A Long Shot

Rich Strike is America’s horse. Who didn’t love seeing Rich Strike, the second-longest shot ever to score in the Derby, win the whole thing? He showed up the day before because of a last-minute scratch.

The definition of a long shot is “an entry (as in a horse race) given little chance of winning.” Rich Strike was a long shot.

What is it about seeing the long shot for this race become the winner? Maybe you’ve seen the ariel view of the Derby? Rich Strike was dramatically weaving his way from the back of the pack to the memorable victory! I’ve watched it over and over, mesmerized by his move toward the front. Hearing the announcer, seconds before the race ends, exclaim “Rich Strike is coming up on the inside! Oh, my goodness! The longest shot has won the Kentucky Derby!”  The improbability of it all! Who would have dreamed?

Perhaps this story stirs us all. Is it when something so impossible becomes a reality that we respond in wonder and awe? Have we stopped believing in the impossible?

My mind embraces a greater reality when I read Matthew 19:26 “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’" We tend to live in terms of what our human minds can comprehend. We forget that God is God and "able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think… " (Ephesians 3:20)

There’s nothing that our God can’t do. I really believe that. I believe a vital prayer life is a key to believing this. I have in my prayer journal a section I call “Only God” prayers. “Only God” prayers are where I plead with God, beg with God, and basically ask God to do what only God to do. It feels impossible, but it's not. Real-time talk: These are my long-shot prayers. I will NOT stop believing that God can do these things. I will NOT stop praying about these things.  

Maybe you have some long-shot prayers? A medical miracle. Revitalizing a marriage. Healing from addiction. Overcoming depression and anxiety. Relational healing. Bringing good out of bad. No longer living in fear. Providing finances out of nowhere. Years of infertility and getting pregnant. God longs for you to come to Him with your “only God” prayers.

When God does what only He can do, it changes us. Yes, us. We look with awe and wonder and worship our God as we see this amazing impossibility happen! Our view of God grows. It changes what we seek. We’re no longer wishing and hoping for something out there in the universe to happen. Instead, we live in a radical relationship with a holy God who always has His best in mind for us. We can trust God to do what He says He will do.

Take a listen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MChgCghLJg

(There’s Nothing Our God Can’t Do, Live from Passion, 2020)

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

God's Goodness in My Life

I didn’t realize until it was time to write my 'Start Up' for the Y that it would land on my birthday. There was a day and age when I loved to draw attention to my birthday, but not so much now. But I think it’s a noteworthy time to draw attention to what God has done in my life. There’s so much, but here’s a snapshot:

God had a perfect plan for my life. My beginnings in life started in an orphanage. I was thankful to be placed into adoption by my parents. Later in life, as I came to know my birth parents, I learned more about what happened. My mother was an acrobatic roller-skating dancer who danced her way into living rooms on the variety of TV shows of that era. She basically lost her career due to her “surprise.” Even despite my birth father offering to marry her, that didn’t happen. I’m so grateful for God giving me the gift of life, despite the rough beginnings. He had a perfect plan even though many would have called my birth a “mistake.” I revel in reading Psalm 139:13-15 and placing my name in it: “For you created my (Nancy’s) inmost being, you knit me (Nancy) together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I (Nancy)I am fearfully and wonderfully made. My (Nancy’s) frame was not hidden from you when I (Nancy) was made in the secret place, when I(Nancy) was woven together in the depths of the earth.”

God is personal to me. I was profoundly impacted by a personal relationship with God when I was 17 years old. I showed up at a different church one Sunday night chasing a boy but found God instead! I saw for the first time that Christianity wasn’t about going to church or even doing the right thing. It was about a relationship with Christ. That rocked my world! Knowing Jesus is everything to me! He has been my anchor amidst all the rockiness of life. He has helped me through so many insecurities, challenges, and fears. I can’t imagine life without Christ.

God loves my prayers to Him! I continue to be blown away that the God of the universe delights in communicating with little ole’ me. I’ve come to realize that I need to pray about pretty much everything. My need for God is great and He has extended to me, his child, this gift of prayer. Why wouldn’t I want to pray like crazy? I know God answers prayer. I know He cares. Prayer is my lifeline to my Father in heaven!

God helps me in the pains of life. Life is full of pain. If I were to ask you your greatest pains in life, it wouldn’t be hard to come up with pain that has etched your soul. Pain has a way of getting to us all. Some people try to pick up their bootstraps and just gut it out. Because God loves me, I can trust Him for all my feelings, circumstances, struggles, doubts, and pains. And you can too! Although my circumstance may or may not change, I can look to God to hold me securely in the difficulties. Jesus has walked me through a lot of pain in life! He pays attention. He comforts. He doesn’t ask any of us to keep our pains to ourselves but gives us guidance: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for us.” (1 Peter 5:7) I’m so grateful for His constant care for me through life’s struggles.

God gives me perfect peace.  I’m blown away by the peace of God amid the frailties of life. He is the giver of perfect peace. He asks me not to worry about ONE thing but in everything pray to Him. When I do that, I’m fine. The peace of God is like the beautiful flowing Guadelupe River… so calming, so wonderful, so glorious.

Take a Listen: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0FBb6hnwTo

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

Uncertainty

I guess there’s no perfect time to get COVID. While at an ENT appointment for an infection, I get a text from my husband, Ben. He was going to get tested for COVID. In a flurry, the ENT office quickly masked up and gave me a test. I was positive. Ben was too.

Life changed quickly. Appointments for the week were wiped off the calendar. Zoom sessions ensued. Ben had his men’s retreat this past weekend and obviously couldn’t go. His biggest week of the year at the university was this week as they prepare for senior projects.

You and I both know that COVID has affected more than just schedules and sniffles. COVID has changed lives. COVID has brought grief, heartache, fear, and sadness to so many. The mental health ramifications of these last few years will go on for years.

I think as much as I like to have my plans in place, this week taught me, once again, that nothing is certain. I really prefer to be certain. I like things to go as planned.

I was reading this morning in Oswald Chambers. Chambers was a past YMCA leader who was commissioned by the Y to go to Egypt to minister to troops from Australia and New Zealand during WWI. In "My Utmost for His Highest" (April 29) Chambers was talking about this very thing, uncertainty vs. certainty, and how we look at uncertainty as a bad thing. He writes:

“Certainty is the mark of the common-sense life; gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life. To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, we do not know what a day may bring forth. This is generally said with a sigh of sadness, it should be rather an expression of breathless expectation. We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God.”

Chambers points us back to Matthew 18:3 which says “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Don’t you love how Jesus sees little children? They don’t care about their own status! A child doesn’t know what’s happening next. A child humbly trusts. Oh, how we can learn from a child, but how much more can we learn from Jesus' love, which is certain!

As Chambers says “We are not uncertain of God, but uncertain of what He is going to do next. But, when we are rightly related to God, life is full of spontaneous, joyful uncertainty and expectance.” Ben and I have looked expectantly for God's plan when our plans went awry.

It breaks my heart that my husband can’t go on his men’s retreat. I’m sad that in the craziest week at the university, he can’t be with his students. I'm pretty bummed to feel so weak as I deal with an infection and COVID. But, I can certainly trust in the certainty of God and his love. 

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

Power Over the Wind

Years ago, I gave a speech at a Toastmaster’s Humorous Speech contest on “How to Speak Southern.” I gave a series of southern words, complete with a strong southern accent and a funny definition of each word. One of my favorite southern words was “ever-which-aways,” which means “scattered in all directions.”

"Ever-which-aways" seems so fitting to describe the crazy weather we’ve had in San Antonio the last few months. Dry, hot days with winds an average of about 15 mph. This has gone on for several months with very little rain, adding now to the weather forecast, a regular fire warning. These crazy winds affect way more than just messy hair and dust in one’s eyes!

There’s nothing I can do to change these windy days, except pray for rain. Yet, Jesus, in the Scriptures, demonstrated His power over the wind. Here’s the story:

 “Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him.” Matthew 8:23-27

The Sea of Galilee was known for its violent storms that would come out of nowhere. The severity of the storm was so severe as the disciples woke Jesus fearful that they would drown. But Jesus was sleeping. As Jesus awoke, He questioned their faith. “Why are you so afraid?” He was upset at their fear, probably because fear and unbelief go hand in hand. When we trust in a trustworthy God, what do we have to fear?

Then, Jesus did what only Jesus could do. He got up and rebuked the winds and the waves. Can you imagine? He stopped the wind and waves! No one can do that! The disciples were amazed and questioned, “Who can this be?” In this short little section, we see that Jesus not only was fully human (needing to sleep) but fully God (able to calm the wind and waves)

I need this story. Maybe you do too. Jesus had authority over the winds on the Sea of Galilee just as he has authority over the winds in our lives. What are the winds in your life? What makes you stay awake at night? Where does fear take over in your life? When we look up at the winds before us, stress, anxiety, and even panic attacks can occur. Jesus may ask us “Why are you so afraid?”

How has fear blinded crippled you today? Do you realize the power of Jesus? God uses the storms in our life to help us realize that we can’t control our lives. How is God calling you to greater faith? Call out the name of Jesus. He is near.

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

Buried Beneath Shame

Shame is such a horrible feeling. It’s hard to define shame, but we know it when we feel it. It’s a painful emotion that is often caused by awareness of guilt or failure that often leads us to feel worthlessness, unqualified, small, and never quite good enough.

I know that feeling of shame. I know it because I’m a sinner. A regular daily sinner. As much as I was probably seen as the “Goody Two Shoes” to many, deep down I knew I was just as guilty as anyone. Why? Because I sin. Every day.

Truth be told, we all like to appear as “Goody Two Shoes.” We all like to think we’re pretty good people. Well, of course, we “goof up” but we’re not as bad as so and so. And so we live, managing our sin and image well, looking good and hiding well.

What’s the answer to our shame? When I understand the message of Scripture, I see two things about shame. I see the reality of my own sin. Secondly, I see that my sin is far worse than I could ever imagine! All of us have more sins than we can imagine! Don't miss this: Yet, we are more loved than we can possibly conceive! My struggle for shame is solved in Jesus. Romans 5:8 says “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus took the shame on Himself and endured the cross! 

Why do I love Easter? Because I know who I am and Whose I am. I see what Jesus did for me and what He can do for all of us. We never again have to be slaves to sin! We are fully known and loved by God. I can't get over that nor will I ever get over that!

Shame is such a horrible feeling. And honestly, at times, shame can creep back into my mind. It is in those moments; that I talk to Jesus and tell Him what’s on my mind. He reminds me that I no longer live in sin, but in Him. He is not just good news, Jesus is the BEST news ever!

Take a listen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfzpfqrPUDo

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

Considering Jesus and Palm Sunday

I have fond memories of Palm Sunday growing up. There was a lot of pomp and circumstance at my church and I was all in! I had a thing for music, especially piano, and loved when the pianist and organist took it to the next level. The more pounding the better. The pianist and organist together would play “The Palms” song and we would sing. I couldn’t get enough of it.

Of course, the props on Palm Sunday were awesome too! As choir kids, we all received a palm branch and got to parade down to the front of the church. That was cool. My biggest remembrance from the scripture was that Jesus got a ride on a donkey. A donkey of all creatures! I was a horse gal so I was particularly interested in his four-legged mount.  

You may remember that Jesus entered Jerusalem a few days before his death. He rode in on the donkey, while the multitude was shouting his praises, spreading their garments and palm branches out to give him honor. As Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, he was not only affirming that He was Messiah but displaying his humility. It was known that a king riding a horse would be bent on war, whereas riding a donkey symbolized his arrival in service, peace, suffering, and humility. Jesus asked for a donkey because it would show that his kingship was not from man but from God.

As a child, I didn’t understand all the significance of Palm Sunday. Today, I have even more joy, wonder, and questions.

How was Jesus feeling as he rode the donkey into Jerusalem?  I have a feeling that despite knowing exactly what was to take place on the cross, Jesus rode through the streets with a spirit of peace, and a humble heart, not intimidated in the least. He was not fearful or scared but in synch with His Father. Even despite the city being in turmoil, Jesus was not. He knew His role and each day was one step closer to the cross.

Could it be that many didn’t understand who Jesus was? Just like in our day, I would presume that many in Jerusalem waving those branches didn’t understand who Jesus was or what He had come to do. Jesus entered Jerusalem as a peace-loving King. He also demonstrated his authority time and time again in the book of Matthew. He was the Messiah and would soon go to the cross, experience a gruesome death, and be resurrected, all so that we could experience eternal life. He offered the only acceptable sacrifice for sin- death. I now get it! Having a relationship with Jesus means everything to me!

I want to become more like Jesus and live for Him. How? I often think Christians get a bad name, and rightly so because we can be royal jerks at times. But Jesus was not a jerk. Mahatma Gandhi once said “I like their Christ, but I don’t like their Christians. The thing about you Christians is that you are so unlike your Christ.” Learn of Christ. Follow Christ. See His character, His humility, and learn to love as He loves. Practice forgiveness. Read God's word and strive to be like Him. Find other believers who are on the same journey. 

As you experience this Holy Week, would you consider Jesus in your life? I encourage you to read the following verses as you walk through this Holy Week:

Monday- Isaiah 42:1-4
Tuesday- Isaiah 11:1-5
Wednesday- Matthew 26:14-16
Thursday- John 13:12-16
Good Friday- Isaiah 53:1-5
Holy Saturday- Romans 6:3-11
Easter Sunday- John 20:1-9

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

What We Worry About

I occasionally troll Twitter. I get the latest takes on sports, news, and opinions. I learn a lot about how people think and the concerns that they face. Just a few days ago, someone asked on Twitter a simple question: What are you currently worried about?

The answers were all over the map. Here are a few of the 227 responses:

• A custody trial. I know I shouldn’t be, but literally, my everything is at stake.
• My next appointment with the Neurosurgeon
• Finishing my taxes.
• Putin launching nukes or beginning of WW3
• My 95-year-old dad wants to keep driving even with failing eyesight
• Some health issues
• Finances.
• Getting all my work done efficiently over the coming weeks without letting stress sap my energy.
• What’s happening to the people of Ukraine
• I have anxiety. I’m always worried about everything
• Where I’m going to live
• Inflation eating up my discretionary income
• Nuclear war
• WWIII, COVID, and the possibility of moving from Texas to the NE
• The world my kids will be living in 30 years from now.
  

I assume some on this list you resonate with. I certainly do. As I look at this list, I realize that we human beings are walking around doing life with a lot on our minds.

What will happen? Perhaps, that’s part of our worries! We don’t know the future! We don’t even know what will happen in the next 24 hours! Oh, we’ll try our darndest to plan those 24 hours out to be what WE want them to be. Reality tells us; however, we really don’t know.

What are your worries today? What keeps you up at night? Paul, in the book of Philippians, literally gives a command that guides us to freedom and peace:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

We are not to be anxious about anything! As we go to God and pray about everything and abide in Christ, He helps keep our hearts from worry. We literally practice casting our cares and concerns (no matter how big or small) on the Lord Jesus.

So, go ahead! Tell God about all your needs. Lay every burden at His feet and leave them there. God’s peace is available for the asking!

“In worry, we talk to ourselves. In prayer, we talk to God. When we worry, we focus on the circumstances of life, but in prayer, we focus on our heavenly Father.” (Knowing Jesus, Philippians 4:6)

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