While this journey has had some crazy turns, I know there is a method in the madness. Not my methods, but the methods of a God who holds my life in His hands… who knew me from the moment I was conceived in the womb…. who walks besides me everyday. I do not understand everything that’s happening and it’s quite possible I never will…. not while I inhabit this body anyway….. but I know that whatever happens, God is in control and he has promised he will never leave or forsake me. ~OC

I am human. My comprehension of eternal things are limited by the skin that I am living in…. but I know enough about God’s character to know that His promises are rock solid. He cannnot lie and He is not a man that he should change his mind. His words are unchanging and for me that is enough. ~OC

People often asked me about the meaning of my Finish Strong tattoo. Here is the meaning behind the tattoo.

I first started using the phrase Finish Strong, during my running days. I was never a fast runner, but I could run for hours. I truly believe that was a gift from God. I ran two miles several months after having open-heart surgery to remove a nasty tumor. I had not run in almost 20 years. Based on my health issues, there were a lot of times I was not physically able to train for my marathons. I would go weeks without running. But God always gave me the strength and endurance to complete the marathons I had signed up for. God gave me the strength to run a 1,000 miles in 2008, even as my body was starting to betray me. During each of my runs I would pray and asked God to help me finish strong. Those prayers helped me so much during my marathon days. At the end of my running days when my body was starting to fail me, I could physically, mentally and emotionally feel God giving me the strength to finish strong.

As I travel this crazy/beautiful health journey, I still hear God encouraging me to finish strong. When my feeding tube is acting up at 2am, I hear God whispering finish strong. When I am going through medical test/surgeries, I hear God whispering finish strong. When my body feels weaker, I hear God whispering finish strong. God has put it on my heart to pray for others to finish strong. As I continue to run this crazy/beautiful journey, I am determined to finish strong. I encourage you to do the same. ~OC

As I scrolled through your social media pages, I sensed you were struggling. You seem tired. As I read your post, it appears you are being overwhelmed by life’s storms. I have experienced those moments.

So friend, I want you to know I am here. There have been times, I have watched friends go through storms from a distance because I was not sure what to say or do. I made their pain about me. I wish I had just showed up. Just listened.

But as I have faced my own storms, I have realized how important it is to have friends walking with me during the storms of life. I am thankful for those who did not jump out of the boat when the storms got too rough.

I am done letting circumstances keep me from staying close. I will not be perfect when I reach out to you. I might say the wrong thing. I am okay with that. The most important thing is, I will always be there for you. No judgment. No quick fixes. No, I will just be there for you.

You will get through whatever storm you are facing at this moment. It will not be easy. There will be some tough days. You might even feel like giving up. You might lose hope. When you lose hope, I will hope for you. We will get through this journey called life together my friend. We will finish strong. ~OC

Today’s a new day! Our words are powerful. Make no mistake. They can inspire and elevate or they can cut down and destroy. A seemingly simple comment, without consideration, can devastate and once it’s out there you can never get it back. ~OC

I’m too blessed to be cynical.

I’m too blessed to hold a grudge.

I’m too blessed not to forgive.

I’m too blessed to hate.

I’m too blessed not to love. ~OC