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

This crazy/beautiful journey has made me so very aware that God is so much bigger and so much closer to me than I ever could have imagined. ~OC

Hello! I have debated sharing the following on social media. But during this crazy beautiful health journey, I have always tried to be honest. Each of you are part of this wonderful journey. My prayer is that the following will encourage everyone who reads it. It has really helped me with some of the struggles I was dealing with for a long time. Here we go……

Several weeks ago, I felt God talking to me about my health. No audible voice. This went on for over a week. The following is what I heard:

1). God shared He is still in control of every area of my life.

2). My life is more than my health issues. Not to be consumed by my health issues.

3). To not listen to everyone who talks to me about my health and healing.

4). To stop worrying when and if my healing is coming on earth. I clearly heard him tell me, I will not see healing on this side of heaven. At first I was disappointed, but God has given me a real sense of peace and hope. I am not giving up and do not believe I am going to heaven anytime soon.

5). To keep really living and trusting His plan for my life.

The past few days, God has shared I need to be more concerned about the What not the Why. What can I learn during this journey and how can I use it to help others? That is what I plan on doing.

My prayer is that you will find this encouraging. I know I do. Plus, I will probably out live all of you. God Bless. ~OC

So I move forward…. one slow step at a time. Fully aware that my steps are shadowed by the fiercest of Heaven’s warriors… under the direct command of God himself. ~OC

Dear God, I am not feeling brave. I am not feeling heroic. I’m just a man doing what has to be done. Any strength I have today comes from the knowledge that you are with me. Thank you. ~OC

As I enter my 17th year of this crazy/beautiful health journey, I am often asked how I stay so hopeful?

When my crazy/beautiful journey started, I could never have imagined that in 2019, I would still be dealing with health issues. But early on in the journey, I decided I was going to live a life full of hope. Now that does not mean each day is filled with chocolates and rainbows. Not that I could eat the chocolates anymore. Each day is filled with some tough moments. My body and mind are not able to do things that used to come so naturally. Those can be very frustrating days. During those tough moments, I make the choice to find joy and purpose in life. Here are some ways I do that.

I constantly seek God through prayer. I believe finding purpose in our lives is critical. What are your interest? Do not be afraid to think outside of the box. How can God use the trial you are facing? Seek input from others.

Ask questions like “How can I use my journey to help other?” “What am I passionate about?” Your journey could help someone going through their own storm. My health journey has helped me assist others in their own health struggles. I am also passionate about ending human trafficking. My health journey has given me more time to help fight this crime.

Eliminate toxic relationships from your life. When you are facing a storm, you need to be surrounded by positive people. There are so many negative things going on around us. No one needs any additional negativity or drama in their lives.

Share forgiveness. In life people will fail you. They will say or do the wrong thing. Hopefully you will experience healing in those relationships. If not, move on.

Make healthy decisions. During my journey, my wife and I have had to make a lot of tough decisions. We have learned over the years, we have to do what is best for us. We cannot worry if our choices do not make sense to others.

Share your gifts and talents. During this crazy/beautiful journey, God has blessed me with a lot to say. He has blessed me with social media to help share my story. God also blessed me with the gift of encouragement. What are your gifts and talents?

Just remember that God has a plan and purpose for each of our lives. I encourage you to stay positive and focused on His purpose for your life. ~OC