Wednesday, December 30, 2009

A Starting Place

During this season, a great deal of time is spent pondering the future and talking about all that lies ahead, and all that we are going to do to bring meaningful change to our lives and the lives of others around us. Resolutions are offered as verbal proof of our good intentions. Sometimes we follow through...sometimes we don't. In the heat of the moment, the shadow of guilt, or the blazing light of inspiration brought on by the threshold of another new year, it is easy to make resolutions, but the dark, cold days of January have a way of tempering our good intentions, and the momentum of hopeful expression gives way to the deflation brought on by the difficulty of following through.

Perhaps we try to change too much...to so radically change our lives that given our other responsibilities and distractions, our actions simply can't keep pace with our good intentions. Perhaps there is one thing, one aspect, one characteristic we could focus on and from that one focal point, meaningful change could truly occur.

Jesus said, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."(John 13:34-35, TNIV) We often speak of impacting the world around us and we think globally, as we should. But what if we allowed that love to impact our world, beginning right where we live, work, go to school, and worship. What if, for this new year, we focused on loving others as Christ has commanded. Would such radical change make a difference?

Maybe that's a starting place for you and me. Losing weight, managing time more effectively, taking up a new hobby, keeping your room clean...these are all worthy goals, but maybe, just maybe, making the love of Christ the priority for the new year will help you and me put everything in its proper perspective.

May the love of Christ be yours to share throughout 2010!

Jim Abernathy

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Where Have You Been???

Life gets complicated at times. Distractions are many and some things just don't get done! Issues and events, expected and unexpected, demand our attention and things we have been doing can be pushed aside or forgotten. Such is the story of this blog. I started writing this blog several months ago and have kept it current...until the last month. I could list the many things that have commanded my attention over the last several weeks, but then you would have to get out your list of complications to compare and we would both wind up whining on each other's shoulders.

Perhaps someone might bring up better time management, or a re-prioritization of schedule and focus. Someone might say, "You're doing too much...you need to let go of something." There is truth in all of these concerns, but I also know that at times, life simply presents you more than you can effectively handle and something slips. Most of us could manage our time better, but then again, many of us do a pretty good job given the number of dates, events, and life situations we have to handle. Yes, it is good to occasionally evaluate an re-evaluate our schedules and the way we manage them, but so many of the things that demand our time and effort are important to us and to others. It is easy to tell another that they should let go of something, but are we willing to let go of those things that are important to us? Sometimes we just get overwhelmed in the busyness of this 21st century world, and some things just don't get done. I am not offering an excuse or rationalization here for poor performance. I am, however, reminding myself, and hopefully you as well, that grace must often be applied in the context of our and other's shortcomings. To recognize our failures and commit ourselves once more to the tasks before us is to admit our humanness, and to strive toward a better understanding of who we and others are. And at the heart of this discussion is the One whose grace, mercy, and forgiveness restores and empowers us for the tasks that need to be done.

I will keep a closer eye on this blog, and I hope you will too. I will also seek to live more fully in the grace, mercy, and forgiveness of the Christ, whose birth we celebrate...and I hope you will too!

May you know the wonder of God, present within you through the gift of Bethlehem's baby, during this busy and blessed season.

Jim Abernathy

Monday, November 2, 2009

Who is Your Hero???

What does it mean to be a hero? Our society struggles with the concept of heroism, at times conflicted over whether to build our heroes up or tear them down. The late tennis great, Arthur Ashe, was once quoted on the subject of heroes. He said, "True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.” To serve, regardless of the cost...now that is an intriguing definition of heroism.

There were many in ancient Palestine who believed that Jesus just might be the hero they had been waiting for. His words were powerful, his ability to draw large crowds, amazing, his reputation as a miracle worker, captivating...and yet, he was ultimately crucified because he did not turn out to be the hero that many thought he should have been. Perhaps his words were to blame...words like those found in Matthew 20:26-28; "...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave...just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

To become great, according to Jesus, is to become a servant to others. That doesn't sound very heroic to a modern world bent on the sensational...enamoured with celebrity, and yet, to serve others selflessly in Jesus' name is to follow the way of Christ, regardless of cost. "Whoever wants to be my disciple," Jesus said, "must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." Perhaps people of faith need to redefine their understanding of heroism. The kind of heroism Jesus encourages is often tedious, dirty work that might go largely unnoticed, but that doesn't diminish its value....perhaps that is the greatest indicator of a heroic act.

"The urge to serve others...whatever the cost." Ashe's definition is a good one...it finds it greatest example in the servant of all, Jesus the Christ. As followers of Christ, may we be heroes to others in Jesus' name.

Jim Abernathy

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Change

There's an old Baptist joke that goes something like this: How many Baptists does it take to change a light bulb? CHANGE!?!?!?!?! Now the joke may lose a little something as it makes its way through the blogosphere, but the idea translates well in most any environment....most of us don't like change!

Yet, at the heart of the Christian faith is the undeniable message of change. In Matthew 18, Jesus said, "...unless you change...you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Paul wrote in II Corinthians 5:17 that "if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!" (TNIV) To find forgiveness and grace in the living Christ is to find change every day. Faith calls us out of the ruts that trap us in the predictable patterns of daily living and challenges us to walk along new pathways that are defined by the steps of Christ. As he called his disciples to join him, he said simply, "Follow me."

We are certainly cautious about change, but apart from it, what a dull world this would be. As people of faith, our hope is built on the transformation that comes through faith in the risen Christ. CHANGE!?!?!?!?!? Yes, and thank God for it!

Friday, September 25, 2009

An Arlington Afternoon

I officiated at a graveside service at Arlington Cemetery recently. To stand in that place and view row after row of marble head stones, representing lives of men and women who have made such sacrifice and offered such willing service to their country is inspiring to say the least. As the caisson carried the remains, the soldiers marched in step, the guns were fired, and Taps was played, everyone who participated in the moment was reminded of the value of every life and of the call to service that many answer on behalf of their country. One does not witness such an event without being challenged to realize that life is precious, and that commitment to complete the tasks we are given is vital to the success of a nation.

Most of us won't visit Arlington Cemetery too often, but its hallowed hills quietly remind us when we visit that we are indeed debtors to the sacrificial service of others. It is a place that reminds us all of the significance of service and the blessing of the freedoms we too often take for granted.

If you haven't been to Arlington lately, take an afternoon, walk the grounds and witness for your self the sense of reverence and gratitude that are experienced when one finds one's self in such a place. In doing so you will honor the service and sacrifice of others, and perhaps be challenged to consider anew how you might better serve.

Jim Abernathy

Friday, September 11, 2009

9/11...When Peace Overcomes Fear

"Do not fret because of evil men..." (Psalm 37:1)

The words of the Psalmist seem somewhat naive in this twenty-first century world. There are men and women who do evil things, sometimes in the context of greed and for personal gain; sometimes out of a warped sense of allegiance to their country or in support of their particular ideological perspective; sometimes in the name of religion.

September 11 reminds us of evil that has been done for reasons listed above. I had only been at Westwood a few weeks, when the events of 9/11 literally exploded before our eyes. I remember the sense of shock that came as we listened to the radio broadcasts in the church office and later watched the painful video replays of those devastating moments. Fear, anger, suspicion, and uncertainty were unwelcome guests as that day unfolded, and one could argue that they still lurk just beneath the surface in many of our minds in anticipation of another such attack.

David knew the joy of victory and the terrible sting of personal loss and grief. He wrote in the thirty-seventh Psalm, "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret...it leads only to evil." In the aftermath of evil acts, one can easily allow the emotions of the moment to overcome, clouding one's perspective...motivating one to act on the darkest expressions of human weakness. But there is another choice. Again, David writes in Psalm 37, "Turn from evil and do good." These are words that speak of intentional actions that do not destroy in fits of retaliation, but build in expectation of a better day. This wisdom is summed up in verse 37 of this great Psalm; "...there is a future for the man of peace."

I stood in the pulpit at Westwood Baptist Church on the Sunday after 9/11, and preached from this text. The following is an excerpt from that sermon.

"Amidst the rubble of broken buildings and broken lives...amidst the austerity of shattered dreams and unfulfilled promise...amidst the painful questions of faith that have no easy answers, again we are reminded that there is a future for the man, the woman, of peace. Understand that this peace is not defined by ceasing hostilities or hushed rhetoric. It is not gained through crushing military victory or hasty retaliation. It is defined by a relationship which empowers a person to face the dangers and uncertainties of this world with confidence and hope. This peace is defined by the One who said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you, therefore, let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.'"

The message on 9/11/09 is the same as it was in those dark hours of 9/11/01..."Do not fret because of evil men." May the peace of Christ be with you on this day and every day.


JKA

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Haley Schmitz recently returned from Uganda where she spent several weeks this summer on behalf of Campus Crusade for Christ. She shared some of her experiences in a recent worship service and at Faith Station with our youth. Haley spoke of the challenges she and others faced throughout their journey. These were not the kind of things a travel brochure would include in trying to make a destination sound appealing. Among them, dysentery, poisonous snakes, large spiders, outdoor toilets, language barriers, limited food choices, etc. These and other challenges would be more than some would choose to overcome. I asked Haley, "You knew about these challenges before hand, and you still wanted to go?" "Yes," she answered. I then asked her if she would go again, and without hesitation, she once more answered, "Yes." What drove Haley to go in the first place and I believe will lead her to go again someday is the realization that the needs are so great and that she can make a difference.

The apostle Paul faced great challenges as he went to faraway places to share the good news of Christ. In II Corinthians 1:8-9, he writes, "We do not want you to be uniformed about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God..." For Paul, and for Haley, to go and to share the love of Christ in distant and challenging places was made possible and further empowered by the God who went before them and sustained them on their journeys.

You may not be facing the extreme challenges that Haley faced in Uganda or that Paul experienced on his missionary journeys, but in the challenges before you and the needs of others that are ever before us, God can empower you for the task, enabling you to make a difference. Paul wrote, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Yes...you can, too!!

Jim

Thursday, August 6, 2009

It Ain't Over Until...

My son Clayton and I went to a Nationals game a few nights ago and learned a good lesson. We are certainly not die-hard fans of the team, however we follow them on occasion and try to get to a few games every season. We arrived at the park earlier than usual, mainly because it was "T-Shirt Tuesday" and if there is anything a 15 year-old boy needs, it's a new t-shirt! We settled into our seats and began munching on the Hard Times, Frito Chili Pie we had purchased after entering the stadium. (The baseball may not be the greatest, but the food at Nationals Stadium is indeed a hit!) Little did we know that the Chili Pie would be the highlight of the game, at least for the first seven and one-half innings. Marlin pitcher, Jeff Johnson, who came into the game with a 10-2 record, proved why he was the ace of their pitching staff. After Josh Willingham got a hit in the first inning, the next twenty Nationials batters did not reach first base, while the Marlins scored three times, including a home run by the Marlins pitcher! It was not the competitive game we had hoped for. As the seventh inning came to a close, I leaned over to Clayton and said, "If the Nats don't score in the eighth, let's go home." With disgust he nodded his approval. To add insult to injury, the Marlins scored again in the eighth inning to go ahead 4-0, and we almost left the ballpark. Then, the most unlikely scenario unfolded...the pitcher who had been unhittable through seven innings suddenly became hittable. With men on base, Ronnie Belliard, hitting under .200 as a pinch hitter, lined a double to left field and before we knew it, the game was tied. A few moments later, Adam Dunn came to the plate with a man on base. He had looked miserable all night, striking out three times. As he stepped to the plate, the voice of Phil Collins was heard throughout the stadium singing, "I can feel it coming in the air tonight, hold on..." Sure enough, Adam Dunn felt something different and he slammed a two-run homer that put the Nats ahead for good, 6-4. Wins have been difficult for the Nats to come by this season, particularly come from behind wins, but there it was, in big, bold numbers on the scoreboard, punctuated by exploding fireworks in the night sky, "Nationals win, 6-4!"

In the darkest days of World War II, Winston Churchill challenged his countrymen to "never, never, never, never give up!" There are certainly times in this life when circumstances seem stacked against us, and yet, there is hope. As Christians, we are resurrection people...people who face life's greatest challenges, even death, with hope because Jesus Christ has overcome. In the fourteenth chapter of John's gospel, Jesus encourages his disciples as he says, "Don't let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me." There is our message of hope, even when all seems hopeless.

Baseball can be a teacher of life lessons. We have not necessarily looked to the Nationals to teach lessons of hope and victory, but maybe last Tuesday night's game is a signal that things are changing...maybe there is hope for the Nats...maybe the old baseball wisdom is true..."it ain't over until it's over!"

Jim

Monday, July 27, 2009

Postitively, Absolutely...Maybe

Who have you been listening to lately? I try to remain informed about current events by listening to a variety of news and media outlets every day. Claims are made by the various news organizations that they are balanced, even objective in their approach to reporting the news, but sometimes it is difficult to identify the difference between fact and opinion. Truth be told, that challenge is true in many areas of life, including our spiritual journey. Ask a group of Baptists their opinions on a particular subject and you are liable to get quite a few different responses. One of the great principles of our Baptist heritage is the autonomy of the soul, celebrating the freedom of the individual to seek and be led by the Spirit of God. This soul competency speaks to the accountability of each person, and as a gift from God, is not to be forfeited to or held captive by the viewpoints or interpretations of others. To do so is to ultimately take one's eyes off of Christ, chasing after things that are not of eternal significance. For the follower of Christ, it is Christ first, last, and always...finding there grace, mercy, love, and salvation. We find ourselves at times debating a great many things, however, that which unites us is not our different ideological, political, or even theological viewpoints...that which unites is Christ.

As the words of a beautiful hymn encourage:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face,
and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace.
The varied opinions we encounter often confuse and confound...one moment speaking with certainty, the next with ambiguity. Focusing our attention on Christ helps keep other things in their proper perspective.
Jim Abernathy

Monday, July 20, 2009

And That's the Way it is...

Two items in the news this past weekend captured my attention. The first was the magnificent play at the British Open in Turnberry, Scotland. The British Open is one of four major tournaments sanctioned by the PGA each year and as a major event, it lived up to its hype, but for reasons far different than anyone would have expected. TW, Tiger Woods, draws attention and crowds whenever he plays, but after two rounds, he was gone, failing to make the cut in a major tournament for only the second time in his career. TW, however, was the story of the Open, only this TW was a 59 year-old American, Tom Watson. That someone other than Tiger Woods wins a major golf tournament is not necessarily surprising, but that a man nearly sixty almost pulled it off is indeed a big story. This TW had won the British Open five times before, so he was not a stranger to winning, but it had been a long time since he had won on the PGA tour. To lead a round at his age was more a novelty, it seemed, than anything else. Greg Norman had done it a year ago at age 53. This, however, was different for this TW led, off and on, Friday, Saturday, and right up to the last hole on Sunday before losing his lead and ultimately the championship to American, Stewart Cink. When asked if he was surprised at his performance, Watson answered emphatically, no, for he wouldn't have been there, he said, if he hadn't come to win.

The second story of note for me on the weekend was the death of Walter Cronkite, the venerable anchor of the CBS Evening News for more than two decades. As the tributes rolled throughout the weekend, the term used again and again to describe the respected journalist was "integrity." The video clips played and pictures shown during these tributes were obviously dated, but the concept of integrity appeared timeless. The reverence with which some spoke of Cronkite implied an absence of integrity in contemporary journalism, and some might say, in general, the world in which we live. Millions of Americans trusted that when Cronkite said "And that's the way it is..." at the close of the newscast every night, it indeed, truly was as he had said.

These two events may not seem to have a common thread, and yet, in each, I see the human story and the impact of one person's story on many lives. We are at times surprised by the courage and strength of those whose efforts touch our lives, and challenge us as a result to set the bar a little higher for ourselves. One commentator over the weekend said that there were probably many fifty and sixty year-old men hopping off couches to grab their golf clubs and get back into the game as a result of Tom Watson's performance, while others mused that the renewed spotlight on Walter Cronkite's journalistic integrity could be a lesson for a new generation of journalists.

As a person of faith and an ever-interested student of human nature, I thank God for the continuing lessons of life learned from the examples of people like Tom Watson and Walter Cronkite. There is still much to learn and much to live...and that's the way it is.

Jim Abernathy

Monday, July 13, 2009

The Gift of Yourself

I wrote last week about Vacation Bible School and I am still basking in the glow of a wonderful week! Everything worked together to produce a week that no one involved will soon forget. The enthusiasm of the children, the dedication of the workers, and yes, the quality of the snacks each day were a blessing indeed. I marvel every year at the faithful and giving spirit of our VBS workers. Several take vacation or go into work late each day so they can work with the children. Others have not had children in their homes for many years, but come back year after year to share Christ's love with these children as if they were their own. Giving the gift of yourself in service to Christ and others is one of the greatest gifts you can offer. Investing yourself in the lives of others makes a difference in their lives and in your own. Seeds were planted last week that will one day bring a spiritual harvest, but without the workers, such a harvest would not be possible.

Thanks to everyone who gave so much last week. Take a moment now, and think about giving the gift of yourself in service to others. Become a blessing to others through the gift of yourself in the name of Christ!

Jim

Monday, July 6, 2009


It's Vacation Bible School week at Westwood! VBS is always a great opportunity to share the love of Christ with children. There is such excitement and enthusiasm as children, youth, and adults gather to celebrate this special week. I enjoy watching the interactions between the ages and find there a glimpse of the best of who we are as a church. When we work together, crossing lines that sometimes divide us, good things happen and God is honored. That's true of more than just VBS. Together, we share gifts and talents that enrich our fellowship. Together, we share resources that empower our efforts. Together, we communicate to the community and world around us the blessing of relationship with the risen Christ. Together, we make a difference for the kingdom!

This will be a great week at Westwood. Seeds will be planted that will bring future growth, new relationships will be established that will have an impact for years to come, and the joy of Christ will be shared by a gathered people that will with God's help, take root and grow both within and without the walls of this church. Pray for our children, the workers, and all the families touched by the special week.

jim


Monday, June 22, 2009

Enough Said

I experienced a different Father's Day this year. My wife Cindy and son Clayton were both out of town, so I spent a rather quiet day with Max and Freddie, our two Schnauzers. I had received my Father's Day cards and gifts before Cindy and Clayton left town...even Max and Freddie had presented me with cards the day before, so there was really little to do but enjoy what turned out to be a beautiful Sunday afternoon. There was an invitation to play golf late in the afternoon so I took advantage of the quiet around the house, with Max and Freddie's permission of course, and got in a late round of golf.

My thoughts turned occasionally as I made my way around the course to the blessings of family. I consoled myself after a bad shot, and there were several, with the reminder of all that I had to be grateful for. I thought of my own dad several times, particularly how much I missed him. Though he died nearly eight years ago, his impact on my life is still felt and his influence still very real. It was a bittersweet day...content in the realization of blessing, a bit sad in the context of my grief.

In reality, the mixture of peace and an aching heart, is the compilation of human emotion and experience that marks every day for many. We are confronted with all we have and with all we have lost or are in fear of losing. How do we cope with such paradox? As a follower of Christ, perspective is gained in the promises of God that have been tested and proven true. "Do not let your hearts be troubled," Jesus said. Trust in God, trust also in me." The writer of Hebrews quotes Jesus, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Faith in Christ empowers my living in the midst of life's paradoxes. He is the rock upon which I build my foundation, even in all that changes around me.

For life's blessings and challenges, Christ is enough, and that is enough said!

Jim

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

I have just returned from Atlanta, Georgia where I attended the annual Festival of Homiletics. The conference was a part of my sabbatical continuing education and a great opportunity to hear from preachers around the world. One of those preachers was Archbishop Desmond Tutu, whose faithful, compassionate service to the people of South Africa helped bring down the tyranny of apartheid. In his remarks, Bishop Tutu spoke about the role of the church in reaching across geographic, social, and ethnic barriers to love, encourage, and support those who are isolated by oppression. In the early days of Jesus' ministry he spoke of preaching good news to the poor, proclaiming freedom to the captive, and release for the oppressed. These defining characteristics of Jesus' ministry are to be markers of our lives as we live for Christ. Archbishop Tutu's courage, and that of so many others, points to the call of Christ upon all of our lives. Let us be faithful to preach good news, proclaim freedom, and bring release in the name of Jesus Christ.

Jim

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

A Pathway Worth Wandering

Gary Collins, Christian psychologist and author, wrote a book several years ago whose title grabbed my attention. The book, "Easy Believism," challenged the reader not to take for granted the journey of faith, nor to embrace without genuine consideration the truths of faith that many accept without question. I found the book to be a refreshing challenge in a religious environment that was all too often a stagnant sea of compliance.

When the apostle Paul wrote about working out one's salvation, I don't believe that he meant it was to be done in a vacuum. The tenets of faith are little more than formulaic patterns, unless they become real, thus empowering one to truly live. Jesus spoke of freedom in the context of knowing truth. ("You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.") Paul wrote of his burning desire to "know Christ and the power of his resurrection." Faith is a personal journey: to know and be known...to be transformed and to be used of God to transform.

Moving therefore, from easy believism to a thoughtful, thought-provoking faith, is a perilous, but oh-so-rewarding journey. It begins with an open heart and mind, a willingness to listen and learn, and the courage to ask uncomfortable questions...to live in that prickly place between absolute certainty and nagging question. Faith, after all, as the writer of Hebrews says, is "the essence of things not seen."

To struggle and strive toward an authentic faith is to wonder as you wander, to step into the unknown believing that God is there, and that together, you walk toward the "knowing" relationship that Paul desired to attain. That is a journey worth taking...a pathway worth wandering.

Jim Abernathy

Monday, May 11, 2009

Nothing But the Bretz!!!

Bernard and Emilie Bretz, faithful members of the Westwood family, will celebrate seventy years of marriage this month. These days, that is a rare accomplishment indeed! Now Bernie and Emilie are careful to credit the faithfulness of the Lord when they talk about this anniversary, for they believe that God has sustained them through these many years and empowered them to face the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges that have come their way. Theirs has not been a life of ease, free from heartache and disappointment, but it has been a journey of faith that has placed Christ at the center of their home, and through seventy years, that has been enough. Their example serves to remind us all of the significance of placing Christ at the heart of everything we do. In a world where success is often measured by the tangible treasures of wealth, position, and prestige, Bernie and Emilie remind us that when it comes to the relationships that are so vital to our lives, nothing but the best will do...that is, trusting ourselves and those we love into the very best hands, the hands of God. With Emilie and Bernie as our examples, perhaps a better turn of the phrase might be, nothing but the Bretz!

Congratulations Bernie and Emilie! God bless you.

Jim Abernathy

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

An Ounce of Mother...

There is an old Spanish proverb that says, "An ounce of mother is worth a ton of priest." The sentiment speaks volumes to the power of a mother's influence. Many of us are indeed debtors to the women whose love, patience, and wisdom have made such a difference in our lives. We were scrambling at our house this week to purchase and then mail the appropriate gifts for our mothers so they would receive these remembrances in time for Mother's Day. Every year we ponder the particular gift that will arrive in our place since we live so far from our mothers. At best, though always appreciated, these gifts are simple reminders of a love and gratitude too deep to be expressed only by material means. There is no substitute for a loving embrace, a hand held tightly, or the saying of those words that bless a mother's soul..."I love you, mom." So, along with the gift of perfume this year, my mom will receive a card, some flowers, and more important to her and to me, a phone call on Mother's Day. We will review her day, talk about the good time she had at my sister's house with her family in Chattanooga, and then I will try to sum up the blessing that she is to me...but words won't truly tell the story. However, the last thing I will say to her as our Mother's Day conversation comes to a close is, "I love you, mom," and that will be enough for her.

Jim Abernathy

Thursday, April 30, 2009

More Than We Need to Know

There was a picture on the front page of the Post a few days ago of a little boy in Mexico that some believe may have been among the first to contract the Swine Flu, and therefore initiate what appears to be a world-wide pandemic. The article noted that it was impossible to know with certainty exactly where and within whom the virus first attacked a human being. As I read that disclaimer and then looked again at the picture of the little boy, I could not help but wonder at the disservice done to him by the voyeurism of the American media. As the article continued, the boy's mother lamented the attention being given to her son and the stigma she feared might be placed upon him as a result. "'I don't have words, I don't have answers,' said (the boy's mother) as she cried under a portrait of Jesus in her living room. 'I feel terrible about all of this, because the people are thinking that this was all my son's fault. I don't think it is anyone's fault.'"{Washington Post, April 29, Sec. A1} This story is a tragic reminder of the disservice done to others when they are exploited by stories based on partial or unproven facts. It is shameful in a Mexican village thousands of miles away and it is shameful in the stories we often tell or listen to in our own circles of influence. Yes, we need to know important facts about this illness and all that can be done to treat it and prevent its spread. However, this knowledge does not need to come forward through human exploitation and degradation. Your thoughts???

Jim Abernathy

Friday, April 24, 2009

April 24, 2009

This has been a beautiful day, and tomorrow is supposed to be even warmer, perhaps even in the 80's!!! Can summer be far behind??? The changing seasons are but one reminder of the wonder of God's creation. The dark and dreary days of winter are giving way to the glory of spring. I played golf today, and though my score was not what I would have liked, I couldn't be too unhappy, for to spend several hours with friends in the midst of God's greening earth was therapy indeed!

What are you doing to enjoy these days? Some are busy with schedules that have you running nearly every moment...but take a few minutes to step outside, breathe deeply, and look around you. There is more to experience than your calendar. Some of you are struggling with health issues, or with caring for a sick family member. These are difficult days, but look out a window or open an outside door to see and hear how God is at work. Birds, unlike humans, often sign their most beautiful songs in the morning, and sunsets sometimes color our perspectives with new light. Some are hesitant about the future and its uncertainties. But think for a moment as you consider God's beautiful world around you...if God could create such wonders, including yourself, shouldn't you trust that creation, including yourself, into God's hands?

I hope my golf game will get better as the year progresses, but who knows. The wonder of all that God has made, however, will continue to bless and inspire, regardless of my limitations.

So, enjoy all that God has made and take a moment to let me know what you are enjoying about God's creation during these blessed days of spring.

Pastor Jim