle. In an instance, I flew off the kayak and off I went on my own personal water ride. Taking a huge gush of water in, along I went, bumping rocks and swirling around like a washing machine. Finally, I grabbed a rock, only to be hurled back out into the mighty river. It wasn't long before I was able to swim to the side and grab ahold of a kind man's kayak. He was just waiting in a cove to help kayak-less people like me.

I have a healthy new respect for raging rivers. Once I dumped, I had no control. Flying through that water was something I'll never forget. It felt really scary to be out of control.

It occurred to me later that evening, how control is so much a part of my human nature. Fear and control go hand in hand. I can so easily fall prey to trying to control the things I fear or worry about. I have a feeling you do as well. We can attempt to try to control our spouses, our children and grandchildren, our schedule, our image, our friendships, our environments, etc.  How much stress do you bring on yourself trying to be in control?

Sometimes, our controlling nature fails us. When we try to control our life, worry and anxiety become close companions. Instead of seeking God's help, we rely on our own wisdom and own power to get through stuff. We become our own god, demanding control.

The day on the  Animas River reminded me of my need for God. He was in full control of the situation. I was not.

As you start this day: Spend a few quiet minutes with God. Ask him to examine your heart and reveal to you ways you've sought control in matters. Write down everything that God shows you.  Did you know that God loves you so much that he doesn't want you to worry about anything? 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own expectations. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your path straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.