I have been given many nicknames over the years. I have shared some of those nicknames in a earlier post. Besides the nicknames, I am also known for wearing t-shirts with a message. It is something I started doing after I had to retire early, based on my health issues. For years, I had to wear dress shirts and ties. I actually loved dressing up for work. But after being forced to retire, I decided I would start wearing t-shirts that had a message, a conversation starter. Most of the t-shirts I wear are about encouraging people, fighting human trafficking or social justice issues. It is amazing how many conversations have been started by one of my t-shirts. So the next time you buy a t-shirt or put one on, think about what message you might be sending. What kind of conversations do you want to start? ~OC

Today’s a new day! During my days as a marathon runner, all the hours of training and painful muscles were worth it when I added another mile to my total and when I crossed the finish line and received my finisher’s medal. I loved every minute of running.

Today, God has me running a new race. This race doesn’t consist of miles run or a finisher’s medal. This new race consists of encouraging others, as we run the crazy/beautiful journey God has us all traveling. Sometimes, there is still some pain and discomfort involved, but it is all worth it. When I am able to pray for someone as they face one of life’s storms, it is all worth it. When I am able to help someone navigate the world of health insurance and doctors appointments, it is all worth it. When I am able to rejoice with someone after they defeat that life storm, it is all worth it.

I still miss lacing up my running shoes and going out for a nice run. I still miss the excitement of marathon mornings. I still miss the excitement of crossing the finish line and having that finisher’s medal placed around my neck. I suppose I will always miss my running days. I believe God has me running the race He has planned for me, at this time. But, I still have my running shoes, just in case my miracle comes and God allows me to run again. Go run your race! ~OC

Praying everyone has a day filled with beautiful moments and God’s blessings. Happy Thanksgiving! ~OC

Creating a beautiful moment does not require much money, time or planning, yet the memory can last a lifetime. Those moments can shape who we are and who we become. Laura and I have experienced many amazing moments during our crazy/beautiful journey. What are some of your favorite memory moments? ~OC

I continuously make mistakes. I say the wrong thing or do the wrong thing. I am never enough. Do you ever feel that way? Want some good news? God still loves us and says we are already enough. ~OC

Today’s a new day! I know God’s sweet peace. I have felt it many times. It surrounds my body like a warm blanket. ~OC

How many times have we thought about reaching out to someone, but thought they’re too busy, it’s been so long since I spoke with them or I don’t want to bother them? I get that last one a lot. People think because I’m sick, they might bother me by calling, texting or asking to visit. I will not speak for everyone dealing with serious health issues, but I am never bothered by someone checking on me or just calling to catch up. We have to stop waiting for the right time to reach out to someone. The right time is now. I would encourage you to live a life where connecting with people becomes a priority. Just think how that could change your little part of the world. ~OC

As I have shared before, friendships mean a lot to me. I still have childhood friends. So many memories come rushing back when I think about different friendships. It seems like childhood friendships were so much easier. As we grow older, our lives get busier. That’s just part of life. But as we get busier, it seems like our friendships suffer. I think I have noticed this more during my crazy/beautiful journey. I try my best to stay in contact with my friends. It might be a simple text or actually trying to get together. It amazes me how often I don’t receive a text back or how often friends don’t have time to get together. I must say, it is somewhat disheartening when I am constantly the one reaching out to friends. Please don’t take this as me complaining. That is not my intention. This is more of a challenge to slow down and take time for your friends. At the end of the day, true friendships multiply the good in our lives. ~OC

It is easy to get caught up in our identity. Your career might be your identity. Maybe your identity is caught in your relationships. Maybe your likes on social media define who you are in this world. It could be the sports team you cheer for. What is your identity?

I worked in the juvenile justice system for over 20 years. That is how people knew me. When parents were having trouble with their children, they would reach out to me. I would speak at different conferences about juvenile justice. That was one of my identities. Then when I got sick again and had to retire early, that identity was gone. It was strange when people would ask me what I did for a living and I had no answer.

My identity also consisted of being a long-distance runner. I would talk and breathe running. People would always ask me about my running. They would send me articles about running. People would ask my advice about running shoes and training for running marathons. I loved being a runner. Then I got sick again and I was no longer able to run. There went another piece of my identity.

My health journey has also become my identity. Heck, one of my pastors even gave me a cool nickname “The Man Who Refuses to Die.” That is some kind of identity. The first question I usually get from people is “How are you feeling?” My health issues are what a lot of people see. Believe me, I am very thankful for all of the concern and prayers. But lately God has been challenging me on this identity. Let me explain.

The past few weeks, God has been revealing that I have allowed my health issues to define me. I have made the choice to be identified as a patient. It was a sobering realization, but one I needed to hear. God has been revealing how this mindset has kept me from seeing the healing He wants to be part of my new identity. God has not withheld His healing from me. I have just been so caught up in my health issues, I could not see it. So, the past few weeks God has been changing my mindset. God is breaking me of the “Sick Guy” identity. He is walking me through a new journey of healing and thriving in life. I have no idea where this journey will lead me, but I am excited to be on this beautiful healing journey.

God continues to remind me that my most important identity is in Him. I am a child of God. That is the only identity that truly matters at the end of the day. It is one that I am choosing to embrace with all I am. ~OC