Blog
Not A Vending Machine
During this crazy beautiful journey, many friends have come and gone. I am thankful for the friends who have decided to walk this journey with me.
One of the lessons I have learned during this journey is to never allow friends to be like junk food. Offering little nourishment and robbing you of energy. ~OC
Love This Photo
I love this photo a dear friend sent me. I am thankful for the amazing people God has surrounded me with during this crazy beautiful journey. ~OC
Not A Political Issue
Jeffrey Epstein was arrested over the weekend.. This case is about a man who abused multiple girls. This case is about the rich and powerful receiving special treatment. This is a case of mass coverup. What this case is not is a political issue.
Over the weekend, I saw several post about how Mr. Epstein got his sweetheart deal to protect former President Bill Clinton. I actually lost count on how many people were so quick to invoke President Clinton’s name. I have no idea if the former president was involved in the Epstein case. Guess what? You don’t either. It saddened me that so many people were more concerned about President Clinton than they were about the victims of Jeffrey Epstein. Oh yeah, the victims. How quickly some people forget about them.
The victims, all teenage girls at the time. Their lives ruined by Jeffrey Epstein and everyone else who was involved in these horrible crimes. The victims are who I care about. Their childhoods were stolen by people who were more interested in satisfying their perverted needs, than they were about young vulnerable girls. I guarantee these victims do not care about politics. No, they are concerned about getting their lives back. They are concerned about making sure no other girl ever has to experience what they did. These young women are concerned about seeing real justice in this case and all cases of human trafficking.
So do me a favor. The next time you want to post or comment on the Jeffrey Epstein case, remember it is not a political issue. No, this is a criminal case that hopefully will see true justice served. ~OC
Everyday
Everyday I see God keeping his promises to me. Not in a way I would ever have dreamed, but still so far and above what I could ever imagine. ~OC
Social Justice Is Not A Dirty Word
Today, it seems many Christians are concerned about engaging in social justice issues. So many Christians believe if they speak out against social injustices, they will be labeled a bleeding heart liberal or progressive. Some Christians believe being involved in social justice issues is a dirty word. Not sure how we got to this point. Jesus cared deeply about social issues.
As I read the Bible, I see that Jesus spoke out against injustice. He went out of his way to help the fatherless, the mistreated, the oppressed and the persecuted. Jesus was not silent when it came to social justice issues. If Jesus spoke out against injustice, shouldn’t we do the same? Isn’t that part of the Christian life? I think so. That is why I cannot be silent when I see injustice of any kind. I have to speak up.
You see, I am not a conservative or a liberal. I do not belong to any political party. I am not concerned about power, money, popularity or social status. I am a Christian who believes standing up for what is right and speaking out against injustice is what Jesus would do. I do not think social justice is a dirty word. ~OC
White People! Let’s Talk About Racism
Hello my white brothers and sisters. My name is Todd “OC” Shoemaker and I am a white guy, who wants to challenge you to confront and talk about racism in America. I know most of you don’t want to discuss this issue, but we can no longer ignore it. Racism in America still exist and we must deal with it. We can no longer hide behind our gated communities in the suburbs.
I can hear the moaning and excuses. Todd, things are better in America since the Civil Rights Movement. People just need to get over the past. I am not a racist. I have several friends of color. My coworker is African-American. Good for you, but have you ever had a conversation about racism with your friends or coworkers of color? Does your church talk about racism and the effect it has on your church and community? Or do you only have those discussions when a African American man/boy is shot and killed? Ouch! I know, I am making you uncomfortable. Good! I hope reading this makes you uncomfortable. This is uncomfortable for me to write. But unless we are made to be uncomfortable, we will never take the steps to change things.
Todd, why are you so passionate about this topic? I am glad you asked. Every since I can remember, I have been passionate about civil rights in America. At one point in my life, I wanted to be a civil rights attorney. Of course that never happened, but my passion for civil rights, social justice and racial reconciliation never left me. Growing up, some of my best friends were African American. They always made me feel welcomed. More importantly, they pushed me to have real conversations about racism in America. These were not always easy conversations to have, but they helped me become the person I am today. The person I continue to strive to be. Most of the time, I just sat there and listened. I took the time to hear the pain, frustration and racism my friends of color dealt with everyday. I asked questions when appropriate. I learned about African American History. A history that I was not being taught in school. My African American friends taught me how to talk about racism and confront it. I am thankful these friends from childhood were patient with me. It is because of them that I am the person I am today. Never comfortable with the injustices I see around me. Never afraid to confront these injustices. Never afraid to have those tough conversations about racism and injustices in America. To never stop learning.
I want to encourage my white brothers and sisters to have the courage to have these tough conversations with each other, but more importantly to have these conversations with brothers and sisters of color. These conversations could be messy. That’s okay. Those messy conversations will help you and America be a better place for all of us. ~OC
Freedom of Speech
Several days ago we celebrated the 4th of July and the freedoms we have in America. One of those freedoms is the freedom of speech. Most people would say they believe in freedom of speech, but I wonder if that is really true. Let me explain.
As I scroll through social media, I often see people posting about the importance of freedom of speech in America. They will post articles about the 1st Amendment to prove their point. I too, agree that everyone has the right to freedom of speech in America. What I find funny, is that those same people who flood their social media pages with articles about the importance of freedom of speech, are the first ones to demonize people when they disagree with what that person has to say. Hello! You cannot have it both ways. You either believe in the freedom of speech or you don’t.
There are a lot of things people say or post on social media that I disagree with, but I will always fight for their rights to express their opinions. That is what America was built on. I can make the choice to respond or ignore those opinions I disagree with.
Let me clarify something. If someone is posting hateful, racist or complete lies on their social media pages or anywhere else, I will confront you and try to educate you. Yes, you have the right to express those opinions, but I have a responsibility to confront anyone who spews hate, racism or actual lies. Thanks for allowing me to exercise my freedom of speech. ~OC
Talking About Race and Justice
When is the last time you cried out to God for racial reconciliation and true justice. I have been praying for racial peace and justice for many years. If these issues truly grieve our hearts, we need need to be in continuous prayer.
Besides prayer, there are several steps we can take to help bring about racial reconciliation and justice. Here are a few steps, I believe can help us as we navigate these most important topics.
Respectful Conversations. It is so important that we approach these conversations with respect. Respect for the the centuries of pain faced by our brothers and sisters of color. Respect for the differences we bring to the conversation. We must respect the people we are engaging with. I believe coming from a place of respect can help make these conversations meaningful and bring about change.
Examine Your Motives. Why are you engaging in conversations about race? Is it to feel better about yourself? Is it the popular thing to do? If those are your motivations, you might need to examine your heart. Conversations about race have to be more than a feel good moment. Our motivation needs to be to address the real issues confronting America. That is what will truly lead to meaningful change.
Embrace Learning. Do not beat yourself up because you do not have all the answers. Keep asking questions. Most important, admit when you don’t have all the answers. The only way we can see real change is by asking questions. Join groups that are dedicated to racial reconciliation and justice. Read books on the issue. Most importantly, reach out to people that look different than you and get their perspective.
Listen. We have to listen to each other. Do not dominate the conversation with your own thoughts and beliefs. That will not lead to productive change. Take time to listen to everyone at the table. Dominating the conversation will only stop the flow of ideas and drive people away from the table.
Commitment to Change. Change is hard. Do not expect people to change overnight. To help change come about, everyone needs to commit to seeing real change take place. That is going to take patience and time. The racial issues we are facing did not happen overnight and will not be solved overnight. Make the commitment to stay involved for the long haul.
These are just a few suggestions. There are so many more steps I could have shared. Maybe I will have a Part 2 at some time. This journey to racial reconciliation and justice starts with you and me. My prayer is that we will all commit to having real conversations about the racial issues and injustices facing America. I am dedicated to having these conversations. Will you join me? ~OC
Stop Judging People
Everyone you come in contact with today has a story. A story we might not understand or relate to. We may not know or understand their stories, but God does.
The last few years, God has truly been teaching me to stop judging others and to genuinely show them God’s love and to learn their stories. God showed me that I was judging people without even realizing it. I was passing judgement without getting to truly know a persons journey. What they were going through in life. Instead, at times I was placing a label on them based on what I saw on the outside. Why did they look or act the way they did? But what if I knew their story? I mean really knew their stories. Not the masked they put on for the public.
To look past that public mask, we would have to slow down and get to know that person. That would take our time. It would take some effort. It might get dirty at times. Are you willing to get a little messy to truly look past the mask?
There are hurting people all around us. Doing their best to put on a happy face. It is time to open our eyes. It is time to trade our judgement for God’s love and compassion. It is time to pray that God would give us His eyes, so we can truly see the hurting people around us.
Are you ready to step out of your judgement and to truly love those around you? To take time to learn the stories of the hurting. Hurting people are asking if anyone really cares. Today could be your day to stop judging them and truly get to know their story. To show them you really care. ~OC
The Blessed Overcomer 