Say yes to loving others.
Say yes to forgiving others.
Say yes to helping others.
Say yes to standing up for others.
Say yes to listening to others.
Say yes to encouraging others.

Say no to hating others.
Say no to judging others.
Say no to bullying others.
Say no to gossiping about others.
Say no to discouraging others.
Say no to holding grudges against others.

~OC

I will continue to pray this prayer and post on social media until there is justice for all in America. Current events at a swimming pool, a cookout in California, LA Fitness, Waffle House, Yale University, Nordstrom Rack, Starbucks, University of Florida, the three African American students at the NASA competition and my own recent encounter with racist comments make this prayer even more urgent.

Praying for my brothers and sisters of color. Praying that as you walk down the street, people will not clutch their purses or bags a little tighter. Praying as you visit a place of business, you will not be hassled. I pray if for some reason you’re pulled over by the police, you will be treated with respect. I am saddened that I have to pray this prayer every day for my brothers and sisters of color, but I will continue to lift this prayer up each day. I will continue to speak out against the injustices in this world. ~OC

During my crazy/beautiful health journey, I have embraced verses about overcoming. Here are a few that have blessed me during  this journey. Feel free to add your favorites. ~OC

-When we call on God, he hears us. (Matthew 7:7)

-Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, “for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

-God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

-No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:37)

-I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

Hello! Several people have inquired when Laura and I will be releasing our book. I wish it was tomorrow, but we’re still in the process of writing it. Also writing a book is not cheap. Nor should it be. We have partnered with a great team at RoseDale Communications. Clara and Kristi are making the process so enjoyable. My wonderful sister-in-law Faith has started a GoFundMe page to help with the cost. You can check out our GoFundMe Page The Blessed Overcomers for more information. Also if anyone has a wealthy friend or family member who wants to help out two new struggling authors let us know. HaHa! Laura and I are super excited about this project. We are trusting God to help us complete this book that will share our crazy/beautiful journey. Our prayer is that this book will help others dealing with their own storms and let them know they are not alone. Keep praying for us. ~OC

Stop saying I need to call that friend or get together with them. Do it now!

Stop saying I’ll pray for you, as you walk by someone. Do it now!

Stop saying you’re going to change something in your life. Do it now!

Stop saying you’re going to take that trip you have always wanted to take. Do it now!

Stop saying you need to repair a broken relationship. Do it now!

Let’s stop saying and start doing.

~OC

This is one of my favorite verses, especially during this crazy/beautiful health journey. ~OC

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

This week has been full of tests. During my visit to Emory in Atlanta last month, the medical team ordered several test. So this week, I am getting them completed. These test are not new. I have had them in the past. The doctors at Emory ordered these test to see if I am a candidate for a procedure called G-POEM. This is a procedure for people with gastroparesis that can help them eat again without pain. As I was going through the first day of testing, I once again heard God telling me he was healing my stomach and that I would eat again. That is the same thing I heard God telling while Laura and I were in Atlanta last month. God didn’t give me a date or time I would be able to eat again, just that I would definitely eat again. The past 16 years my life has been filled with miracles. I truly believe God is healing my stomach of gastroparesis and I will be eating again soon. Not sure if I will ever get my appetite back, but I truly believe I will be eating soon. Never stop believing in your miracle. ~OC

Welcome to The Blessed Overcomer page. The purpose of the site is to share my crazy/beautiful journey, encourage others, help others navigate through their own journey and have some fun. Feel free to contact me with any questions. ~OC