Good and Evil

Last Monday, I was just getting ready to step out of my car when I heard the news about the shooting. I was heading into our Y Early Learning Center at San Antonio’s Haven for Hope. Our Y staff serves our homeless families here by taking care of their children while the adults attend various classes throughout the day. I have the honor of praying for and encouraging our staff in their work.

As I entered, we talked together about what was unfolding in Nashville, Tennessee. We were all sort of numb, thinking that once more, we were listening to another tragedy unfold. It seemed like just yesterday, our friends in Uvalde were undone by similar horrors. With heavy hearts, we pushed forward to go about our day.

For so many in Nashville, they couldn’t go about their day. They experienced horrific sadness, fear and anger, tears, questions, absolute disbelief, and agonizing numbness. Their lives have been turned upside down. Those who have experienced a trauma like this know it all too well. I have seen it up close in my family. I have also seen God’s enormous grace and mercy in caring for those who hurt more deeply than most of us can imagine.

I have this innate need to want to make wrongs right. I want to get to the bottom of such craziness. I want to do something! In the middle of my anger, I see this verse in Scripture which partially feels hard: “Abhor what is evil…Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12;9, 21) I DO abhor evil. But, overcome evil with good? What????

Jesus extends the call to hate evil. Actually, no one hates evil more than Jesus does. No one on this earth has ever defeated evil, except for One, Jesus. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week with Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, with people yelling “Hosanna!"  However, Jesus’ journey that week was terrifying. He was betrayed by his own disciple. He sat with his disciples at the Last Supper, knowing full well what was about to happen. He was arrested, ridiculed, spit on, beaten, and ultimately crucified. Yet throughout all the insults, scourging, and suffering, He did not retaliate. He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23) He is our example of overcoming evil with good.

It feels like evil won the day that Christ was nailed to the cross. He submitted himself to evil captors and there he died on the cross. Why would God allow such a death?

When we confront the trauma of Gethsemane, we will find a Savior who came to offer an answer to the evil of this world. He came to deal with the sin problem that each one of us has. God had a plan all along! “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.” (John 3:16)

We do have hope in the death and resurrection of Jesus. And as we live in this world, we get to be the hands and feet of Jesus, offering love and care to those who are suffering. Our YMCA branches are sending cards to our colleagues in Middle Tennessee YMCA. Our Y kids are coloring “Nashville Strong” sheets to send to their children. We’re also committed to praying for those in Nashville. Of course, we can all do something, but it starts with the One who already did something, Jesus.

As Scotty Smith writes “We cling to you as our only good and adore you as our perfect Savior. Help us steward our anger, confusion, sadness, and fear. Help us hate only evil, by loving you more than we ever have.”And for that, I say a very hearty Amen. 

In our grief, we cling to Jesus and the hope of heaven. Take a listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCdevloDE6E 


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

Hope

What do you hope for that has yet to happen? I assume that we all hope for something to happen, something to change, or something to get better in our lives. We use the word ‘hope’ all the time…. I hope you take the job. I hope your meeting goes well. I hope you like it. I hope I win the lottery.

But any one of us who has starred down in the face of hope, waiting for something to change, knows that hope is so much more. To have hope is to want an outcome in your life that makes things better in some way. It could mean changing a challenging situation into something better or it could mean hoping for something good to happen in the future.

For you today, what do you hope for? Maybe it’s for a physical challenge to get better. Perhaps, it’s for you to find a spouse. Maybe, you hope to pay off your debt. Of course, this time of year, many are just hoping to graduate or finish school!

The uncomfortable part of hope is that that is unseen. Yet, although we can’t see hope, we can be full of hope. I can have hope because I am confident in the God of hope. I don’t trust in “hope” itself; I trust in the God of hope. Romans 15:13 says “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

The God of hope wants to give you hope. How do we gain hope? By being able to trust God even when your circumstance feels oh, so very painful. Think, for a moment about Romans 15:13. As we trust in God for ____________________ (that thing we hope for) trust produces hope, whereby we receive joy and peace, by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to keep on hoping and trusting God in our situation. 

No matter what circumstance you are going through today, there is always hope in God and His promises. God is always faithful and true to his nature.

So, how do we endure when we hope and hope and do not see an answer? We keep trusting God. We realize that hope, joy, and peace are always available to those who keep on trusting, day after day, year after year.

Hope isn’t about being lucky or dreaming, it is about believing there is a God who is Who He says He is. He will always be faithful. He is always trustworthy.

I have found that understanding hope came as I understood the power and importance of prayer. Prayer became for me, the vehicle in which I shared with God the longings of my heart, waited, and trusted in Him to meet my need. The God of hope longs to be in a relationship with you. He longs for you to come to Him with those things you hope for. He is, after all, the God of all hope.

Take a listen, our Living Hope: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-1fwZtKJSM

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

Follow His Steps!

I’d like to think I can dance, but Zumba class at the YMCA reminds me I have a long way to go. I’m kind of a newbie to Zumba, so things can only get better from here. My friend and I give ourselves grades for our Zumba dance moves. She’s at a YMCA in California and I’m here in San Antonio. This last time, we both came in with a B-.

Anyone that’s taken Zumba, may know the basics I’m just catching on to. You just follow the instructor. That’s it. Usually, when she does something on one side, you can count on it being on the other side. So, if you’re alert, you can halfway keep up. I usually find myself a step or two or three behind. Sometimes, I follow the person in front of me, until I realize they don’t know what they’re doing either.

The songs are great! Since I’m learning Spanish, I can halfway understand what’s being sung. Then, upon further study, I learned that Zumba choreography is composed using all or some of the sixteen core steps with four basic rhythms, salsa, reggaeton, merengue, and cumbia. Each basic rhythm has four core steps. I was so clueless about all this! 

Periodically, I’ll know the song being played and be able to follow the leader. Today, we did the “The Macarena Dance”, which made me so happy! I could follow it! Then things got even better when out of nowhere, she added “The Way You Make Me Feel” by Michael Jackson. Not real Zumba, but I can dance to Michael Jackson any day of the week.

Just as I follow the Zumba leader closely to do Zumba class, I need God’s leadership to help me live the life that He gave to me. I can’t follow the person in front of me who looks like he or she has it together. Nor can I follow social media, politicians, or influential people. I need to follow the One who gave me life and guides me in this life. I need to follow God. Consider these verses that speak to the God we can always follow:

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children…” Ephesians 5:1

 “Jesus called out to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!’ And they left their nets at once and followed Him.” Matthew 4:19-20

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27

“Then he said to the crowd, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.’” Luke 9:23

“Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” Galations 5:25

“Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, ‘I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way should go.’” Isaiah 48:17

God loves you and me so much. He created us and knows everything about how we tick. He longs for a relationship with each one of us! Take a moment and meditate on these verses. What words or phrases describe his leadership? What words or phrases describe your part in following Him?

Follow His steps. It’s quite the journey! Take a listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFna4pEF7M8

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

Looking for More!

I was on my way home from the barn when I noticed Daisy’s pasture door fully open and Daisy was not there. I had just led her into the pasture 5 minutes earlier. Obviously, there was some user error with the lock. Just then, I saw a roan horse galloping across the land heading toward the exit to the road. I quickly went into flight mode and tore off after her. Thankfully, several staff was ahead of me in the endeavor. One of the staff got the entrance to the stable shut while we all went in hot pursuit of my runaway mare.

Daisy, in those few short minutes, was able to rile up every horse there due to her antics. As she flitted and flirted with all the other fenced horses, she seemed to say “Ha-ha, I’m free and you’re not!” The truth was, Daisy was not free. She was not safe at all being on her own. She could have run into a hole, slid, fallen, or gone out on the busy road. Without a fence, she was in danger.

Why is it so hard to be satisfied? Why do we constantly search for more? The grass seems to look greener on the other side, but is it? If only I could _________.   If we could just get__________, life would be better. It seems like ________ has a perfect life. Why haven’t we been blessed with _______? Daisy was looking for more. How do you and I do the same thing?

We tend to go through life always wishing, always hoping this or that would be different. Once this or that is different, we most assuredly have it made. Even after we get this or that, there’s something more to be sought, better than before. And the vicious cycle goes on and on.

Many people appear to be calm and happy on the outside, but inwardly, they struggle with a peaceful heart. True contentment is an inward peace that God can give, even during challenges and suffering in life. It doesn’t mean that life is perfect. It doesn’t mean that we don’t have personal and professional goals. It doesn’t mean that we don’t have fun. 

Personally, I have found that contentment comes as I learn to live in the tension of what I don’t have. I don’t ignore the pain, but I learn to give the pain over to God and ask Him for peace. I can still cry out to God and let Him know what I’d like to see happen, but I rest in knowing that He always, always, always has His best for me. When we’re truly content, we realize there is no need to grumble or complain, because we can trust God is sovereign and taking care of us.

The Apostle Paul reminds us that whatever gain we have in this life is nothing “compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:8) There’s so much in life that I don’t know. But this I do know: When we put Christ and His kingdom first, it brings contentment. Peace. Satisfaction. I know because I’ve experienced it even in the darkest of times.

Are you looking for more? Jesus says, “Seek first the kingdom of God…and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

Maybe it's helpful to get a glimpse of heaven. Take a listen: Hymn of Heaven (Phil Wickham): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjB0mkj0XaM

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

Luckenbach, Texas

Luckenbach, Texas nestled in the Texas Hill Country is certainly worth a visit, especially for the great bands and dancing. I love it!

What you might not know is the man who founded Luckenbach, Jacob Luckenbach. He was 90 years old when he passed in 1907. @Traces of Texas writes “I can hear the conversation now: ‘No, really, Jacob….75 years from now two men who aren’t even born yet are going to record a song about Luckenbach, Texas, and sell millions of copies of that recording on vinyl platters and your town is going to be famous worldwide.’ I doubt he’d believe you.”

That song, sung by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, is a Texan favorite. It’s a song about a couple whose position in “high society” had placed a strain on their marriage and finances. The song suggests that the couple returns to the basics of love in the small town of Luckenbach. Sound familiar?
 
Let’s go to Luckenbach, Texas
With Waylon and Willie and the boys
This successful life we’re livin’ 
Got us feuding like the Hatfields and McCoys…..

I would agree that Jacob Luckenbach would probably be shocked that his little town became a famous country song so many years later. We often don’t consider what the impact of our life might be after we’re gone. Every day, we have an opportunity to make a difference in the world around us. How do we live a life of significance, no matter what age? How can our life matter both now and after we’re gone?

Learn from Jesus in the Gospels- Of course, being Lent, it’s a good time to reflect on the life of Jesus Christ and learn from Him. I love reading through the Gospels because I gain insight into how Jesus lived his life. How he loved. His humility. His love for all. How he engaged those who mocked and insulted Him. How He invested in other leaders. How his life and ministry impact us today.

Perhaps the Scriptures give us a true definition of significance: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8) Jesus gives meaning to making a lasting impact…a life of humility. How might following His life of humility affect you and extend your influence?

Reflect on your own life- I believe periodically doing a spiritual inventory can be helpful. Every so often, I’ll grab my journal and Bible and take time to reflect on my life. I have to surrender my idea of success and look to Jesus to show me how I can make the greatest impact. Most recently, I felt like God directly prodded me to sign up for a mission trip to the Philippines. Why? Working with young moms, teaching, praying, and encouraging them, seemed to fit perfectly with how I’m wired. Staying in synch with God’s plan for my life is so important.

Pray and seek God- What plans may God have for you in this next season? How can you love Him and others well? How can what you do have an impact long after you leave this earth? I encourage You to live like Jesus today. Live for the opinion of One. Through His Holy Spirit, He will guide you and lead you in everything. Prayer is my lifeline! I can’t go without prayer. Prayer keeps us close to Jesus. It’s in prayer that He guides us in all things. And our lives become an extension of His, for His good purpose.

Take my Life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agROj9nTQP4

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

Simple Pursuit

Have you heard of Zach Meerkreebs? I hadn't either, until a few weeks ago. Zack is on staff at Envision and a volunteer soccer coach who on February 8, addressed the student body at Asbury University. He had only spoken to the student body twice.

Here’s a portion of the improvised sermon on love: “Some of you guys have experienced radically poor love. Some of you guys have experienced that love in the church. Maybe it’s not violent, maybe it’s not molestation, its not taken advantage of- but if feels like someone has pulled a fast one on you” Then he uttered the invitation that ignited a movement: “If you need to hear the voice of God- the Father in Heaven who will never love you that way, that is perfect in love, gentle and kind- you come up here and experience his love. Don’t waste this opportunity.” In a final, kind of corny throwaway line, he said “I pray that this sits on you guys like an itchy sweater, and you gotta itch, you gotta take care of it.” (The FreePress, February 19, 2023, by Olivia Reingold)

Meekreebs said later he was certain that he had “totally whiffed” the sermon, and immediately got off stage and texted his wife, “Latest stinker. I’ll be home soon.”

God was doing something that Meekreebs didn’t even realize. This revival isn’t at all about Meekreebs. God uses ordinary people, whiffs and all, to bring about his purposes.

Some of us have experienced radically poor love too. Too many of us have experienced that kind of love in the church. Bullying. Abuse. Betrayal. Mean people. People that didn’t look at all like the character of Jesus Christ.  Maybe it wasn't violent, maybe it was. But it gave you a poor taste of the church. 

I pray for anyone reading this blog, that You would also hear the voice of God, the Father in heaven. He's so different than us humans who will eventually "whiff" a lot of things in life. God's love is perfect and is always trustworthy. You see, I think many people want nothing to do with the church because they’ve been disappointed and disillusioned by both the people and leaders IN the church. I will forever be challenged by Mahatma Gandhi’s quote “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”

Perhaps the Asbury Revival is so beautiful because there’s just a bunch of normal, no-name people gathering to seek more authenticity, prayer, pursuing God, humility, and repentance. Maybe God is calling us to radically seek Christ and begin to take on his character too! Maybe this revival is calling each one of us to consider our relationship with God. What’s holding you back from God?

Let’s come back to the heart of worshiping the only One who deserves our worship. May each one of us be challenged by what’s going on with the #AsburyRevival as well as the revivals that are spilling out at other universities over the country. God's up to something.

Take a listen: The Heart of worship (Live) Matt Redman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4RUjGsTfks

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

Spiritual AI

My husband, Ben, and I had a bit of fun with ChatGPT over the holidays. We called a few people and sang them a very personalized song, whether it be their birthday or just because. The songs were full of goofiness, fun lyrics, great rhyming, and surprisingly personal. The recipients of our lovely songs didn’t know how we had quickly become songwriters!

ChatGPT is a computer program developed by Open AI (an artificial intelligence laboratory) that stimulates human conversation and provides helpful and informative responses. It basically does the thinking, or songwriting, in our case.

While many love what ChatGPT provides, there are some negative effects. Ben now has the challenge of making the most of ChatGPT in the university classroom, while at the same time providing exams where students can’t get their answers from ChatGPT.  He wants the students to work in cooperation with ChatGPT. That way, they can actually produce more, because they have it as their helper.

For example, my husband asked ChatGPT about a personal struggle that I’m having. Frankly, it had great answers. They were somewhat specialized textbook answers to the specific wording of the question. But it was good advice! This is not surprising because there are a lot of people and documents on the internet that can and have provided good advice. But, Ben said there was more stuff that only a person who really knows me could say to encourage me. You see, Ben knows me, he’s my husband. And God knows us too, as unique individuals. God can answer things really specialized for you and me.

Take a look at Psalm 139:13-18 with a focus on how very much God knows you and me intimately: “For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand-when I awake, I am still with you.”

God knows you and me inside and out. He cares about our thoughts, our circumstances, our highs, our lows, our relationships, our worries, and our joys. He longs for a personal intimate relationship with us. He waits to be wanted. He is real. He is God.

One more thought about ChatGPT. My husband asked, "What do you know about me, Ben Abbott, in San Antonio?" It said, “I don’t know anything about you beyond the name you have provided. My purpose is to provide general information and answer questions to the best of my ability based on the knowledge fed into me through my training.”

For me, I prefer someone who fully knows me.

Let’s wrap up with a few more verses from Psalm 139:1-4 “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.”

This is how I want to be known, fully.

Take a listen:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xckDgX8xNfg

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