#TylerStrong

I’d never heard about Tyler Trent until sometime back before the Ohio State Buckeyes and Purdue Boilermakers football game in October. The week leading up to the game, Tyler Trent’s name became more and more prominent.

Tyler Trent was diagnosed with osteosarcoma as a 15 year old in 2014. In 2018, cancer spread to his spine. He had been attending college at Purdue University at the time and had to return home to his family in September of this past year.

Trent and his family had made plans to attend the October 20 game against Ohio State. Many assumed that this may be his last trip to the Purdue campus. It was that week, I remember Tyler making a prediction that Purdue would beat Ohio State. What????? As much as my little Ohio heart didn’t want that to happen, as the game progressed, I began to want Purdue to win too...for Tyler. The Boilermakers ended up upsetting Ohio State just like Trent had predicted!

In the two months that followed, Tyler received many awards, co-hosted an episode of Sports Center, and wrote guest columns for the Indianapolis Star newspaper. He used his platform to bring in thousands of dollars for cancer research funds.

Tyler Trent died January 1, 2019. Tyler Trent got a chance to speak at his own Memorial Service by video. Check out what he had to say….

“The first time I had cancer, there was a lack of trust. I did not trust the Lord in any way, shape or form. I didn’t think He could heal me. I thought He was out to get me cause of the mistakes I made. This time around, I’m fully confident in whatever and trust Him for whatever He has planned, it’s for the better. I don’t know what that is yet.”

“At this point, time is really precious to me. When you’re healthy and life’s going right, its not as precious as it should be. When time becomes precious for other people I want them to have the same security and confidence and hope that I have. The option is to sit around and do nothing or go out and do something.”

“I want to be a good representation for Christ for those around me now and those who’ve always been there for me on my entire journey. I always want to be impacting and providing hope and being a good steward of those opportunities.”

“If Christ has allowed me to live this long, this is pretty unprecedented for anyone with this cancer. The Lord commands us to rejoice always and give thanks in all circumstances. He says not just the good circumstances but all circumstances.  My strength comes from the faith I have and is accessible to anyone who believes in Christ. If you don’t believe in Christ, that strength is not possible.”

“It’s easy to shake your fist at God because you’re paralyzed from waste down or on your left side or have to go through pain from emergency surgeries. He’s given me my cancer for a reason and wants to be glorified in this cancer. I want to leave a legacy of what the Lord can do when you allow him to work. There is always time in the day to give glory to God. If you don’t think you have time for the Lord, make time. We don’t know how many days we have. No one does. There’s one person that does.”

Sometimes you and I complain about the most insignificant things. We wake up grouchy and mad the world. We get sideways about the silliest of things. Maybe it’s time to rise up and live like you're dying. Tyler left a legacy for you and I. Let’s rise up!

“His goal was to leave a legacy- but not his own. He wanted people to see him and think about how Christ worked in him. He wanted people to see more than Tyler Trent, more than a cancer fighter-he wanted people to see God.” Annie Osborne

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

To Boo or Not Boo?

What happened when Kawhi Leonard entered the AT& T Center last Thursday night as a Toronto Raptor? There were a variety of speculations- boos, silence, or cheers? Even the national media chimed in with their opinions. A common question that everyone had leading up to the game: Is it OK for Spurs fans to boo Kawhi Leonard?

Despite Coach Pop hoping that the fans would treat Kawhi with kindness and respect, there were different sentiments felt in the crowd that night. Kawhi was booed from the moment he came out of the gate, even in practice. This practice of booing continued every time he touched the ball.

In my review of Spurs’ Twitter-Verse the next day, everyone still had an opinion. There were legitimate reasons given that Kawhi be booed. There were legitimate reasons given that Kawhi not be booed. Who’s right?

Perhaps, maybe there's another question. How do we judge what’s right and wrong? Our culture often thinks that anger is the only and best way to change things. When someone says or does or believes something different than what we feel is “right”, what do we do? Get angry? Have a strong opinion? Snub them? Boo them? Often that opinion affects how we treat a person going forward. Often, that person is stuck forever in the doghouse of our mind. We have placed ourselves as the judge.

I didn’t boo Kawhi during the game. Did I like what he did or how he acted? No, but I don’t know the whole story. I know a very small part of the story. So often, we take it upon ourselves to judge people, not knowing who they are, why they did what they did, or what they truly believe. Our assumptions become our reality.

By judging others, we make ourselves easy to judge. When we stop judging others, our hearts are softened. We open our heart to people and have the actual ability to love them. You can usually tell when you’re being judged by someone…there’s no room for love.

It’s not fun to be judged. I’m sure Kawhi didn’t enjoy it. You don’t either. No one does. If we’re to have true YMCA John 17:21 unity, it’s time to lay aside our judgments of others. We may always have different beliefs, but that doesn’t hinder us from having the same love.

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”  Matthew 7:1-5

"Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness  and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one is spirit and of one mind.” Philippians 2:1-2To

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

A New Start

I looked around my home office floor and cringed at the disarray before me. I really don’t like clutter and the floor was definitely clutter 2.0. Papers, files and trash….everywhere. It’s that time of year when I work hard to get super organized by throwing out the old stuff and making way for the new......New files. New ideas. New beginnings.

It feels really good to get organized and start anew. But, I always get stuck on the resolution thing. Statistics say I’m not alone! 80% of us have stopped practicing our resolutions by February! Shocker!

So, I’m all in for setting some new goals for the year. I certainly have them tucked away in the corner of my mind….and they will soon get to paper. But, what will actually help you and I live out our goals for 2019? 

We need each other!  Drew Dyck writes about a conversation he had with an older man at the airport. Dyck learned he was a recovering alcoholic who’d been clean for years. When he praised him for his self-control, he smiled “Self-control is important,” he said. “But if you just rely on self-control, you’re dead. You need a community around you. I know alcoholics who haven’t had a drop for 40 years and still go to the AA meetings.”

Whatever your goal, you are not designed to do it alone! We need those around us encouraging us, challenging us and listening to us. Reach out and ask for help…don’t go it alone!

Invite God to help you.  Long ago, an older woman mentor from seminary challenged me toward setting goals in all areas of my life. This was the first time I thought about the concept of God partnering with me in accomplishing my goals. For each goal, I wrote down what I needed to do and then how I would need God to help me. I would pray for each of the goals throughout that season. I still today remember how God used that season to help me both professionally and personally make some key changes!

Just think! Jeremiah 29:11 states  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” If God indeed has plans for us, wouldn’t we need to stay close to the Planner and allow Him to guide us?

Don’t give up.  It was Winston Churchill that spoke the infamous words “Never, never, never give up.” He also said “Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.” Wow! How can you and I keep the same enthusiasm for our goals both now and next spring or summer or fall? How can we keep them on the front burner ALL year? That’s for each of us to decide, but it can be done.”

So, here's is a brand new start to the year ahead! Make it your best yet! Happy New Year!

“For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37

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

Christmas in a Wrap

Mary’s life took a turn in a flash

When Gabriel came for a day

“Highly favored with God!

A son will be born, now listen, don’t delay!”

“He will be called the Son of God,”

Mary’s like “How can I believe this stranger?”

She took it all in and pondered it all

And off she and Joe went to a manger.

A manger, you ask? It’s THE Son of God!

That seems a bit bizarre!

But, they trusted Gabe’s words

And off they went, guided by a star.

So the shepherd dudes were doing their thing

Keeping watch over their flocks by night

And an angel of the Lord appeared to them

Oh, my, that must have been a fright!

But the angel said “Don’t be afraid.

I bring you good news of great joy!

Today in the town of David 

A Savior will be born, and he’s the real McCoy!”

The shepherd dudes heard the heavenly host

Praising God and singing

Glory to God and on earth peace to men

Those Christmas bells were a ringing!

So, soon they found Mary and Jo

And baby Jesus a sleeping

The shepherds, returned, glorifying God

And joyfully weeping!

Immanuel, God with us!

He’s the answer to our deepest pain!

Whether we’re lonely or lost or weary,

There’s really no need to complain!

Seek Him, Find Him, Know Him,

A relationship with God is sweet

For there’s nothing so beautiful 

As sitting at His feet.

Make this Christmas special

Remember the real live story

And don’t forget to celebrate

And give God great, great glory! 

Written by Nancy Abbott, Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Imagine Mary

Imagine Mary, mother of Jesus, living today. Imagine Mary waking up to an early morning text. Meet me at the Starbucks on the corner. From:@AngelGabriel. Imagine Mary meeting the angel at Starbucks over a hot mocha and being told some shocking news?  I may have taken a quick dash out the door and waited to wake up from my strange dream. 

This is for real, folks! It’s a beautiful, real story. Mary was a real young teenager with real feelings and real fears. I marvel at Mary’s willingness to listen to the angel, question the angel and then believe the angel. 

“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and o His kingdom there will be no end.” Then Mary said to the angel, “How will this be?” Mary asked the angel, “since I do not know a man?”

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God……. For with God nothing will be impossible. (Luke 1:31-35, 37)

 “Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:38)

Don’t miss this! One of my favorite sentences in the Bible is Mary’s response: “Let it be to me according to your word.” Despite Mary’s questions and probable fear, she accepted the angel’s message. She said “YES!” I don’t believe she had to. She could have freaked out and ran, like some of us. Mary didn’t know the future. She trusted God in the present, knowing that He would carry her into the future. Just think what her obedience brought to the world... a Savior!

How do you handle the surprises and challenges that life throws your way? Mary demonstrated a heart that was open to what God wanted in her life. Just think, Mary didn’t know that much about the Messiah or what He would do, while on earth, but we do! Even when she didn’t know or understand the future, she trusted God in the present. And it changed the world forever. Merry Christmas!

Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God

Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know?
Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know?
The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect lamb?
That sleeping child you're holding is the great I am

Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know?
Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Oh
Mary did you know? (Lyrics by Mark Lowry and Music by Buddy Greene, beautifully sung by Pentatonix)

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

All is Well

I can’t hear this Christmas song without weeping. It was just last week when I heard it sung by Michael W. Smith in concert. True to form, the tears immediately streamed down my face as the orchestra began. What's with this song? I think it takes me out of my ordinary day, complete with busyness, distractions, and the joys of life to a different place. It lifts my eyes from the ordinary to the extraordinary. The temporal to eternal…..the simple to exquisite…..the earth to heaven.

All is well, all is well;
Lift up your voice and sing.
Born is now Emmanuel,
Born is our Lord and Savior.
Sing Alleluia, sing Alleluia, all is well.

(Written by Michael W Smith and Wayne Kirkpatrick, beautifully sung by Carrie Underwood and Michael W. Smith)

It’s an interesting title for a Christmas song. For many, all is not well at Christmas time. Christmas time can tend to heighten the pain that already exists with folks. Marital strife, singleness, depression, a recent loss, addiction, work challenges or a scary diagnosis certainly can dampen one’s spirits. To say “all is well” feels really like a stretch for some.

This song is not about our circumstances. It’s about a reality that takes us to a different plane. It’s about how heaven came down to earth in the form of a baby, the baby Jesus. When we grasp the wonder of His birth found in Luke 2:1-20, well …… it causes us to worship. Worship takes our minds off of ourselves and places it on the only One worthy to be praised.

All is well because of Christ. We are not alone in our marital strife or singleness or depression, our recent loss or addiction or work challenges or scary diagnoses. As we lift our eyes from our circumstances to our God, we see the promises of God take root. He walks with us through our pain. He comforts us in our grief. He fills our loneliness with more of Himself. He brings hope when hope seems lost. He brings peace instead of fear. For this, all is well.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17

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

God @ Work

The first six months of my life are unknown to me. I don't have any family pictures of my first days of life. I don’t know what hospital I was born in or when my mom brought me home. The truth is, she didn’t bring me home. It wasn’t until later that I was adopted into another family.

Have you ever wondered why things happen as they do? Have you questioned God when things in life don’t go as planned? When the chaos of our world overwhelms you, do you wonder where in the world is God? 

This week, God astounded me in a new way as I read a familiar Psalm, Psalm 139. God allowed me to take in these words as if they were new again! I was blown away.

“O Lord, you have searched me and know me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down. And are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it? Where shall I go from your Spirit? (1-7) For you formed my inward parts: you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are you works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you. (13-18)

I marvel at how God was very present and had the perfect plan for my life, even when my birthmother didn’t see me as a “perfect” plan. I marvel at these verses and how much God’s presence is right here, right now. That I can’t get away from him. I can’t hide from Him. I can’t act as if He doesn’t exist. So, why would I? 

God is @ work in each of lives. Nothing in our past has given us the title “Unacceptable”, “Unwanted” or “Rejected” or “Alone." Why would we hide from the One who loves us most? Why would we hold him at arm’s length? Not only is God @ work in your life, but He is with you AT work, AT home and everywhere in between. 

December is here and Christmas around the corner. Christmas is about God’s greatest gift to mankind, Jesus! God is @ work by providing the greatest gift ever! 

“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12 NLT

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