Broken Bones in Colorado

I was really enjoying some relaxing hammock time on Haviland Lake outside of Durango, Colorado. I could have kept reading my good book, but Zoe, my English Spaniel, was whimpering for me to take her down to the lake waterfront. Of course, I gave in to her wining. So, off we went down to the river for a doggie swim.

The sprinkles were beginning to turn into more significant raindrops. Zoe, thinking they were fish, was bouncing in and out of the water, wanting to catch them. In one unsuspecting moment, her tug whirled me into an almost 360 degree circle, all the while my feet planted firmly in the ground. I looked down to see my mangled ankle out of place, screaming in pain for someone to come quick. As I lay there on the ground screaming, I felt God's nearness, even despite not seeing any people.

It took a while for someone to hear me. This was shocking, given my uncanny ability to scream. Soon, I saw one of our friends paddling toward me in a kayak. Then, an army medic ran over to lend a hand. Another brought ice. In time, my husband, Ben, other friends ran to my side.  Finally, we saw the ambulance make its way into the park. Even then, it took a bit of time to get down the rocky hill with all their equipment.

Once in the hospital, we were surrounded by capable medical people who cared for me in such a beautiful way. Before long, I took a "time out" pill that allowed me to opt out of watching the ankle get back into place. The diagnosis? Broken tibia and fibula and dislocation. Now, here I am, back at the condo, surrounded by dear friends and feeling loved. Just moving is painful. Just thinking about life without exercise is hard. Just thinking about how we're going to drive home and get in and out of the truck is hard. Things are just plain hard right now.

Do you have times when life is just hard? Where your circumstances seem so overwhelming? Where you don't know how you're going to make it through the next day?  I remember telling someone not too long ago that I had made it this far in life without one significant broken bone.  How quickly things change.  We really aren't in control, are we? Thankfully, God is in control and longs for us to trust Him.

We can't always count on our circumstances being the way we want them to be. There are times when life is just plain hard. However, I am comforted by God's truth in scripture:  "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."(Isaiah 26:3)  Even as I lay there screaming beside the lake, I felt this perfect peace. I know I will need God desperately in the days ahead. He will be my perfect peace. He will get me through. 

"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust Him." Nahum 1:7

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

Lessons From Twenty-One

Twenty-one retired from basketball this past Monday, July 11. The end of an amazing long era! Jeff McDonald, Sports writer for the San Antonio Express News wrote "There are grown adults in San Antonio who have never known a Spurs team without Tim Duncan. He might as well be the Alamo."  Insert chuckle here. 

There were tweets from around the sports world sending Tim best wishes and remembering his great accomplishments over 19 years of play for the San Antonio Spurs.  Quiet. Humble. Greatest power forward of all time.  Champion. About winning. Respect. Best example of a leader. Role model. Admiration. I loved Becky Hammon's tweet…"Congratulations to TD- the best to ever do it! You showed the world how to win with grace, humility, and by empowering your teammates around you. It's the WAY you won, the way you taught, the way you mentored, the way you led by example, the way you worked, the way you always kept your character and integrity intact, always encouraging, never stepping on someone else to get to the top. Instead you grabbed everyone around you and led them to the top with you, all the winning- did I mention the sense of humor? There will never be another like you- enjoy the next chapter!" Wow. Insert tear drop here.

I have two favorite memories of TD. One occurred at the beginning of the game where Timmy cradles the ball for a good stretch before the tip.  We've all seen that picture. The second is at the end of a game where Timmy will NEVER exit the floor until the very last Spur has made their way to the locker room. Timmy always brought up the rear. It reminds me of a shepherd, always tending to his sheep and not letting any of them get away from the flock.

Timmy was an influencer of many.  Stop and consider how many in the NBA have been influenced by Tim Duncan in some way?  Now, let's think a moment about yourself. Who are YOU influencing? Who are YOU pouring your life into? Are YOU sharing your very best with others? Are YOU truly being humble and kind? What legacy are YOU leaving? Tim's example challenges us to consider these tough questions.

Mike Breen writes "People desperately need a flesh-and-blood example to look at, watch, ask questions, receive teaching and apprentice themselves to." So don't just tell people to pray; show them how. Don't just tell people to forgive; show them how. Breen writes:  "At gut-level honesty, most of us don't have the confidence to offer our lives as something to imitate, do we? Why?"  Often, it's because we don't believe we have a life that others would want to have. 

Who are you becoming? Are you giving it away? Take a lesson from Twenty-One.

"You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others." 2 Timothy 2:2

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

Broken Hearts

It was 5:15 a.m. on Friday, July 8. I had just read my newsfeed and was heading out to the Y for a workout. Listening to the radio as I drove, I found myself dabbing back the tears that were streaming down my face. Dallas.  A place I love. A place I've lived. A place I know so well. To believe this ambush shooting of police happened there or anywhere for that matter, was just heartbreaking.  This past week has been grievous.

We live in a country with a broken heart. We carry a broken heart. We talk with others about these things, but there's no resolve. Violence continues to escalate. We look through our newsfeed, Facebook or Twitter to get opinions. Still, no answers. We talk to family members to try to comfort and encourage our children.  Still, no easy way to communicate what took place. This world feels out of control. We are frightened for our children. We are fearful ourselves. We wonder what will happen next. We try to blame it on something…. anything…. to make sense of the sheer evil and violence we've seen in the news. What do we do? How do we start a day, wrestling with these things?

God's Word speaks to those of us with broken hearts. He gives hope, healing, encouragement and comfort in the Bible.  As you start your day, take a moment and read and meditate on these scriptures.

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." (Psalms 34:18)

"Fear not, for I am with you be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." John 14:27

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

I've been so grateful for God to help me write these blogs each week. So often, I have no clue what to write about until I sit down and ask God for help. This Friday was not different. I had no words. Nothing. But, I know with all of my heart that God had answers.  His Word is where I find hope today. I pray you will as well. 

As you read over these verses, pray for the wives, husbands and children of the fallen. Pray Christ's comfort over these families and healing for those wounded. Pray for the city of Dallas and our nation.  Prayer changes things. It really does.

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

John Adams and Celebrating the 4th

John Adams knew the importance of celebration. Adams, who served as our first vice president and second president of the United States, actually wanted to celebrate our country's independence and adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 2.

Check out what Adams had written to his wife Abigail… "The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought be to solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward and forever more.” Adam’s prediction was two days earlier than our celebrated holiday. But, isn’t that cool that even back then, Adams thought this day was worthy of celebration? So, let’s celebrate!

John Adams believed that part of the celebration was to enjoy solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty, because of this day of deliverance. I’m so grateful John Adams knew that God really was behind this amazing celebration! When was the last time you stopped and prayed for our country? Why not pray for America as part of your celebration today?

Father God, Thank you for the United States of America and the freedom you have given us in our great country. We thank you for that great day in July, 1776, and can’t thank you enough for the freedoms we enjoy in this great country! We ask that we would not forget the sacrifice so many gave to allow us to live freely today in our nation. We thank you for all facets of the military and ask your blessing and protection on each and every person who serves in our nation. We pray for all leaders in our cities, states and country. God, grant your continued wisdom and guidance as they lead. Guide them in all their decision making. Grant your peace and protection on our country. Remind us that when we don’t know what to do, we can pray. Help us when we are at wit’s end with the terror that continues to happen, that we can pray. Help us when we our hearts are burdened for those who’ve died in Turkey and Orlando, we can pray. Help us realize when we see those beautiful fireworks and are reminded of our freedoms here, we can pray! No matter what happens, God, you are still on the throne. We thank you for that today. So as we start this July 4th, we look to you and throughout the day, may we be reminded that ALL the blessings we have, come from you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Happy 4th!

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

Lessons from la Madeleine's

The other day, I stopped at my happy place, la Madeleines, for lunch. After ordering my Caesar Salad, I made my way to a small table. As I sat down, I noticed an empty wheel chair facing me, piled with clothes. I then noticed an older man sitting at the table, hunched over, eating a salad. Soon after, I saw someone come up behind him and slip him some cash.

I found myself wondering about the man. I assumed that everything he had in life was right there on that wheelchair.  Where did he grow up? Did he have family? What circumstances led him to this life? Where did he sleep at night? What does he fear? What does he enjoy doing? What makes him happy? How is he treated by others? What does he do in a day?

In la Madeleines that day, there was not just a homeless man. Some were moms with kids. Others were business lunches. Some, like myself, were just grabbing a quick solo lunch. There is one thing we ALL had in common. We’ve ALL judged others and we’ve ALL experienced being judged by others. How are we judged? Our appearance. Our actions. Our status. Our job. Our past. Our mistakes. Our choices. Our family.  What we did right. What we did wrong. Who we hang out with. Who we don't hang out with. Do we have a wheelchair piled with clothes or a new Lexus parked outside? Judging others happens everywhere….in restaurants, on our jobs, on the freeway, in a meeting, and of course, on facebook! Sadly, pronouncing judgment upon others seems human nature.

Jesus knew that this judging thing would be something we humans do. In fact, He spoke out against it with a command “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:1-5)

Of course, there are times we do need to judge. We judge between right and wrong. We judge what to do on a freeway and make wise choices. We are called to judge impartially the culpability of a person if we serve on a jury.  I’m talking about something different.  Are you critical of other people? Do you condemn other peoples’ actions? Do you know the full story or are you making your own judgement? Do you speak poorly about others behind their back? Really? Since when are you and I qualified to perfectly judge someone else?

No one likes being judged. So often, people don’t know the whole story of the one being judged. I didn’t know the older man’s story at la Madeleine.  Who am I to judge him? My calling is to love him. Pray for him. Respect him. Who am I to judge others at work or on facebook?  Judging others brings out our critical spirit. Misery loves company so we find others to join with in being critical. We withdraw from those we judge, bringing distance to the relationship. All, the while, a prideful spirit grows. Who are you to judge me? Who am I to judge you? Let’s stop this craziness!

God calls us to forgive others. Let Christ’s peace rule in your hearts. (Colossians 3:12-15) Comfort and encourage others. Honor others above yourself.  Show Christ’s humility to all. Love others…. ALL people. (1 John 4:16)  Don’t let people’s opinion’s or judgements about you steal your joy! Instead, seek out in God’s Word what He says about you! His viewpoint about you is worth reading!

"As long as we continue to live as if we are what we do, what we have, and what other people thing about us, we will remain filled with judgements, opinions, evaluations, and condemnations. We will remain addicted to putting people and things in their “right” place." Henri. J. M. Nouwen

“Judge tenderly, if you must. There is usually a side you have not heard, a story you know nothing about, and a battle waged that you are not having to fight.” Traci Lea LaRussa

“If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” Mother Teresa

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

A Dog's Life

Zoe, our English Spaniel, is celebrating two years being a part of our little family. Zoe came to us June 15, 2014, the day the Spurs won the NBA Finals. It was a great night celebrating Zoe’s arrival and our Spurs winning the NBA championship.  Fast forward two years, Zoe and I are sitting on the couch watching the NBA Finals. Zoe doesn’t particularly care about the game. She’s sleeping. In fact, Zoe is oblivious to basketball, although she watches me go way too crazy when my Spurs are playing. 

Zoe enjoys the simple things in life. Just now, the nightly gecko made its usual walk across our upstairs window. Now that’s exciting! Zoe loves performing tricks for Ben when he comes home for work….all for a few treats. She is so excited when I put my running shoes on, knowing a walk might be in her future. When we start piling the kayaks on the truck, she is in rare form knowing that the Guadelupe River is awaiting her.

Zoe doesn’t know a thing about what happened in Orlando.Or Sandy Hook.Or New York Or San Bernardino. Or Boston. Zoe doesn’t understand that all people don’t love other people. Loving is so easy for her! She is clueless to the nightly news. She is unaware of the daily stressors of life. She simply trusts her human parents that they will take care of her. 

We can learn so much from a dog’s life. With the Orlando shootings not that long ago,our hearts still are troubled, horrified and maybe a bit fearful. This crazy stuff just doesn’t stop. What’s going to happen next? How can we be safe? How do we protect our children? Just like Zoe trusts her masters, we would be wise to trust our God.

Consider Thom Rutledge, (from Embracing Fear and Finding the Courage to Live your Life) “Fear takes many forms- dead, worry, panic, anxiety, self-consciousness, superstition, and negativity- and manifests self in many ways- avoidance, procrastination, judgment, control, agitation, and perfectionism, to name just a few. Fear is our constant companion. It haunts us day and night and prevents us from living to our potential. Whether we are afraid of the dark or of being alone, failure or commitment, public speaking or flying, fear dominates our lives, affecting nearly every decision we make.”  As I grow older, I see how fear can become more and more a part of my life. But, I have to make a choice to say “no” to fear.  As I grow in my faith, God becomes bigger and my worries become smaller. What about you? How has fear crept into your life? How have your fears robbed you from living freely? How has fear paralyzed you in decision making? You don't have to live in fear. You really don't. 

Sometimes, a dog’s life seems pretty appealing. But, not really.  We humans have been created in the image of God and that is a miracle!  We have been created for relationship with God and that is a miracle!  As we spend time with God, He becomes bigger and our fears grow smaller. Who wouldn’t want that? Fear not, my friend. God is near.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:3316:33

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

A Prayer For Orlando

It wasn’t until mid-day Sunday that my husband and I heard about the mass shooting in Florida.  We were on a plane heading back from a family funeral in Cleveland, Ohio and somehow missed checking our phones until later.  Unbelievable to hear about such a senseless atrocity. There really are no words.

How do we respond? What do we do? I know in the days ahead, we will be informed of ways we can support the victims and their families financially, giving blood and other ways.  But, as we start this day, I know we can do something very powerful. We can pray. In the face of tragedy that leaves us speechless, I ask you to join me in prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, We come to you today grieving for Orlando, Florida and for our nation. We don’t know what to do, but our eyes turn to you, God of all comfort and hope. We pray for the victims who are now fighting for their lives in the hospitals. God, we pray that no more lives would be loss from this senseless shooting. Great Physician, we ask that you give each doctor your wisdom and guidance as they care for those wounded. Give healing to all victims who were wounded, physically and emotionally. We pray for the families and friends who loss someone last night.  You know each person grieving today. Each one. We ask that each one of these family members and friends experiences a peace that passes all understanding as they walk through the days ahead.  Strengthen them to face the future with faith, hope and courage. We pray for the City of Orlando and its law enforcement officials and first responders. Lord, will you gently care for and heal those who saw face to face such horrific loss of life and horror? We pray God, that you would be strong for all those vulnerable today. Hold out your gentle hand of peace to those who witnessed and survived this tragedy. Lord, please walk with them in the days ahead as they sort out the cries of their heart. Father, we now ask that you would meet all of us today with a greater understanding of who you are and who you can be in our lives. It is so very easy for us to turn to fear and wonder, when will it happen next? Should I live in fear? Instead, Lord, we ask that we would echo the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 62:5-8 “Yes, my soul, finds rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” Lord, we hold on to the truth that you feel this pain deeply…”The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:8) For all those brokenhearted and crushed in spirit, be near. Be so near that they can feel something unexplainable that can only be You! Give comfort! Give peace! Give hope! Give love! Give mercy! Give unity! Lastly, God of Justice, we ask that you would bring before you all who perpetrate violence. Turn the hearts of those who seek violence away from evil. Bring them to repentance. Lord, teach us all how to love one another as you love us. In Jesus name, Amen.


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