Popularity

Popularity is something most of us at least thought about growing up. We may have been in the “in” group or the “out” group or somewhere “in between in and out.” But at some point in time, we could have “felt” the pressure of climbing higher toward the “in” group. Isn't higher better?

Popularity is the quality of being well liked and having a lot of friends and admirers. I guess when we think back to Jesus’ day, the folks who would have been in the “out” group would have been the shepherds. You would not describe shepherds as the “popular” people.

In fact, they were the least likely people to be included in the Christmas story, simply because they would be the ones who would feel excluded. Shepherding was a big business in Bethlehem, but the shepherds were seen as ceremonially unclean. They were outcasts of their day. And do you know what? They smelled like sheep! Did I forget to mention that being popular meant that you probably smelled good?

So, in Luke 2:8-12, 15 it says: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger”……When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So, off the shepherds went into town to verify the news they had heard and share it with others. These humble, lowly, rejected, stinky and unclean shepherds were right in the center of the Christmas story! Their first response after seeing the angel was fear! Sure enough, most of us would be filled with great fear when faced with the unknown. But in time, the shepherds were filled with peace and couldn’t wait to go and see! Just think....God chose the unpopular shepherds to see Jesus first and tell others.

Have you felt rejected? Outcast? Less than? I certainly have! But, you know what? I celebrate that God came for all of us. Lowly. Rejected. Stinky. Unclean. Let’s be like the shepherds and never get over Christmas. Jesus gave up heaven to be born as a baby… for us.

“You must have the same attitude that Jesus Christ had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges, he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8

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

The Names of Jesus

How would a friend who knows you well describe you in just five words? When a person knows you well, they know about you! And it's easy to come up with five words...and more!

The same is true for Jesus. Richard Longenecker writes “In Semitic thought, a name does not just identify or distinguish a person, it expresses the very nature of his being.” The names of Jesus are worth getting to know because when we do, we know about Him. Isaiah prophesied about Jesus long before He was born:

"For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

With Christmas a few days away, let’s get to know the Jesus we celebrate in five words. Let’s look closely at these descriptions of Jesus:

Wonderful- What gives you a sense of wonder? Waking up to a beautiful hushed snowfall comes close for me. But, knowing Jesus, the glory of who He is and what He’s done for me gives me a sense of awe and wonder. I truly can't imagine life without Jesus! The more we know Him, the more wonderful He is! Do you know how wonderful He is?

Counselor- Jesus is our counselor. He is able more than anyone to guide your life. He may use His presence or speak to you through others to guide you. Jesus’ counsel is totally FOR you. As my counselor, I don't have to figure things out on our own, and that makes me so grateful! Where do you need guidance and direction from Jesus today?

Mighty God- His might is a sure sign of safety and security. Knowing He’s mighty is a call not to be afraid. What do you fear? Jesus is near to you.

Everlasting Father- King Jesus is a father that will provide for us forever. He knows us intimately and cares for our needs. His love and concern for you is like a parent with their own child. Do you know his fatherly love for you?

Prince of Peace- Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross has made peace between God and man. He invites us to be ambassadors of His peace to the rest of the world. In the chaos of the pandemic, He is the prince of peace that calms our anxious hearts. How do you need his peace today?

May Jesus be these five names and more to you this Christmas! Merry Christmas!

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

Born in a Barn

One of my favorite memories of childhood was the week of our county fair. Not only did my horse stay at the fair all week, but we humans joined the horses! I suppose they don’t allow such a thing now, but it was sure fun then! I don’t remember getting a ton of sleep, but barn life was great. So many smells…the hay we slept on and those other smells we horse people actually didn’t mind. So many sounds…horses kicking around and whinnying throughout the night.

I don’t suppose most of us give much thought to barn life. My parents would remind me as a kid “You weren’t barn in a barn!” which was my subtle cue to clean my room. But, I still enjoy barn life as I visit my horse each day. Those same sights, sounds and smells are still there. It feels like home.

For Jesus, the barn was his very first home. Jesus was born in a barn, otherwise known in Bible times as a stable. Why? The time came for the baby to be born and Mary placed him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:1-7)  The manger was actually an animal feeding trough. So Jesus was born where the animals had eaten their grain.

Why do you think Jesus was born in a barn? Just think, if Jesus was the Son of God, couldn’t God have chosen the finest of hotels? Why not experience luxurious treatment at some fancy place? He was Jesus, the Messiah! But, wait, it was God that chose for Jesus to be born in a stable. Let that sink in.

Jesus, the King of Kings, chose the path of humility and simplicity. His incarnation was a reflection of God’s heart and character. God’s character is one of humility, as is His Son. Christ is the perfect example to each of us as to how we approach God, in humility. How did Jesus express his humility? Check out his invitation:

“Come to me, all who labor and our heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Jesus invites us to join Him in His life. Most of the times we shy away from a humble life, we are really saying we don’t trust God. We want to do life on our own. Yet Jesus depended on His Father and trusted Him. (John 5:19) He chose to love his enemies. He forgave those who persecuted Him. He didn’t gossip or show envy or conceit. He didn't try to prove His importance. He loved all people perfectly. 

There’s something to be said for barn life.

“Brother, are you clothed with humility? Ask your daily life. Ask Jesus. Ask your friends. Ask the world. And begin to praise God that there is opened up to you in Jesus a heavenly humility of which you have hardly known and through which a heavenly blessedness you possibly have never yet tasted can come to you.” Andrew Murray (served as first president of the Young Men’s Christian Fellowship (YMCA)

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

Nothing is Impossible with God

I’ve questioned God a lot this year. Trials seemed to roll in one by one starting in 2019 and have continued through 2020. We’ve grieved. We’ve hurt. We’ve tasted trauma. We’ve ached for normalcy. We’ve wrestled with emotions. We’ve questioned God more than once with questions like “How much more?”  

Today, in the midst of the sadness of this year, I see a flicker of light. No, I’m going to say a big bright light. I have seen God answer our prayers for my husband’s healing.

Ben experienced a horrific bicycle accident over Labor Day that involved 2 fractures in the pelvis. Here we are three months later and he stepped out of that wheelchair and began to walk TODAY! Listening to the doctor, Ben’s results could have been so much worse. Yet, nothing is impossible with God.

Check out two folks in the Christmas story who knew a bit about the ‘impossible.’ Zechariah was one of God’s priests serving in the Jerusalem temple. He and his wife were childless and in the Jewish culture this was seen as missing out on God’s blessing. An angel appeared to him and announced that his wife, Elizabeth, would give birth to a son. Zechariah’s first response was one of doubt. In Luke 1:18 “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” Because of his doubt, the angel silenced Zechariah until John, the son, was born.

Mary had a different response. When an angel appeared to Mary to announce that she would carry God’s son, Mary responded with “How will this be?” (Luke 1:34)  Even though Mary couldn’t possibly understand what was going on, she believed the angel! She knew that God was going to do something special through her. The last thing that the angel said to Mary was the words ”nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37) Mary’s response was beautiful “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” Don't miss the beauty and belief found in her response.

God always answers prayer in his own time and his own way. He may not always have the answers we want, but we still trust in God, knowing that He will see us through the darkest of circumstances. He worked in two impossible scenarios in the Christmas story. Zechariah doubted. Mary submitted and believed.

What impossible situation are you facing today? Will you doubt or believe? God is the God of the impossible.

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

Anticipating Christmas

I remember one of the biggest challenges as a kid was the concept of “waiting” for Christmas. I was so ready for Christmas way before Christmas came around. I remember baking gingerbread cookies and frosting them for Christmas Eve, knowing that it was Santa’s favorite! I couldn’t wait to wake up Christmas morning, noting that the gingerbread cookies were gone and presents were sprinkled around the tree.

What if we could, as adults, have a pure, unadulterated expectation for Christmas? What if we proactively chose to keep Christ the center of our Christmas preparations? Before you get busy doing the things that keep you busy at Christmas, why not add some of these spiritual practices to your Christmas season?

Read- Take time to read the story of Christ’s birth in these days leading up to Christmas. Read through Matthew 1 or Luke 2 and take time to mediate on these words. Read the story with your family and engage in what it must have been like to be Mary, Joseph, the wise men or shepherds. Allow the Christmas story to affect you, really afffect you.

Sing- In the midst of COVID, we can be so stressed and discouraged. It’s affected all of us! When was the last time you just sang out loud? Whether it’s singing with your own music or just going through some old hymns, SING! Let Christmas get your worship on! As you sing along to some of these old Christmas carols, pay close attention to the words. Singing takes your mind off the stressors of our day!

Pray- There are many who need our prayers and support at Christmas. I often think of those who are alone, sick or grieving this Christmas. They not only need our prayers, but encouragement and care. We can pray for those who need to encounter the hope that Jesus comes to bring. Our prayers not only affect others, but they change us!

Serve- Look for ways to serve people. Serve with the Food Bank. Ask God to show you each day who you might love, serve and care for. Reach out to those that have a need. Work with your church to serve others. Being the hands and feet of Jesus is a beautiful thing!

Reflect- Take time to cozy up on your couch, stare at your Christmas tree and reflect on Jesus being born specifically so that He would one day die for your sins. Invite Jesus to walk with you each day through this special month. Ask Him to make this the best Christmas ever for you. Journal throughout this season and reflect on what Jesus did for you. Appreciate the gift of life itself. Slow down long enough to delight in the beauty of the season.

So, Christmas is 25 days away. What spiritual practices would you like to practice to make this holiday special?

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

The Scraggly Tree

So, I wonder if you've heard about the 75-foot-tall tree that arrived last week in front of Rockefeller Plaza? As the crane lowered the tree into its new home for the next month, it looked like it had just come through 2020! The bottom limbs appeared bare and its needles hung limply, as if it weren’t quite ready for Christmas. On top of all its other struggles, it leaned to the side as if to say "I’m through with this year!”

A spokesperson for Rockefeller Center told NBC’s Today “When it’s unwrapped and first put up, the branches don’t immediately all snap back into place, and those are the photos you’re seeing. It takes a while before it fully settles.”

I have a feeling most of us have felt a bit scraggly over the course of these COVID months. Maybe you have hung your head a bit limply at times as you donned your face one more time with a mask. Perhaps you’ve felt a bit off balance in your life, just like the scraggly tree?

The story of this tree reminded me of one of my favorite passages found in John 15:4-5: “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

The secret of us human beings being fruitful, as Jesus spoke about in John 15, is to abide in Jesus, to stay connected to Him. That’s not as easy as it sounds! Our natural tendency is to live life for ourselves and seek our own happiness. But the One connected to Jesus has given His life to Jesus and is committed to following Him. We realize that we don’t have to live the Christian life on our own power, but instead, staying connected to the vine. 

How does that look for me personally? Honestly, I need God more than ever these days. The year, 2020, has been one of the toughest years in my life! But, as I daily chose to abide in Christ and walk with Him moment by moment through several ongoing trials, He is faithful to nourish me, strengthen me and use me to bear fruit. I'm just very aware of my desperate need for God.

The Rockefeller tree is not down-and-out like most people think. With water, some beautiful lights and holiday trim, it will look amazing! So, no matter how discouraged or defeated or down-and-out you might feel today, please remember that Jesus is inviting you to connect with His life. Abide in Him. Happy Thanksgiving!

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

Grumbling to Gratitude

I don’t usually start out my day wondering “Well, let me see, how many things can I grumble about today?” No, I don’t do that. Grumbling can just sneak in like a slow faucet drip. It can be so natural that I don’t even know I’m doing it. Grumbling can be triggered by life’s stuff…. Barking dogs. Slow traffic. Bad food at a restaurant. Cranky family member. Cold weather. Negative co-worker. Chronic pain. COVID fatigue. It’s hard NOT to utter our distinct displeasure with what irritates us.

Here we are halfway through November, the month of gratitude! I have to confess, I haven’t been bubbling over with gratitude lately. How do I change my grumbles to gratitude?

Well, I’ll share a personal experience. My husband, Ben, had a serious bike accident over Labor Day. He’s still not able to walk, but we are hopeful that will happen soon. I’m embarrassed at the ways I’ve grumbled these last months. There are plenty of things to grumble about. However, that doesn’t give me a license to do so.

Just recently, I started thinking about what I was grateful to God for concerning Ben's injury: I’m grateful Ben survived this accident. I’m grateful for the healing that’s happened. I’m grateful it wasn’t worse. I’m grateful for all the friends and families who prayed and cared for us. I'm grateful for more time together. I’m grateful that God is being faithful to meet all our needs. Consider some of the process that I went through to become more grateful:

1. Get aware of your grumbles- I had to be aware that I was grumbling on a regular basis. I was downright frustrated. Angry. Irritated with God for the cards we were dealt. It turned into a negative spirit where I struggled with a quick temper and definitely more stressed than usual.

2. God is good ALL the time- I recalled that God is a loving Father who has good things planned for us. He allows things in our life that we don’t always like, because we live in a fallen world. But, when I embrace that He is always good, loving, sovereign, just, perfect, and faithful, I find hope in that. I can give thanks to God, knowing He is in full control of our situation.

3. Practice cultivating a heart of gratitude. Practice changes everything. There’s about 15 days left in the month of November. Would you consider joining me in asking God to help you stomp out grumbling and add gratitude into your life? Practice from the moment you get up to the moment you go to bed. Be a grateful person. God will be pleased. You will be changed and others will be affected by your grateful heart.

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing; that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…” Philippians 2:14-15

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

Peaceful and Quiet Lives

Daisy, my horse, has taken the elections in stride. In fact, I think Daylight Savings Time was way more of an ordeal! Feeding times were off and that was a bit of a catastrophe. For Chara, our English Springer, she seemed a bit frustrated that we were glued more than usual to the TV, rather than to her.

The cool thing about our pets is they just love to be with us! They relish the simple things of life. Being with their people. Eating.(on time) Exercising. Repeat. They’re pretty chill for the most part. On a cool day, Daisy may kick her legs up as she’s getting lunged, but she’s just letting you know she feels good. They live such peaceful and quiet lives. Perhaps, that’s why we enjoy them so much.

I think most of us would cherish a peaceful and quiet life. We’d like to wish away all the hurt, pain, anger, racism, election issues, grief, COVID, and suffering around us. Many of you are struggling with issues to deep for words. For me personally, the last few months have been anything but peaceful and quiet. They've been tough. Even with the elections soon to be behind us, there will continue to be things that bring angst, fear and anxiety to our hearts. Because, well, that's life. 

In 1 Timothy 2:1-2 it says “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” I think this is a call to pray for our present and future president and all those in authority. But, I also think it’s a call to how we should live: peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. The purpose of a peaceful and quiet life is not to be comfortable and happy, but so that we can grow in godliness and holiness.

I don’t know the winner of the election at the time of this writing. Whether your candidate won or loss, we need something more than our candidate to win in life. We need God. When we live in relationship with Jesus, we’re freed to live not just for ourselves, but for others. Knowing Christ brings a peace that passes ALL understanding. That kind of peace allows us to respond to a difficult person or crummy circumstance with peace. We don’t return anger for anger. We don't return hate for hate nor judgment for judgment. We don't live in fear or anxiety. We love at all times and carry the peace of Christ wherever we go. 

So, may you receive this blessing today and live in light of God's peace: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:22-26)

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

Helplessness

I finally figured out what makes me most anxious these days. I feel helpless. Really helpless. I have no control of the elections. I have no control over the riots and volatility in our country. I have no control of the fires, hurricanes and floods in our country. Ditto for so many other things.  

I really don’t like to be helpless. Who does? Being helpless could actually come across weak, powerless and dependent upon others. O. Hallesby, a well known Norwegian theologian born in 1879, wrote one of my favorite classic books entitled simply “Prayer.” He writes “Helplessness is your best prayer. It calls from your heart to the heart of God with greater effect than all your uttered pleas. He hears it from the very moment that you are seized with helplessness, and He becomes actively engaged at once in hearing and answering the prayer of your helplessness.”  Did you get this? God loves when we come to Him in a state of helplessness. It’s actually a good thing!

Perhaps, we miss out on powerful prayers being answered because we’re too prideful to admit to God our need for Him? Join me in praying some of these simple, helpless prayers. Admitting that we are utterly dependent upon our God in the days ahead is actually a good thing:

Lord, I pray for your sovereign hand over the elections.
Lord, I pray for peace in our country no matter who gets elected.
Lord, I pray for peace in my own heart no matter who gets elected.
Lord, heal those that I know that COVID, cancer or another injury/illness.
Lord, heal those that I know that are grieving a loss of someone dear to them.
Lord, heal my heart that is hurting because of: ___________________.
Lord, I give you my stressors today: ____________________.
Lord, I give you my many weaknesses and want to thank you for your strength.
Lord, I’m so powerless to love others well and need your help to do so.

It feels so weird to be helpless. But when I acknowledge my helplessness, the Lord becomes actively engaged in coming alongside me and adding His strength. You see this so beautifully in Paul’s letter in 2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power my rest on me.’”

Power made perfect in my weakness. Sit in those words. This is the power we have through Christ. He is available to walk with us through anything!  God’s peace be with you today.

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

In His Hands

How do we make sense of this time in our world? Perhaps you’re experiencing COVID-fatigue these days. You’re just so tired of the whole thing. Maybe you’re on edge with the recent riots in our cities. Or maybe you’re anxious about the upcoming election. Will your choice candidate(s) win or lose? And how will you feel if they lose?

We live in a very challenging time in our country. I don’t know one person who isn’t intimately affected by one or all these events. For me personally, I’ve found that I can’t go a day without running to my God, for help, perspective and hope. I also find comfort when I delve into understanding God’s sovereignty.

What comes to mind when you think about the sovereignty of God? Sovereignty means “supreme power or authority.” How do we make sense of this in terms of God Himself? To be simple, God is God. There is no one else like Him. He has supreme power over everything.

Sometimes, I see God like other humans. I place Him on human level because I’m human. That’s where I go wrong. He is God! It is through Scripture that my mind and heart are lifted to a greater understanding of His sovereignty. Here are a few verses to meditate on in the coming days:

“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:16

“Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.” Psalm 115:3

“Daniel praised the God of heaven. He said, “Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings.” Daniel 2:19-21

"Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” Jeremiah 32:17

“And looking at them, Jesus said to them, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

God’s plans are greater than our plans. He sees the whole picture. We see what we see. While we are concerned with our own comfort and what we want, He is concerned with the souls of people. We can actually look to His sovereignty and find peace and hope, knowing how much He loves us.

With these world events we are experiencing, it can feel like you're out of control. You can feel very helpless. Remember, you can quickly turn to the One who has the whole world in his hands. He’s got COVID in his hands. He’s got the election in His hands. He’s got the riots and unrest in His hands. He is sovereign. God’s peace be with you.

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

Wheelchair Living

I’ve had my share of navigating older folks around in wheelchairs earlier in my career. I remember training our Dallas nursing home staff to help bridge the gap between sympathy and empathy by giving them an extended “experience” in the wheelchair. You see things differently from a wheelchair.

Fast-forward many years. Now, it’s my husband in a wheelchair.  Ben, who recently broke his pelvis in a bike accident, is experiencing life from a wheelchair. As much as Ben would like to walk, it’s necessary that he wait. The wheelchair does something for him he can’t do himself.

I would say all of us would prefer to walk, rather than tool around in a wheelchair. Ben sure would! The wheelchair is that reminder that sometime in our life, we may experience a weakness or inability that makes us dependent upon something or someone else. Most all of us would prefer independence. But, in Scripture, we see that God anticipated our weakness....

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” (Romans 8:26)

As a Christian, I have the Holy Spirit living in me. He actually helps me in my weakness! He does something for me that I can’t do myself, just like the wheelchair!

Ben and I are not left to our own resources to get through this hard time. We have the Holy Spirit who helps us pray. He counsels and comforts us in this challenging season. He prays for us when we struggle to know how to pray. God literally carries us. 

Where do you need God to carry you today? Are your fearful of the election results? Are you struggling in a decision? Are you smack dab in a big trial where you feel drained and inadequate? Do you need wisdom for a challenging relationship? Are you grieving something or someone?

Rest in our Father God’s love. He is very present. He longs to carry you too! He may not take away the circumstance, but He will be so present in the circumstance.

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

Desperately Need Help?

Have you ever reached a point where you desperately needed help? The longer we live, we will eventually be in a situation where we need help with relationships, physical challenges, life decisions, finances or another challenge. What do you do when you desperately need help?

Bartimaeus is one of my favorites in the Bible. He was desperately in need of help. In Mark 10:46-52, we read that Bartimaeus was blind. He also was a beggar, which meant that he had no one to take care of him. In the text, we see him sitting beside the road begging. When he heard that Jesus was coming through town, he began to yell, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” That didn’t sit well with the crowd. They told him to shut up. I imagine many were thinking he was really crying out “Give me money!”

But, Bartimaeus wasn’t asking for money. He was asking for mercy. In Mark 10:49 it says “Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.’” Bartimaeus got up and came to Jesus. Jesus asked him “What do you want me to do for you?”  Bartimaeus said “ Rabbi, I want to see.” Jesus told him his faith had healed him. In other words, Bartimaeus knew it was Jesus and He had faith that Jesus could heal him.  

On the outside looking in, I could look at this whole scenario and judge Bartimaeus. He probably looked scruffy and was certainly annoying with all his yelling. Why did he have to say the same thing over and over? You know how easy it is to judge your fellow human, right?

But, it was Bartimaeus who had faith! He believed Jesus COULD heal Him. It was the crowds that really couldn’t see. Blindness comes in all sorts of ways, doesn’t it?

What miracle are you asking God for today? Do you really believe that God can do anything? Did you know that God hears your cries for help? Don’t give up asking God to work a miracle in your life. It just takes a very small amount of faith. Just believe. God is able.

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

Reminders

I feel like I need post-it notes all around me these days. I need reminders of those things I need to remember. I’m not referring to my shopping list or remembering an appointment. I’m referring to reminders for my mind. The spiritual choices I need to make to walk through these challenging days. Here’s a few of my reminders to my self:

Trust God further than what you can see- I’ve been learning that my trust muscle can only grow stronger when it’s used regularly. During our current trial, I’m pleading with God to trust Him when I can’t see the future or know the outcome.

The old song, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, reminds me of what I CAN see. I can see Jesus taking care of us, meeting each need, walking with me through every challenge.

O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant and free!
Refrain: Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.  (Songwriter: Helen Howarth Lemmel)

Don’t get distracted by opinions of others. We live in a day and age where we can be very focused on “what others think.” Whether on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn, we’ve all probably clicked some form of a like button. We signal to others what we think of what someone has shared. It’s a sort of validation. Whether it's social media or someone just sharing their opinion, we can get sidetracked by someone's opinion. 

How do you handle not getting validation? How do you handle being judged by others? Staying the course for me in this season means I must place my mind and heart more on the things of God and his opinion and less on what others think. We can get so sidetracked by the opinions of others. They can rule our hearts, our minds and our emotions. Don’t let them!

Studying God’s word helps me focus on His opinion. In Galations 1:10, I see this exact concern being questioned: “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” I want to please God and I need this reminder!

Never stop praying! Prayer, for me, is an ongoing conversation with God. Sometimes I talk. Sometimes I listen. Sometimes, I wait. I can talk to God about anything. Just yesterday, I was asking God to help me in an upcoming horse show. I needed Him to help me gain confidence in doing a certain pattern. I kind of laughed at myself in asking Him about something that seemed so trivial. Yet, as I practiced that very night, I did do better and I did gain confidence. God cares about EVERYTHING! So, one of my reminders is to always involve Him in every aspect of my life! Prayer is my life line and I must remember that!

What reminders to you need to help you through this season? Take time for your spiritual health. Spend some time writing in your journal. Ask God for His reminders for you!

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

Questioning God?

I don’t always “get” God. Sometimes, I would just like to tell him a thing or two about what I feel He should do. But, I think He has his gig down pretty well.

There are times in my life where I question God. God, why would you allow this? How come this happened? Is this or that fair? What were You thinking?  How I handle these questions is of utmost importance in my faith journey.

Most of us are uncomfortable with things we can’t fully understand. I imagine that’s why many folks don’t really want to get to know God. We can’t control God. We attempt to fit God into our own box to keep things safe. But, God doesn’t do boxes. He’s God.

I think I have a standing problem of making God too small. I want Him to fit into my little world and mind. He doesn’t. Natalie Grant’s King of the World song says my sentiments exactly:

I tried to fit you in the walls inside my mind
I try to keep you safely in between the lines
I try to put you in the box that I’ve designed
I try to pull you down so we are eye to eye

When did I forget that you’ve always been the king of the world?
I try to take life back right out of the hands of the king of the world
How could I make you so small
When you’re the one who holds it all
When did I forget that you’ve always been the king of the world?......
(Songwriters: Becca Mizell/Natalie Grant/Samuel Mizell)

God can’t fit into your box. Don’t pull Him down to your level. He won’t budge. Learn to look up to Him. Give Him your questions and concerns. He listens well…better than any human. He is God of the universe and literally wants to know you and do life with You.

I don’t understand God. I never will. But, He’s worthy of my trust. So, here we are in the middle of a big ole’ trial, we’re not gonna give up on Him. We’re not gonna’ say “God, how could you allow this?” We’re going to trust Him. He’s gonna see us through. He's worthy of our trust. Just read the Bible and you'll see!   

“Aslan is a lion-the Lion, the great Lion.”  “Ooh” said Susan. “I’d thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion”…. “Safe?” said Mr. Beaver….”who said anything about safe? Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King. I tell you.” C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia #1)

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love may have power, together with all of the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-19

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

Highlights

So, Chara, our English Springer Spaniel, decided to get highlights today. She didn’t even go to the doggie groomer! She did them all by herself.

I absentmindedly left a yellow highlighter out on a table this morning. That was all Chara needed for her highlights! I gasped when I saw her new look… both front feet covered in yellow!!!!

The definition of highlight is to make or try to make people notice or be aware of someone or something. For me, I highlight things I want to remember. Most often, I highlight a scripture or something I’ve written down in my prayer journal.

As Ben and I try to navigate our new normal following his bicycle accident and broken pelvis, I’ve been highlighting a lot. Why? I’ve realized how desperate I am for God and His Word. Over the course of these last few weeks, I’ve experienced emotions too deep for words- feelings of sadness, anxiety, fear, frustrations, impatience and weariness.

It’s these crazy emotions that draw me back to God’s Word. I highlighted the following Scripture this morning, Psalm 42:1-2, 5

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?.......Put our hope in God, For I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you.”

The Psalmist got it right. Just like a deer depends upon water, he depended on his God. The Psalmist was knew his need and knew who could answer his need. He poured out his heart to God! He was so discouraged and downcast because of the circumstances of his day. Watch his antidote: He talked to himself. He asked his soul why it was so downcast. Then, he challenged himself to put his hope in God and God’s word. He saw the benefit of running to God and his Word in times of deep despair and challenge. 

That’s what I did today. I ran to God and His Word. I need Him so much to help see me through this trial. This highlighted portion of my Scripture is a reminder of my need to sometimes talk back to myself: “Put your hope in God, Nancy!” Sometimes, we need to give ourselves a talkin’ to.

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

Cancel 2020?

I’m ready to join the “Cancel 2020” culture. To top off all the craziness that has happened in our family this year, my husband had a horrible bicycle accident this past week. I knew it was bad when I finally got to him and saw he couldn’t move. To make a long story short, he was transferred late that evening to hospital (BAMC) where there they would and could perform such a trauma case. Our hearts are broken, but at the same time encouraged that he can and will heal.

Ben and I had just been commenting on what a hard year this has been. And now this. What else? It's easy to get super discouraged during this challenging year.

I’m sure you’ve noticed, that we are in a place and time where so many are struggling. Many of you who might be reading this are dealing with cancer, another type of sickness, family or relational strife, financial challenges, wounds too deep for words or somehow affected by COVID. COVID has allowed us to see our true selves, no longer covered by the niceties of life. For me, I observed my true self coming out by not being able to see Ben while in the hospital. That was so very hard for me, yet I am one of a multitude of people who have gone through this frustration. COVID has brought on extra strife and stress to all of us. How we deal with these challenges is important. 

There are times where there are no words. I just don’t know how to walk through this trial. I’d prefer to Cancel 2020. But, as you and I know, that is not an option.

There are just some days, where I just need to out loud quote Scripture to myself.  Over and over and over. I believe God and I know He is good ALL the time. But, this feels soooo not good.

So, I’m going back to a scripture I know by heart and keep it close to my heart. I’m going to repeat it over and over and over: Nancy, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) Simple verse, right? But think about each section: Trust in the Lord. Don’t lean on your understanding. Acknowledge God in everything you do. He promises to make your paths straight. Ya’ll, this is survival. This is what keeps us going!

We also need each other. I've been blown away by the prayers, encouragement, meals, phone calls of those near and far as we walk through this ordeal. It's so easy to find people to care for and encourage these days. Everyone needs encouragement! One of my favorite verses in scripture says "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." (Hebrews 10:24) Wow, loving and supporting each other is such a beautiful thing! 

I’m not about to cancel 2020, because I want to learn to trust the Lord in the hard times. If everything is always perfect, how do I really know that God is trustworthy? It’s in these dark trials, that God’s light shines bright and clear. Let's trust the Lord in 2020 like never before. Let's be the hands and feet of Jesus to those around us like never before. Could we possibly see God do more this year in our lives than any other year?

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

Someone

Have you ever looked down on someone because of their race?

Have you ever judged someone one way and later found out how wrong you were?

Have you ever thought less of someone because of the way they looked?

Have you ever held a grudge against someone that lasted for years?

Have you ever been so angry at someone you avoided even looking at them?

Have you ever not accepted someone the way they are?

The key word in each one of these questions is “someone.” How do we treat the “someone’s” in our life is most important. Chances are, that you, like me, have botched it in this department. Whether it’s confessing our entanglement in racism and systemic privilege or just being a toad in a relationship, a first step in making things right is “confession.”

Most of us would prefer to eat a can of spam before we seek to practice confession. We have been taught that “looking good” is way more important than showing weakness or mistakes. It’s so stinking tough to ask people for forgiveness! Avoidance seems so much easier. Personal confession is tough too, as we admit to God our own private beliefs, albeit racist or hidden anger or judgments we hold tightly to. But, confession can be so freeing for all of us!

Confession involves surrendering our weaknesses and faults to the forgiving love of Christ. (Adele Ahlberg Calhoun, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook) I literally admit to God my natural propensity to rationalize away my sin, deny that it happened or pass the shame and blame on to someone else. True repentance means I open the bad in my life to God. (Calhoun) I stop hiding. I don’t pretend I'm somebody I’m not.

For me, when I understand that I’m tucked away in the safety net of God’s unfailing love, I’m more prone to ask Him to help me see myself as He sees me. I share with Him the sins that come to mind. I then ask God to forgive me and help me to change. His perfect love for me gives me freedom to share my junk with Him!

For those ‘someones’ in your life, ask the Lord, “Who have I injured recently through thoughtlessness, neglect, anger or judgment?” (Calhoun) If you need to initiate with a person, do so! As hard as that is, most people are so blown away by your willingness to confess your wrongdoing. It can be a beautiful time of reconciliation.

Don’t deny the hurt you feel from your experience. Sit in it. Feel it. But don’t stay in the pain forever. Allow this pain to push you on to forgiveness and which gives so much freedom!

“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16

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

COVID People

Chara, our English Springer Spaniel, is a COVID dog. A COVID dog is a dog welcomed into their family during COVID season. COVID dogs are different than other dogs. They are anxious when their people leave. They struggle with attachment disorder, unreasonable expectations and tend to freak out with excitement when people knock at the door.

We’re learning to break the cycle of our COVID dog. She’s got unreasonable expectations that we can't possibly meet. We’re not always there for her beckoning call.

Hey, did you ever think that we’re COVID people? We don’t think about it now, but five or ten years from now, we’ll look back and reminisce about our COVID days. How did we handle COVID? What did we learn? What bad habits did we pick up?

It occurred to me that Chara has a good habit that I like! Chara loves being right beside us. Non-stop presence. If one of us moves about the house, Chara goes too. If we go outside, Chara goes outside. She doesn’t want to be out of our sight. She's a COVID dog.

With COVID, I’ve needed God more than ever! The isolation part of COVID has been tough for me. But, I’ve made it a point to start my day reading the Bible, being in God’s presence and praying. I’ve learned over the years that God’s presence is ALWAYS with me. So, I can invite Him into my day, ask Him questions, pray throughout the day and wait for His response. Non-stop presence with the God of the universe! That’s pretty amazing!

It reminds me of a classic book by Brother Lawrence, called The Practice of the Presence of God. Brother Lawrence died over 325 years ago, but his teachings about prayer are just as relevant today as they were back then. Brother Lawrence spent much of his life working in a kitchen as a dishwasher. But during his menial tasks, Brother Lawrence discovered a profound truth. You can experience God’s presence anywhere. Here are a few quotes from Brother Lawrence:

“We should establish ourselves in a sense of God’s presence, by continually conversing with Him.”

“Think often on God, by day, by night, in your business and even in your diversions. He is always near you and with you; leave him not alone.”

“The most holy and important practice in the spiritual life is the presence of God- that is, every moment to take great pleasure that God is with you.”

As you start this day, do you know that the God of the universe wants to walk with you too? Invite Him!

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

Very Bad Days

“ACTIVE SHOOTER, RUN!” I had just pulled my cart up to the register at our local Cosco as Ben happily went off to get a hot dog. In one second, everything changed. I looked around and knew immediately it was time to get out…NOW!

With credit card in one hand and purse in the other, I abandoned my cart and took off with the crowd. We briskly pushed through a long, narrow exit to the outside. I then began to run as fast and far away as I could, hoping I’d catch up with Ben soon.

It wasn’t until we were safely home that we found out what really happened. A “masked” man had entered Cosco, smashed a jewelry case, pulled out a handgun, stole an undetermined amount of jewelry and then fled the scene with someone else. We had a “taste” of something very bad that day at Cosco. Thankfully, it wasn’t as bad as it could have been.

I think many of us are tired of the “very bad.” We’re tired of COVID. We’re tired of the unrest and volatility and hatred. We’re weary of systematic racism. We weary of the loss of life and spiking cases. We’re fearful for this fall season and the spreading of COVID in schools. What do we do? When I don’t know what to do, I pray. Will you join me?

Heavenly Father, We are concerned for the “very bad” things that are going on right now. Lord, each of us has been affected physically, emotionally and spiritually. We are disgusted, mad, angry, hurt, sad, fearful, impatient and just plain tired of all that’s going on. We don’t even know how to handle all of our emotions! So, we come to You, sovereign and perfect God, You, who unlike us, are never down, weary, irritated or impatient. You never mutter “Whatever….” You are always right there for us in the darkest, scariest of moments. Help us not just put our hope in a post-COVID world or a post-racism world or even a post-hatred world, even though we hope for these things! Help us put our hope in You! You, who are at work in ways we’ll only understand later. You, who use even the “very bad” in our lives for good. You, who sent your one and only Son to take on the sins of this world. You, who give us the glorious future in heaven as we trust in You. I lift my eyes to the glorious hope in the words of this song. Keep my heart in synch with this hope, Lord: “There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears. There will be a day when the burdens of this place, Will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face. But until that day, we’ll hold on to you always.” (Jeremy Camp, There Will Be a Day) Thank you, Lord, for that reminder.... I needed it! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

So, until that day, I’m gonna’ hold on to Him always. Hope has a name and His name is Jesus. He will get you through every “very bad” day.

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