Rest

I first met Rich at Fairfax Hospital this past August. Judi had told me that her neighbor, Rich, had recently been diagnosed with cancer and asked if I would visit him. God often opens doors of opportunity that we would not have foreseen. The door that swung open into Rich's life was one of those opportunities for me. I listened to Rich's story on that first visit and learned that he had recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His outlook at that point was still hopeful and we talked about many things that day, including his relationship to the Lord and his desire to worship with us at Westwood. Unfortunately, Rich never got to fulfill that desire.

I have been introduced to folks many times through the years in the context of crisis. There can be a degree of awkwardness when you first meet someone and hear their story of struggle and uncertainty. "Who am I," I have sometimes wondered, "to be hearing the deeply felt and painfully personal details of one's rapidly progressing disease and broken dreams when I have only moments before, just met them?" The storms of life often create an environment where lifelines are grasped, even from unfamiliar sources.

Rich grabbed hold of that lifeline on that August day, and a relationship was established that brought us together a few times a week at first, then nearly every day over the the past two weeks. Rich was a gentle man whose graceful humor and welcoming smile cut through the heaviness of disease and terminal prognosis to trust that God would take care of him, no matter what the days ahead held for him. "God will walk with you," I assured him of his journey into the unknown. "I know he will," Rich would respond, and there was peace.

Rich passed away this evening, surrounded by his wife, Karen, and his two children, Charlie and Jessica. Rich knew that he was loved by a family that cherished him, by good friends who had stayed close by him, and by the God whose promise to be with him he clung to. He also knew of new friends who joined his life's journey late, but who sought to remind him of the promises of God that cannot be destroyed by disease and pain.

I have walked the pathway of death many times with people over the last twenty-eight years of ministry. Each journey has been unique, and yet, where the grace of God has preceded my steps, there has been strength each time to do what could not be done alone. "God is our refuge and strength; an ever present help in time of trouble," the Psalmist wrote, "therefore we will not be afraid."

I am grateful to Judi for introducing me to her friend and neighbor, Rich. I am grateful for the privilege of sharing the last steps of this life with him. But I am most grateful for the presence of the Eternal One who calls us, to burden-bearing ministry, where sharing the load with broken and hurting people marks us, perhaps as nothing else, as followers of the living Christ.

“Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28, CEB) May the promise of God's presence give us rest, and empower us to help shoulder the burdens of hurting people all around us.

Jim Abernathy

God's Presence

In the moments of life we human beings fear most, it seems that God is never far away. When his doubt and low self-image caused Moses to balk at God's invitation to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, God said, "I will be with you." When Jeremiah protested that he was simply too young to be used of God, God said, "Don't be afraid...I will be with you." A shepherd king, affirmed the presence of the Lord even in the depths of heartache, saying, "...though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me." Disciples, who had experienced the fear and uncertainty in the aftermath of Jesus' arrest, crucifixion, and death, now faced uncertainty again as they stood on a mountainside and listened to Jesus' parting words of encouragement to them, "..surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." In doubt, uncertainty, grief, and loneliness, God affirmed again and again throughout scripture that God would be present, no matter what. That promise has sustained untold generations who, like the apostle Paul, have proclaimed, "...in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."

Some days you and I may not feel like conquerors, and yet, the strength, courage, and comfort that comes to us through the presence of Almighty God, empowers us to face what we think could not be faced, endure what could not be endured, and overcome what we never would have thought could be overcome. These aren't the words of a locker room pep talk, or the feel-good mantra of empty religion. The presence of God is real and powerful, resulting in purposeful living that honors the living Christ.

Trusting the presence of Christ to sustain us all until we meet again...

Jim Abernathy

Glory of God All Around

"The heavens tell about his goodness, and all the people see his glory."

(Psalm 97:6)

This is indeed a day to see the glory of the Lord. What a beautiful autumn day! There's a hint of changing color in the trees, a bit of a chill in the early morning air, and the glorious sunshine is a welcome alternative for the dark and rainy days of the last month. Indeed, the heavens...all of nature are shouting the praise of God, and you and I need to join the chorus!

This is a special weekend for two families at Westwood. Steve and Jo Sergio are celebrating the marriage of their daughter Molly, to Alan Rickard on Saturday, and Dave and Holly Schmitz are celebrating the marriage of their daughter Kyle, to Paul Chen on Sunday. The weather is cooperating as both events will be held outdoors. But more than beautiful weather, pray for blessed lives as these couples begin their lives together. Weddings are grand occasions as friends and family gather to mark a moment to be forever sealed by a genuine commitment of love. Pray for Alan and Molly, Paul and Kyle and all who celebrate with them on this special weekend. "Love," the apostle Paul wrote, "never fails." May that be true for these young people now and throughout their lives.

We will continue our Signposts of Stewardship emphasis this Sunday, focusing on God's provision. As you think about Sunday's worship, ponder this question..."How has God's provision brought blessing to your life?"

With so much love in the air this weekend, perhaps it is a good time to tell someone special in your life how much you love them. Spouse, child, sibling, parent, grandparent, friend...share a blessing by reminding them of how much they mean to you.

Enjoy the beauty of the weekend and see the glory of God all around you!

Jim Abernathy