We Remember

Three years ago, this weekend, heavy rains triggered record flooding that ravaged the towns of Wimberley and San Marcos. I’ll never forget watching in utter disbelief entire blocks of homes in Wimberley swept away and destroyed. Thirteen lives were lost that weekend in what was supposed to be a fun holiday weekend in the Hill Country. We remember. 

Today, we celebrate Memorial Day, remembering the people that died while serving in our country’s armed forces. It is this day that many memorials and cemeteries to honor those who gave their lives. We remember.

Just last week, we watched yet one more school shooting at Santa Fe High School. Ten precious lives taken. Lives gone way too soon. Never to experience graduation. Never to marry or have a family. We remember.

Days of remembering are good for us all. How quickly we forget how short our time on earth is! We are never guaranteed tomorrow. 

As we start this day, savor the gift of one more day to live and the gift of a holiday.

Take note of our American Flag and give thanks for our great country and those who died defending our freedoms.

Spend time with family and savor their presence, for you may not always have them.

Enjoy a good barbecue with friends and family, knowing that good food and friends are a gift from God.

Remember your God, for it is He who created you and chose you for His purpose on this earth.

Remembering is good. We can get so caught up in the busyness of a day, that we forget the treasures in our moments. We remember.

“We love our earth. We love our people. We love our stuff. We love our schedules. We love our short lives here. And God is saying, look up. This is going fast. Your life is barely a breath here, there is more, way more.”  Jennie Allen

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

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

Undone!

I was undone by what I saw tonight. A young girl walked up to the front of the church toward our pastor right in the middle of his sermon. Our pastor stopped everything and just knelt down by the girl. He listened to her for some time. Everyone remained silent…many praying. Our pastor then gave the girl a hug. There was a roar from the crowd as everyone stood to their feet. Our pastor then shared with all of us that six months ago this girl was going to commit suicide, but feeling loved and accepted at the church, she changed her mind.

I have never seen anything so beautiful in a church. Everything stopped for this one precious girl. What took place WAS the sermon.

I think people can be so turned off by church these days for a variety of reasons. For me, church generally has been a place where I’ve experienced judgment and inauthentic people. What I saw tonight was love without limits. Acceptance. Kindness. Care. A real judgment-free zone.

We start this new week wondering how we can make a positive difference in an increasingly hostile world. We are all so weary of these mass shootings. Our hearts are beyond broken and we can feel so helpless. Yet, God calls us to a life that’s different.

Bob Goff, in his book "Everybody Always", writes "The night before Jesus died, His prayer for us was that we would be "one." He knew what it was like to be "one" with His Father, and He said He wanted that for us. It was a prayer for unity, not sameness. He knew that the gospel wasn’t a bunch of rules to obey; it was a Person to follow and be one with. He wanted us to live into the beautiful, unique creations God made us to be. Simply put, we can be "one" without being each other." (This, by the way, is the verse John 17:21, the YMCA’s theme verse. Can you imagine what our Y's might be like if we live this out as staff???)

Why do we point our fingers at others in judgment? We do we treat some as less than and others as more than? What do we cling to our cliques? Why are we so critical? Why are we so consumed with what everyone else is doing? In keeping up with our "friends" have we forgotten the power of keeping our eyes on the One who loves us, accepts us and wants to spend eternity with us?

Did you know that God has picked YOU to spread His love to a very dark world? It’s an extremely high calling and if done with His power, you can make a big dent of positive change in this crazy, fragile world. But, you gotta know Whose you. Tethered to God’s hand, I encourage you to go and make a difference.

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

Cone of Shame

Zoe, our English Springer, still gets a kick out of going to the veterinarian. Even at age four, she somehow thinks there’s a party waiting to happen there. This past week, she was limping due to some unknown animal confrontation in the wee hours of the morning. I took her to the vet and the treatment was antibiotics and wait for it…….the cone of shame! When the vet tech brought Zoe the cone of shame, she wagged her tail with glee! As she placed it around her neck, everything changed. Uh oh.

Didn’t Zoe remember that contraption from days gone by? Didn’t she know what she was in for? It occurred to me that we humans can be the same way. We see things coming our way and we’re quick to respond with a valiant YES, until everything falls apart.

How often have you said “yes” to something you should have said “no” to? How many bad date stories do you have where “no” may have been the better answer? Have you said “yes” to things that looked good on the front end, but brought disappointment to follow? I know that I’ve had many times in life where out of insecurity or need, I said “yes” when I should have said “no.” I’m sure this scenario has played out in your life as well.

Did you know that saying “no” is not the end of the world? Sometimes, we’re so into people pleasing that we just have to say “yes.” No, we don’t! There’s been too many times where I’ve wasted way too much time trying to please people who may never be pleased.

On the other hand, sometimes God puts a halt to things and gives us a resounding “no” when we want our agenda! We can go kicking and screaming and getting angry at God, when really, we need our own attitude adjustment. I can name countless times when I’m truly glad God said NO when I wanted Him to say YES.

Will you give God your plans today?  Can you trust Him even when things aren’t going as you imagined they would? Pray that God would give you faith to believe Him even when He gives a “no.” Pray for wisdom in making your best choices whether it’s a “yes” or a “no.” Remember who God is, and know that He always, always, always wants the very best for you.

“For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

The Lord will work out his plans for my life- for your loving-kindness, LORD, continues forever. Don’t abandon me- for you made me.” Psalm 138:8 (TLB)

“We are not trying to please people, but God, who tests our hearts.” 1 Thessalonians 2:4b
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

The Prodigal Son

We live in a society that seems happy to heap blistering attacks on our perceived cultural enemies. What’s the remaining product? A lot of hate, judgment and mistreatment of people! 

We have a choice as to how we treat others. 

Consider the Parable of the Prodical Son. In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus tells about the youngest son going to his father to ask for his inheritance ahead of time. The young son then took the inheritance, had a good time and quickly ran out of money. He ended up working in a pigpen, of all places! So, the young son, humiliated, remembered what life was like back at his dad’s place. He thought about his father’s servants being fed well and shelter at night, which was way more than he had! So, he returned home and told his father he had sinned. Guess what? His father accepted him with open arms. His older brother, however, was outraged, angry that his father had celebrated his return with open arms. It just wasn’t fair! But, the Father had a different mindset! The Father gave him a ring, a robe, a huge feast and a pair of sandals in his honor. He welcomed him home!

The parable of the Prodigal Son has something for us all! There are times we’ve been like the prodigal son and wandered far from God and the calling God gave us. We would rather seek earthly pleasures, acceptance, and pleasures of this temporary world. The Prodigal Son shouts
"I want more than this!"

There are times when our attitude is more like the older brother. In our desire to do the “right thing”, be responsible and obey, we don’t realize that we’ve become bitter and resentful toward those who aren’t performing like we are! The older brother cries out “It’s not fair! What about me?”

The Father, who represents our heavenly Father, showered his son with unconditional love and acceptance back into the family. The Father could have shunned his son and judged him forever for his actions. Instead the Father cried out “Welcome home!”

Which of these three characters in the parable do you relate to today? Ask God to make you more like the Father, full of compassion and love to all.

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.” Romans 12:10

“But while he was still a long way from home his father saw him, and his heart went out to him, he ran and hugged his son and kissed him.” Luke 15:20

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

Seasons of Life

Well, the San Antonio Spurs season came to an end way too soon. Towards the last game, I was just ready for the season to end. Please, just stop the pain. This season has been brutally tough. Injuries galore. The Kawhi saga. More injuries. Finally, the loss of Coach Pop’s wife, Erin, was the culminating sadness to hit our team.

The San Antonio Spurs have had so many years of winning that I’m not sure we know how to respond in this new season of challenge and adversity. It’s almost as if we’ve been spoiled to think that winning is all we know. But, unfortunately, it’s not.

I’ve been thinking about the seasons of life. There can be great seasons of life that include raising children, getting married, graduating from high school or college, getting a new job, getting a promotion or becoming a parent or grandparent. We can’t imagine life being better!

The interesting thing about seasons is that they can change just like the weather. Those good seasons aren’t always forever. There are tough seasons. Accidents. Physical challenges. Loss of a loved one. Relationship challenges. Loneliness. Heartache. Waiting. For myself, it’s in these tough seasons that I wonder….will I ever see my way out of this?

When tough seasons show up, we can stress out, be anxious or just try to tough it out. But God has something else in mind. God delights in giving us joy, peace and hope as we put our trust in Him. Throughout the Bible we see countless stories of men and women putting their trust in God through some very difficult circumstances. These Biblical stories inspire me to do the same.

Honestly, we don’t have to be consumed by our tough seasons. God can pour out His tender mercies and grace as we partner with Him. No matter what season of life you find yourself in today, there is a God who loves you and longs to walk with you each day, every day.

“Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is His faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

“May the God of hope fill you will 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

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

Simply Caring

I went to prison this weekend. It was quite an experience! I just got out. But, I didn't get out with out being renewed and challenged in my faith!

Over the weekend, 42 of our volunteer men went into the prison each day while many of us women were busy at a nearby garage-turned-kitchen.  As an outside team, we made yummy meals for the inmates, prayed for them, and provided visible ways of showing love. One job was to put together paper chains, each one listing a name and city of the person praying for them.

As we assembled these simple paper chains, I glanced at names and cities from around the world listed on each chain. It took several days to assemble them! The men in white (inmates) were blown away seeing these chains strewn around the gym! They couldn’t fathom that so many people cared! Why would people they didn’t even know pray for them?

We’re now out of prison and recalling the highlights of our time serving. We loved watching the inmates’ hearts soften over the course of the weekend. They saw God’s love demonstrated through people! Can you imagine what it might be like to be incarcerated for 5 years? 15 years? Life sentence? Can you imagine what it would be like to have family disown you? What about not getting a letter for years? These inmates felt loved and accepted…some for the very first time!

There are hurting people all around us that just need to be noticed, loved, accepted and cared for. We can be so busy living our lives that we miss out on simply caring for others. Whether in the office, at a store or restaurant, there are people everywhere who need a bit of encouragement and love. YOU can be that difference maker. Why not start today?

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.” Romans 12:10

“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4

“I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me.”  Matthew 25:36

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

Life After Easter

After a busy day of food preparations, hosting a crowd complete with an Easter Egg hunt, I can find the Monday after a bit tough. I’m usually dragging. Action packed weekends can tend to zap us. Who’s up for an Easter Monday holiday?

It occurred to me that those who followed Jesus may find it hard to get back to their routine come Monday morning. The intensity of the week had to have taken its toll on Jesus’ friends. And then to hear that Jesus was alive!  What???? Check out Mary Magdalene and the other Mary as they take a peek into the tomb:

“After the Sabbath, as the first light of the new week dawned, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to keep vigil at the tomb. Suddenly the earth reeled and rocked under their feet as God’s angel came down from heaven, came right up to where they were standing. He rolled back the stone and then sat on it. Shafts of lightning blazed from him. His garments shimmered snow-white. The guards at the tomb were scared to death. They were so frightened, they couldn’t move.

The angel spoke to the women: 'There is nothing to fear here. I know you’re looking for Jesus, the One they nailed to the cross. He is not here. He was raised, just as he said. Come and look at the place where he was placed.'

Now, get on your way quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He is risen from the dead. He is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there.’ That’s the message.

The women, deep in wonder and full of joy, lost no time in leaving the tomb. They ran to tell the disciples. Then Jesus met them, stopping them in their tracks. 'Good morning!' he said. They fell to their knees, embraced his feet, and worshiped him. Jesus said, 'You’re holding on to me for dear life! Don’t be frightened like that. Go tell my brothers that they are to go to Galilee and I’ll meet them there.'"(Matthew 28:1-10, MSG)

Put yourself in their place. What would it have been like to look up and see Jesus greet them? UNBELIEVABLE! For them, the day after Easter was the best day ever! The One they had seen crucified was now alive and they couldn’t help but spread the news!

So, how will you live life after Easter? Life after Easter can be the best day ever….. once you understand what the day before was all about.

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