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

July 7, 2019 1

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

July 7, 2019 0

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

July 6, 2019 0

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

July 5, 2019 0

Men’s Groups. Not a Fan

This week I was asked to be part of a men’s bible study. I accepted, but with some reluctance. You see, I am not a huge fan of men’s groups. I have been part of several men’s groups over the years. Sadly, most have not ended well. No major incidents, just not a lot of love or genuineness. Unfortunately, I do not think my experience is isolated. Why is it so hard for men to gather and be real with each other? Here are some of my thoughts.

Don’t Share Your Feelings. Most men are raised not to share their feelings. This usually starts at a young age. It could be a father or coach telling that young boy to not cry. To be tough. Shake it off. At the time it sounds like great advice. Then that young boy becomes an adult and has no idea how to share their feelings. Not just with other men, but with anyone.

Surface Conversations. Men are great at surface conversations. We can talk about our jobs or sports all day long. Just don’t asked most men how they’re really doing. Most will not know how to react. They might bolt and never return.

Identity. Most men start off a conversation with “What do you for a living.” Most men are caught up in their careers. There is nothing wrong with being proud of your career and providing for your family. God wants men to provide for their families. But what happens when that identity is taken away? I remember when I had to retire early based on my health issues. I lost a big part of my identity. At the same time, I had to give up running. A double blow to my identity. Who am I now? What is my purpose?

During this crazy beautiful health journey, God has revealed three identities with me, that I believe we all deal with at some point in our lives. Not just men. This revelation has helped me be the person God truly created me to be. I pray it helps you.

World Identity. This is the identity the world creates for us. Our careers, our relationships and our possessions. If we are not careful, this identity can consume us. Our world identity is build on sand. It can be washed away in seconds.

Goliath Identity. This is a negative identity we create inside us. The one that says we are not good enough. We will never measure up. Why are we even trying? Just stay who and where you are. This identity can keep us from living the life God truly created for each of us.

Our Identity in God. This identity is the one that will make us whole. The one that will allow us to be all that God has created us to be. This is our true identity.

So, I will attend the Bible Study next week. I will go into it with an open mind and heart. My prayer is that real topics will be discussed. That these men will not be afraid to speak truth. I pray that real friendships will be made. ~OC

July 3, 2019 0

Running The Race

Back in April, I wrote about how God shared my healing would not come on this side of Heaven. I must admit I was a little disappointed, but at the same time I was filled with tremendous peace. Then a few weeks after that 1am discussion with God, I visited Heaven for a few minutes during a surgical procedure. During that amazing experience, God allowed me to see my new body. There was no feeding tube or device to help me speak. No, I was completely healed and ready to run. When I glanced down, I noticed I had a new pair of running shoes on. During that experience, God shared He was not finished with me yet. There was still things for me to accomplish here on earth. So, I will continue to put on my running shoes and run the race God has prepared for me. I encourage everyone to keep running the race God has designed for you. ~OC

July 2, 2019 0

Living For God During The Storm

Sometimes getting through the day can be a major accomplishment, when you’re dealing with major health issues. During those days, you may asked yourself how can I possibly live for God? What does that even look like?

When we think about living for God, our mind might be filled with images of Mother Teresa or some missionary that has visited our church. Maybe we think about pastors or those in full time ministry. Those are all great examples, but there are so many more ways to live and serve God. So what does it mean to truly live for God? I think it means that our words and actions point people to God and bring Him glory. Having a chronic or terminal illness does not disqualify us from being part of this amazing journey with God. No, you can use your current circumstances to share the story God has given you. Here are a few examples.

It’s okay your story looks different. We were all created with different stories. That means the way we serve and live out our story will look different. I think about Nick Vujicic and how God has used his amazing story to encourage the lives of many through his ministry Life Without Limbs. I would encourage you to check out his website at http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org. How can God use your story to help and encourage others?

God will allow us to live out our purpose. We were all created with a purpose. Most of the time that purpose looks different than the one we would have chosen. Believe me, I never envisioned myself being a missionary at hospitals and doctors appointments when my health journey started so many years ago. But I am so thankful that God has used my journey to help encourage others. What is your purpose and how can God use it?

Simply Live. If you are in the middle of a storm, I would encourage you to continue living the life God created you to live. Do not worry about how messy your life might look to others. There is no need to be “Super Christian.” God is not expecting that from you. No, God just wants us to be faithful in the midst of the storm. Sometimes that is messy. God is okay with our messiness. In my own messy journey, I am less concerned about people thinking “Wow, look how Todd is serving God” and more concerned about God getting the glory for continuously walking with me and blessing me during this crazy beautiful journey. ~OC

July 2, 2019 0

Big Money! Don’t Apologize.

Free agency started in the NBA yesterday. Some huge contracts were signed and more to come. I have already seen some negative post about athletes making so much money. I am sure there will be more negative post and articles. Would I love for our teachers, nurses, first responders and those in the military sign those huge contacts instead of athletes? I would love that. Sadly, that will not happen anytime soon. In America we love our sports. I am definitely guilty of being a huge fan. That is why I will never criticize an athlete for making millions of dollars. We the fans created the market. So we have to live with seeing athletes continuing to sign big money deals. I always find it interesting that we celebrate the business owner who does well financially and call it free enterprise. The American Dream! But when it comes to athletes, we complain they are overpaid. Which I believe most of them are, but once again we the fans created the market. If we truly wanted to see our teachers, nurses, first responders and military personnel given million dollar contracts we would demand it. But we don’t. Instead of complaining about the huge contracts athletes are signing, start demanding that we pay our teachers, nurses, first responders and military personnel what they truly deserve. As voters, we have the power to effect change. For me, I will continue to support an athletes right to sign those huge contracts. One day, I hope to celebrate our teachers, nurses, first responders and military personnel signing those huge contracts. ~OC

July 1, 2019 0

Stop Taking Things For Granted.

Every morning, I feel blessed to have another day of life. I am at a point in my life where I try not to take anything for granted. Some days I do a pretty good job being thankful and other days I take life for granted. I hope you can relate. As I sit here this morning, I started thinking about some things I often take for granted. Here is my list. Hopefully you can relate to some of them.

I Woke Up. That is a miracle. Really it is. We so often take waking up for granted, but not everyone woke up this morning. So please take the time to be thankful for the breath you took this morning.

A Bed. Even if you did not get much sleep, you probably had the opportunity to rest in a comfortable bed. (I am thankful for my recliner, that has been my bed for the last 12 years).

A Warm Shower. I am sure everyone reading this blog post has access to a warm shower. That is not the case for everyone. Take time to enjoy that warm shower this morning.

A Roof Over Your Head. Once again, I am guessing everyone reading this has a roof over their head. Maybe it’s not a huge home. Maybe your renting a room. But the fact that you woke up with a roof over your head is a beautiful blessing.

A Job. I pray everyone reading this has a job they love. Maybe you cannot say that at this time, but I hope you are grateful that you have a job. If you do not enjoy your current job, you have the choice to find a job that will make you happy. Do not get stuck in your current job.

Music. We all have access to music. Even if that means singing to yourself. Music is good for our health. It can encourage us. It can stir our emotions. It can bring back beautiful memories.

You Have a Computer or Cellphone. You are reading this blog on some type of device. Maybe it’s not the latest and greatest device, but it works. Be thankful.

Transportation. You might have to take public transportation, but you have access to it. If you have a vehicle be thankful. Someone would love the vehicle you’re complaining about.

Family/Friends. They might drive you crazy at times, but be thankful you have them. At some point they will not be here. So take time to call them or visit them today.

Someone Loves You. No matter what happens today, someone out there loves you. Maybe it’s just one person or maybe you have been blessed with hundreds of people who love you. Be thankful for those who have chosen to love you. Make sure you show them some love today.

This is just a small list. There are so many more I could have added. I encourage you to come up with your own list. I pray I will not take any of my blessings for granted today. ~OC

July 1, 2019 0