Author: theblessedovercomer

Welcome! My name is Todd OC Shoemaker. The OC is short for Overcomer. That’s the nickname my medical team gave me many years ago. You see, for the last 22 years, I have battled several life threatening health issues. On multiple occasions, my bride Laura has been told I would probably not make it through the night. Our faith has helped us run this crazy beautiful journey. We live with hope. I encourage you to run with me as I share my thoughts along the way. ~OC

UnitedHealthcare

Today’s a new day! Like many, I was saddened and appalled by the senseless killing of the CEO of UnitedHealthCare. His family, friends and coworkers continue to be in my prayers.

As most of you know, I have been on a crazy beautiful health journey for the past twenty-two years and counting. For most of that time, UnitedHealthCare has been my insurance company. If you know my story, you know I have spent a lot of time at doctor’s appointments, receiving treatments and countless hospital visits. As I write this post, I am recovering at home from an outpatient surgery this morning.

For the most part, my enter actions with UnitedHealthCare have been a positive experience. They have covered most, if not all of my medical expenses over the years. The nurses at UnitedHealthCare have been wonderful to call and check up on me over the years. If there has been any dispute over a bill, the staff at UnitedHealthCare have been professional and very caring. Most have went the extra mile to help Laura and I over the years. Is UnitedHealthCare perfect? No. But is any insurance company or other business perfect all the time? Once again, no. But from someone who has dealt with multiple insurance companies over the years, UnitedHealthCare has been a blessing to Laura and I.

We all know healthcare issues and dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming at times, but remember those who work in the healthcare industry are human beings. They have good days and bad days just like the rest of us. Most are doing their best to provide great customer service. So please, do not make the insurance industry the enemy because they are not. They’re good people trying to make a living like the rest of us. So be kind and respectful.

If you have had a poor or negative experience with any insurance company I am sorry. I would encourage you to speak with a supervisor or manager and voice your complaint. But please, do not make threats on social media or anywhere else. Violence is never the answer. Never! Like I shared earlier, be kind, respectful and please show some patience when dealing with any business. Thanks for reading. ~OC

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True Freedom

Today’s a a new day! True freedom comes from being clothed with the imperishable beauty of Christ. Just like Adam and Eve, when Christ rescued us from our sins, He gave us better clothing to cover our shame – Himself. What a beautiful picture. ~OC

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Thoughts and Prayers Are Not Enough

Here I am again, writing about another school shooting in America. This is getting old and more frustrating. When will America wake up and realize that common sense gun laws and more mental health resources are needed to help curb this type of violence?

I also offer the following challenge to those politicians and decision makers who will share their “thoughts and prayers” with the families. Please don’t, if there is no action behind those sentiments. Instead, express the actual thoughts you are thinking and the actual prayers you are praying. I mean that quite literally. They are far more meaningful than an empty worthless phrase that is really designed to ease our own discomfort and let us off the hook from having to do anything.

And then match your actions with your prayers and your thoughts. That’s how it works.

If you need an example of how this works, here’s my own personal example. After one of the school shootings earlier this year I lamented to God, saying something “How long oh Lord? How long? I’m so tired of the empty rhetorical cycle that happens after a shooting. A shooting happens, then “thoughts and prayers” which no one actually seems to do, then a pointless debate in which people talk over each other, and then nothing changes. Enough! This cannot keep going on. Amen.”

Please understand, I believe in the power of prayer. But if there is no action behind those prayers, what is the point.

I know even with common sense gun laws and more mental health resources there is a chance that school shootings could still happen, but I truly believe we would see less of these tragic events.

In the end, I just want “thoughts and prayers” to actually mean something and lead to real change. ~OC

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Take Heart

Today’s a new day! One of my favorite verses is “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33.

What does that verse really mean? One of the biggest lies many Christians are told when they start following God is everything will be perfect and they will never deal with the storms of life. That if God is on our side, nothing can go wrong, and all it takes is a quick prayer to get us out of a sticky situtation. Just like a sitcom on tv. All is good in 30 minutes. But we live in reality and we know that’s far from the truth.

Nowhere in the Bible are we promised a perfect life on earth. Life will be filled with struggles. We will all experience challenges along our journey. Those challenges will look different for each of us. Some will deal with health issues. Sometimes those health challenges will last a lifetime.

The point is that even though we all experience challenges in this journey called life, Jesus has overcome the world. As I mentioned earlier, we will encounter painful moments in this world, but there is a world beyond this world. A place called Heaven, where we will experience peace and wholeness. A place where there is no pain, disease, war, hatred or confusion. Heaven is paradise.

When I experience moments of hopelessness with my own health, I take a moment to think about God’s goodness and promises. I also take time to remember that I need God more today than I did yesterday. I may not understand everything going on in my crazy beautiful health journey, but God does. And for that I am thankful.

I am often asked why would God allow me to walk through so many years of suffering? Of course I do not have all the answers, but I have chosen to trust God in the mist of the storms. To look for every opportunity to help encourage everyone walking through their own challenges. I have decided not to spend all my precious moments researching Google looking for the latest medical or natural cures.

I’ve accepted that I will never fully understand every inner working of my body at any given moment. No one has it all figured out. Not even the medical world. That doesn’t mean I shouldn’t do everything in my power to pray and strive for better health. It just means I will not become consumed by my current health challenges. They are not my true identity.

Nothing gives me more peace and comfort than my relationship with God. Just like any personal relationship takes work and trust the same goes for our relationship with God. It’s a daily commitment. In life we so often stumble for answers. We jump from different diets, different relationships and different careers looking for the answer and looking for a way to make us feel good and worthy. There is nothing wrong with any of those things, but nothing will ever give us as much peace and purpose than a relationship with God and the knowledge that even though the storms of life can be hard, He has already overcome the world.

I know this was a long post, but I pray it brings you hope as you walk through the ups and downs of life. Blessings to all. ~OC

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Choose Wisely

Today’s a new day! As Christian’s, the way we treat people can drive them out of the church or to the foot of the alter. Chose wisely. ~OC

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Not the End

Today’s a new day! Sometimes a tragedy can provide a platform for something greater. Something beyond our wildest imagination. Sometimes a tragedy can be the beginning of something beautiful, not the end of the story. ~OC

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Peace! Be Still

Today’s a new day! Remember in Mark 4:39, the disciples are frantic because of the raging winds and seas. But what does Jesus do? He arose from a sleep and commonly stated “Peace! Be still.” In that moment, Jesus wasn’t just talking to the storm- He was also speaking to the hearts of those in the boat. Remember that the next time you experience the raging seas in your life. ~OC

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Let’s Talk

Today’s a new day! This morning I want to discuss a tough issue for many in the Christian community. Mental Health. Unfortunately, many believers have made it difficult for those dealing with mental health issues to share and get the help they need.

Mental health issues can still be a highly stigmatized topic in the church. Although many Believers know the trials of occasional anxiety or having the blues, people with a diagnosed mental illness face unique challenges. Some are confronted by Christians who espouse false doctrine that health issues are a sign of unresolved sin or lack of faith. This is a Big Lie!

I want to encourage anyone dealing with mental health issues or any health issue to get the necessary medical care they need. There is nothing wrong with taking medications, having a therapist and loving Jesus all at the same time. There should be no shame or condemnation.

The same biblical truths that have encouraged Christians for centuries can encourage those who suffer with mental health today. I pray those walking through the trials of mental health will cling to these words of encouragement.

1. You Are Not Alone

God’s people have suffered—mentally, emotionally, and physically—since the fall in the garden. Even Jesus cried out in despair on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46), When we suffer, we are never alone. Never be afraid to reach out for help. Speaking openly about your mental health issues allows those around you to share their own struggles. This allows us all to come together and care for one another.

2). Stop Blaming Yourself. Stop listening to those who may try to put a spiritual guilt trip on you. Mental health issues are not a punishment for sin or lack of faith. As you walk through this journey, I encourage you to keep your eyes on God. He has some amazing plans for your life. Keep leaning into His beautiful promises.

3). Remember, God sees you, loves you and is always with you. Thankfully, we have a wonderful Savior who experiences emotions. As you walk through the effects of mental illness, remember the nearness of Christ. He weeps with you. God knows how He is going to work in and through each of our lives and is with us in the midst of all of our trials. By the amazing grace of God, he sent the Holy Spirit, our comforter and counselor, to be with us , to help us through every moment of life. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:27). He is there for us when we do not have the words.

4). God’s Word Speaks to us (Romans 15:4).

The word of God isn’t afraid to talk about mental and emotional issues.

Keep the truth of God’s words close. Share them with a close friend, family member, or accountability partner who can remind you when you forget or when you do not have the energy or willpower to remind yourself.

The truth is some will deal with mental health issues for a lifetime. But remember, we can all rejoice in the greatness and sovereignty of our loving Savior. I pray that God will make known his love and strength in all of our struggles. ~OC

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Never Give Up

Today’s a new day! Life can be hard. There are times when we feel like giving up. The weight and challenges of the world can feel overwhelming. But never forget, you are stronger than think. We read in Philippians 4:13, that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. This isn’t just a feel good verse; no it’s a promise. No matter how hard life gets, you have the strength to keep moving forward. Every challenge you face is an incredible opportunity for growth. The journey might be hard, but it’s forming you into a stronger, more resilient version of yourself. Keep moving forward, even when life is difficult because every step forward brings you closer to your breakthrough. To your purpose in life. Keep holding onto hope. Keep the faith and the strength that you were created with. Remember, you have what it takes to keep persevering. Better days are ahead. Do not miss the lessons during the tough times of your life. Never give up! ~OC

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Infectious

Today’s a new day! Fear is infectious. Let it spread and it will paralyze us all. The only antidote for fear is courage which is also infectious. ~OC

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