Frankenstorm!!!

It's coming, and just in time for Halloween...Frankenstorm!!!! Yes we have added a new word to the already crowded landscape of weather hyperbole, and with it there are the growing rumblings of that unique weather phenomenon so familiar to all in this region...PANIC!!!!!! Having lived in a variety of places over the years, I believe I can say without fear of equivocation, that no region does weather panic better than the D.C. metroplex. Perhaps it`s our sense of self-importance that drives our weather hysteria, but for whatever reason, we seem to have mastered this frenzied approach to the ever-changing elements of nature.

Now, please understand, I in no way mean to diminish the severity of the potential storm that may hit our area. Flooding, high winds, power outages, even measurable snows in some parts of the region are possible. One would be ill-advised to ignore these warnings about the possible effects of this or any powerful storm. One would do well to make a BB&T deposit..(Bread, Batteries, and Toilet Paper) as well as to check gutters and other outside drains, window seals, and basements as well as making sure there is plenty of gas in the car in preparation for the storm. These are responsible precautions that help one be prepared along the way.

As people of faith, our greatest preparation in anticipation of the storms of life that come our way is the word of God. The Bible is nothing if not practical in its application. We read and study its truths not just for spiritual nurture and inspiration, but also for help in the midst of the changing, sometimes threatening challenges of life. Reading God's word doesn't necessarily bring change to the the situations and circumstance beyond our control, but it does empower our approach to those situations and circumstances, allowing us to face with hope and peace what we might not be able to face on our own.

I often return to the 46th Psalm in challenging times: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in time of trouble, therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells....The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." Perhaps to some, this sounds too simplistic, and yet, in the midst of the storm, I would rather have peace in knowing that God is with me than to be momentarily energized by a sense of panic that only serves to make the possibilities of the moment seem more daunting. God is present with us in the storm, and yes, even in the threat of storm. Realizing that, and finding peace as a result, is perhaps the greatest "storm preparation" that can be done...even for a...Frankenstorm!!!

Well, I wonder what the latest computer models have to say about the storm? Sandy...Noreaster...Frankenstorm...no matter what one names it, there will be no shortage of coverage over the next few days of anticipation, then occurrence of the storm. Perhaps a good book, a cup of tea, a walk around the neighborhood are good alternatives to the wall-to-wall coverage that tends to breed the panic we seem so willing to embrace. Perhaps the admonition of the Lord offered through the Psalmist in Psalm 46:10 is the best way to bring this note to a close..."Be still, and know that I am God." Amen.

Jim Abernathy

The God That Does Not Disappoint

The recovery is slower than I anticipated. I thought by now I would have been over the shock, but the sudden disappointment has left me ill-prepared to move forward. Others have expressed these same feelings as friends, co-workers, and strangers lament their loss without consolation. Some have expressed anger over the way things were handled. Some are unable yet to talk about their feelings, while others are beginning to reflect on all that has happened with a big picture perspective. A few are looking forward to better days, believing this recent loss will give way to future victory.

It was one week ago tonight that our Washington Nationals blew a 6-0 lead, eventually losing to the St, Louis Cardinals 7-5 in the fifth and deciding game of their playoff series. The Nationals had the best record in Major League Baseball, but it wasn't enough. They had clutch hitting, talented pitching, capable management, and a growing, loyal fan base. All of that, however, couldn't keep the Cardinals from scoring the winning runs in the ninth inning and sending our Nationals home earlier than any of us anticipated.

I haven't been able to watch the baseball playoffs since then...there's just no joy in it. There were such high hopes, such big plans, such good will established. Davy Johnson may win manager of the year; Bryce Harper may win Rookie of the Year; Gio Gonzalez may be crowned Cy Young winner, but each of them, and probably all of us fans, would trade those personal accolades for World Series wins.

Life is full of disappointment. Some pass quickly, some linger longer, and others mark our lives for a long time. Most of us will get over the game five loss to the Cardinals, particularly in light of the promise of next season and with time to reflect on the fact that this season's success was not really anticipated.

How do you handle disappointment? Obviously, some disappointments are more difficult to overcome than others. The game of baseball for most of us is a distraction, a seasonal passion that comes and goes. Our everyday experiences touch us where we live, worship, and work. Writing about some of the struggles and disappointments faced by the church in Rome, the apostle Paul says, "We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character, and character produces hope. And this hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts. He gave us his love through the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to us." We may not think about our disappointments as opportunities for learning and growth. The pain often seems too great. And yet, some of the greatest work that is done within us comes about in our struggles. So, whatever your disappointment, remember that patience produces character, character produces hope...hope in the living God that does not disappoint.

Well, there is new excitement about another team in town these days. The RG III-led Redskins are raising the hopes of many fans in the region. Surely they won't disappoint us as well. Better keep Paul's words close by for perspective.

Jim Abernathy

Musta Been the Doo Wop

Cindy and I left yesterday for Parent's Weekend at the University of Kentucky. Not sure how far we would drive, we decided to not make motel reservations, believing that the open road would welcome us and motel space would be plentiful. The drive was actually quite enjoyable with light traffic and subtle changes in color through the mountains of West Virginia. We made it to Beckley, West Virginia and decided to stop for dinner. After dinner we drove down the street to a motel chain where we usually stay, only to find them "full for the night." We tried several other places at that exit, all with the same story. It was early enough in the evening that we confidently decided to drive on and find another place down the road. The story was the same as we called or stopped at more than a dozen places. Finally, on the other side of Charleston, WV, we found a place. As we were registering, Cindy mentioned to the clerk that we had difficulty finding a place. With dead pan expression and a wonderful West Virginia flavor in her voice, the clerk said, "Musta been the Doo Wop. Motels are sold out everywhere." My mind raced to a number of possibilities. We later found out that the "Doo Wop" was a classic car and fifties music show in Charleston where thousands of people from all across the region gather.

We settled in for the night and are now on our way again, but I must admit, I'm a bit intrigued by the possibility of a Doo Wop weekend in Charleston, WV. I'll have to put this on my calendar for next year, and certainly, make my reservations early.

"Musta been the Doo Wop". The clerk knew what she was talking about, but of course, we did not. I got to thinking about the things we take for granted that others know, but really don't. Most importantly among these is the faith in Jesus Christ we hold dear. We assume the world around us knows Jesus, or at least something about him. We assume too much. You and I may be, though flawed, the best opportunity those around us have to see Jesus. In his final words with his disciples in Acts 1, Jesus said, "You shall be my witnesses." That is an assignment still given and still needed today. Let us not assume that other's know Jesus; let us live in such a way that they see Jesus in us.

Farewell from the road and remember, when things aren't working out as you think they should, there's always an explanation..."musta been the Doo Wop:"

Jim Abernathy

Called to Serve

"Are You Being Served" was a British sitcom  that aired in the United Kingdom from 1972-1985 that lives on in reruns on American Public Broadcasting Networks.  Set in the fictional Grace Brothers department store in London, Captain Peacock, Mrs. Slocomb, Miss Brahms, and Mr. Humphries, among others, dutifully assist customers, addressing them consistently with the same question..."Are you being served?'  These quirky characters found themselves in challenging circumstances in dealing with customers, management, and their colleagues, always with hilarious results. Their focus was the customer, always seeking to serve.

Service is a quality of human character that marks one's willingness to give of him or her self, most often to help others.  This stewardship of time, effort, and resources is a quality of faith for the follower of Jesus Christ who recognizes that he or she is called to serve others. 

One of our own, Eric Morrison, will be offering himself tomorrow (Saturday) in service to our community of faith as he leads work efforts around our grounds in fulfillment of his Eagle Scout project.  Eric, in consultation with Dennis Milam, has planned a day of service projects at Westwood that will exercise this gift of service and leadership as he guides those present in completing a variety of tasks.  You have an opportunity to join Eric and others who work alongside him in this important service project.  Come by anytime between 9 & 5 tomorrow to lend a hand and join in this meaningful service project.

Join us Sunday morning as we participate in the ordination of Skip Fee as a deacon.  Skip will be sharing his testimony and we will observe the ancient practice of laying on of hands as we set him apart for service.  In addition, we will observe communion. 

 

This weekend will be a celebration of service.  Thanks for sharing in what promises to be a most meaningful weekend.

Jim Abernathy

Good For Us To Hear

Having spent time in the Trauma ICU unit at Fairfax Hospital with Clay Nettles over the past 48 hours, I have been reminded of the importance of competent, compassionate care.  I have witnessed this care and have also heard Clay remark about how well he has been treated there.  We live in a world of critics, (you and I are some of the harshest, no doubt) where voices of complaint often seem to drown out voice of encouragement.  Now, I know that there are those who will not give competent, compassionate care in such a situation, but my sense is that there is a lot more of the good kind of care than bad, and many of us have been blessed as a result.

Our blessings are many, and yet, we seem too often to take them for granted. Spend some time in a hospital waiting room, sit with a hurting friend, or open the pages of a newspaper or watch the evening news and you will be reminded of struggle, but also of stories of grace and hope.  Perhaps the challenge of the Psalmist is good for us to hear today, whatever we are facing..." I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.  I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together." (Psalm 34:1-3 TNIV) In a world of complaint, that is good news to hear and repeat.

 

Glorify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together....good words for us all.

 

Jim Abernathy

Welcome!

Using the term welcome as a noun, dictionary.com defines the familiar word in the following manner:

a kindly greeting or reception, as to one whose arrival gives pleasure. This definition is very fitting as we celebrate the beginning of Andre Towner's ministry among us this Sunday. His arrival will indeed bring great pleasure as we expect that God will do great things in the days to come. Westwood is known for its welcoming spirit. Andre has already expressed to me his appreciation for the warm welcome you have offered him.

The apostle Paul encouraged the Philippian church to receive Epaphroditus as he once again came among them, writing, "Welcome him in the Lord with great joy..." I know that our Westwood family will do the same as Andre joins our ministry team.

Join us this Sunday as we give a warm WBC welcome to Andre Towner and his family.

Jim Abernathy

Remembering 9/11

"Welcome to Westwood." We had heard and experienced that warm greeting in many ways during the first three weeks of our ministry here. Having begun that ministry on Sunday, August 19, 2001, I had been Senior Pastor here for little more than three weeks when I sat at my desk on a sunny Tuesday morning preparing for staff meeting. It was another new day...of course, everything was new and fresh in those first days as Cindy began her new job at Navy Elementary, Clayton entered the second grade in a new school, and all of us were finding our way through that process of acclimation to many new things in our lives. Little did we know that the narrative of our and every American's story would change on that September 11 morning.

How does one prepare to witness and absorb all that happened on that day? The scenes of exploding planes, falling buildings, the burning Pentagon, and the smoldering remains of a commercial airliner cut deep into a Pennsylvania field seemed more like the frames of a motion picture than the reality of a late summer morning, but the harsh reality of these cruel events soon gripped our bodies, minds, and spirits with a collective grief and anger that had no parallel in our nation's history. Much of our time at Westwood that morning was spent trying to track down the whereabouts of church family members who worked in the affected areas, and to hastily prepare for a prayer service at noon, and then again at 7 that evening. It was a moment of utter disbelief and certain belief. Questions of who, how, why, and what's next were heard again and again that day. There was no explanation, no resolution it seemed. Yet, there was faith, and the belief that inhabited our songs, prayers, and scripture readings that day that kept us connected to a hope beyond ourselves.

I remember Pat Close and B. R. McDonald singing the old hymn "Precious Lord, Take My Hand," at one of our services that day. When my way grows drear, Precious Lord, linger near... it was that lingering presence of the Holy Spirit that empowered our help in brokenness, our strength in uncertainty, and our hope in those dark moments of grief. In the decade since that day, we have experienced this lingering presence again and again, finding the assurance of God's presence to be enough in the midst of life's uncertainties.

September 11, 2012, if forecasts hold true in our area, will dawn perhaps a lot like that 9/11 morning...a beautiful day, seemingly full of promise. You and I do not know what this day will bring, and yet, the same assurance from Thomas Dorsey's old hymn text still rings true...Hear my cry, hear my call, Hold my hand lest I fall, Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.

As you remember this difficult day in our nation's history, hold tight to the precious hand of your Lord, the One who lingers near.

Jim Abernathy