Today’s a new day!
Today’s a new day! Challenges for this week:
*Let’s speak works that encourage and inspire.
*Don’t be afraid to show someone grace.
*Extend forgiveness to someone.
*Reach out to a family member or friend.
*Share a smile and some kindness.
*Don’t get involved with gossiping.
*Stop judging others.
*Choose love over hate.
~OC
For Racial Harmony
God and Father of all, in your love you made all the nations of the world to be a family, and your Son taught us to love one another. Yet our world is riven apart with prejudice, arrogance, and pride. Help the different races to love and understand one another better. Increase among us sympathy, tolerance and goodwill, that we may learn to appreciate the gifts that other races bring to us, and see in all people our brothers and sisters for whom Christ died. Save us from jealousy, hatred, and fear, and help us live together as members of one family at home in the world, sons and daughters of one Father who live in the liberty of the children of God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
*Book of Common Order of the Church of Scotland
During this crazy beautiful health journey, a lot of friends have stepped up and been by my side during some of my darkest days. I would love to say the majority of my friends fall into that category, but that has not been the case.
A lot of friends have faded away the last 17 years. That number has grown greatly in the past 5 years. During the early days of my health issues, the majority of my friends were right by my side. I think most people, including myself thought this would be a short journey. No one could have imagined this journey would last so long. As my journey has stretched on, my list of friends has dwindled. Part of me thinks people are just busy with their own journey. Others don’t know what to say, so they find it easier to walk away. Some just get tired of dealing with someone facing multiple life threatening health issues.
I have to admit the end of these friendships has brought me great sadness over the years. Sadness that these friendships meant more to me than they did to my friends. Sadness that these former friends are missing out on a crazy beautiful adventure. The amazing moments they have missed over the years.
That is why I value the true friends who have stuck around and shared some of my best and worst moments with me. I am thankful for those friends who have taken the time to call, text or visit me over the years. I cannot truly express how much those moments have meant to me.
I am not writing this post for sympathy. No, I am writing this to be real with you. My story has always been an open book. I am writing this post to give you a small glimpse into the world of someone dealing with chronic long-term health issues. I hope it will make you think about that loved one or friend who feels isolated or forgotten. I pray this post will encourage you to take the time to reach out to them. That small gesture could be life changing. ~OC
I’m still standing. On 3/20/09 after having what doctors thought was a cold, my wife Laura was informed she needed to take me to the emergency room. I was having trouble breathing and was extremely weak. My cold actually ended up being Myasthenia Gravis. I was in a Myasthenic Crisis. Some doctors were concerned I would not make it through the weekend. Some thought I would not make it through the year. Here we are 10 years later and I am still standing. Still fighting.
This crazy beautiful health journey has not been easy. On more than one occasion, Laura has been told by doctors that my condition was critical and things did not look promising. Throughout this journey, Laura and I have looked to God for guidance, strength and wisdom. He has never failed us. We do not know what the future holds for me health wise, but we know who holds our future. I will continue to make beautiful memories with Laura. We will continue to encourage people with our story. I will continue to fight. After all these years, I am still standing. ~OC
We all make mistakes in life. That’s just part of the journey. Sometimes people will only forgive us so many times. After that last strike they will pass judgment and cast us aside. Unfortunately, that’s the world we live in. Thankfully God will continue to forgive and love us. He does not put a limit on how many mistakes we can make. God will send people to help us learn and grow from those mistakes. But we have to make the choice to receive that help. When others walk out on us, God will continue to walk with us. He will never leave us.. I pray this encourages someone today. ~OC
I believe in miracles. For the past 17 years and counting my life has depended on them. You see, I really should not be writing this post. . I should not have taken a breath this morning. But here I am. Still fighting. Still able to tell my beautiful bride Laura, that I love her more today than I did almost 20 years ago. God continues to give me life. He continues to give me strength. God continues to use me to encourage others. What an amazing life I am living. Today if you are dealing with your own storms, I encourage you to keep believing in miracles. I do. ~OC
If we wait until we are 100% sure about something, we will never accomplish anything. God wants us to step out in faith, even when we do not have all the answers. ~OC
Today’s a new day! One of my prayers is that God will continue to use me during this crazy/beautiful health journey. That this journey will never be about me, but that God will get the praise for all that He is doing and has done in my life. ~OC
This week I have really been drawn to worship music. My heart has been heavy with so many family and friends hurting. I want to help each of them. I know I cannot be with each of them, but I can pray for them. Prayer has played a major role in my life. I truly believe I would not be here today, if not for the prayers of many. Prayer has never been a second option for me. Prayer has always been my first option. Today I lift up all who are dealing with health issues, mental health issues, relationship issues, addiction issues, financial issues, employment issues, & housing issues. I pray for those who don’t feel good enough. You are! I pray for those who feel alone. Your not! I pray for those who feel defeated. Your not! I pray for those who feel like giving up. Please don’t! If you ever need to talk, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am here to listen. I pray your day is filled with beautiful moments. You are loved. ~OC
Today’s a new day! Do not be afraid to be the champion you were created to be. ~OC
The Blessed Overcomer 