With so many negative stories in the news, I thought I would share a positive story with you. It’s my story. 

I am currently entering my 17th year dealing with multiple life threatening health issues. I am affectionately known as The Man Who Refuses to Die. During this journey, I have been blessed with many cool nicknames. I used to be a long distance runner. I actually used to run several marathons a week. No, I wasn’t being chased by anyone. Today Jesus has me running a new race. A race to truly love and encourage others going through their own storm. Jesus has allowed me to become a Abolitionist, Missionary and Speaker during this crazy beautiful journey. In the next few weeks, I will be able to add published author to that list. The funny thing about being a speaker is, I have to use a amplifier to help me speak these days. Jesus can even use a whispering man to share His story. I am a missionary at the many doctors appointments and hospital stays. Jesus always brings me to someone who needs a encouraging word. Most people hear my story and think how terrible. But I look at my story and think what an amazing God we serve. 

Thank you for reading my story. Feel free to contact me anytime. I pray Jesus continues to bless your journey. ~OC

Today’s a new day! Each day I walk this crazy beautiful journey, I find the joy. Today, I pray you find the joy. ~OC

A lot of times when I scroll down social media, I want to cry. Some of the posts I read are filled with so much negativity and hate. I know the world is filled with a lot of darkness, pain and hate. That does not surprise me. What saddens me is that many of the negative and hateful post I read are written by people who call themselves Christians. That is what makes me want to cry and scream, all at the same time.

Recently I have read posts from some people who call themselves Christians, seemingly celebrating the declining health of a Supreme Court Justice. Why? Because it fits their political agenda. Sadly, a lot of Christians appear to be more concerned about their political allegiances than their relationship with the Creator of the world. Those same people will tell you Jesus agrees with their political affiliation. I have checked the Bible and it does not mention Jesus being part of a political party.

When I read about Jesus, I see someone who was caring and loving. I see someone who was filled with encouraging words. I see someone who was not a pushover, but was stern in a loving way, when needed. What I do not see is hate. Never hate.

A word of advice for my fellow Christians. The world is watching us. They are reading our social media post. They are listening to our conversations. They are watching our responses to world events. What will they see? Will we make some mistakes along the way? Sure we will. But I pray that the majority of the time the world will see love, grace and forgiveness when it looks at the Christian Community.

I still love my fellow Christians. That will never change. But I will also continue to call out injustice within the Christian community. when needed. I hope you will do the same. God Bless. .~OC

God has promised to look after me and to bring help. God, who defends me, who is far greater in strength than my health issues or anything life throws at me. God, who spoke and whose words caused the universe to be. His word is true, unfailing. If He promises something, He will deliver. ~OC

There will be friends that stick close and support you during the storms of life. There will be people who will call themselves your friend, but will disappear during the tough times. Do not dwell on those that walked away. Take the time to be thankful for those that continue to walk with you during the storms and rejoice with you during the victories. ~OC

During my crazy/beautiful health journey, I have been told on numerous occasions, “You don’t look or act sick.” I have two thoughts on this statement.

For me, this statement gives me an opportunity to share about a prayer God has continued to answer during my crazy/beautiful health journey. Let me explain.

When I got sick again in 2009, I prayed that God would help me never look or act sick. I know that sounds like a crazy prayer when you are dealing with several life threatening health issues. But that was my prayer. During some of my worst days, I still laugh when people tell me, “You don’t look or act sick.” It is another opportunity to share what God is doing in my life. I am thankful God decided to answer a crazy, little prayer years ago.

With that said, there is another side to the “You don’t look sick” comment. It is one that many of my fellow patients deal with each day. The comment is actually insulting. Let me explain.

When you tell someone they don’t look sick, they translate that to “You must be faking or it’s really not that bad”. I have actually had people asked me if I was faking my health issues. Yes, I love spending hours at the doctors offices and days in the hospital. Also, what do sick people look like? News flash, not all sick people look alike.

People dealing with chronic or terminal illness have good days and bad days. A person can look fine on the outside, but is dealing with extreme pain inside. Most of us with long term health issues have learned to put on our “Happy Face.” We feel obligated to do so. We need to go to work, take care of our families, and try to live our best lives. Plus, do people really want to hear the truth about how a sick person is actually doing? My experience in that area is mixed. I am blessed by the family members and friends who actually want to know the truth. Do not let those caring folks go.

So what should you say? Here are some better options.

How are you truly feeling today?

How can I help?

I am sorry your not feeling well.

I am sure that sucks.

How can I pray for you? Then actually pray for that person.

This post is not about gaining your sympathy. I neither want or need it. My hope is that you will gain insight from reading this post. A lot of people are dealing with invisible health issues, but their pain is real. ~OC

I am always impressed how my wife Laura, has so many close friendships. This week, she has plans almost everyday with some of her friends. I often wonder why these types of friendships do not come as easily for men.

I remember in high school and college, it appeared easier as a guy to make friends. Then adulthood hit and for some reason, it became tougher for men to maintain real friendships.

Sadly, many men are taught or believe they should not talk about personal issues with other men. Over the years, I believe this has caused more casual friendships between men. I have heard many stories of men trying to build stronger friendships with other men by taking time to text/call them, attending Bible studies, and taking other steps to build true friendships. Unfortunately, most of these steps have not resulted in stronger friendships. I would encourage those men to continue making the effort.

It appears most married men depend on their wives to develop and maintain friendships with other couples. That is not fair to the wives. How about the single guy or the husband whose wife is an introvert? How do they go about building true friendships with other men?

So here is my challenge men. We have to work harder to establish and maintain strong friendships with other men. For some men, this will be easy. You are already doing it. Keep doing it! For other men, this will be a tougher challenge. You are not built to reach out and share with other men. You will need to step out of your comfort zone. Take the risk and do it. I cannot promise you might feel rejected at times. The process may not be easy. However, I believe it is worth it.

So I encourage men to get connected in 2019. That might mean joining a club, sports team, Bible study or making a commitment to have dinner with some guy friends  weekly or monthly. With so many friends spread out across the world, you could have a group phone call. How about really getting out of your comfort zone and planning a road trip with a group of guys? I’m game! How about you?

So the challenge in 2019, is for men to take real steps in forming real friendships with other men. Friendships are great for our health and general well-being. I will continue to reach out to other men to build true friendships. Who is willing to take this challenge with me? ~OC

From 2004 until 2009, I was a runner. I started running after being diagnosed with cancer and having open-heart surgery to remove a tumor. I had run cross country in high school, but had not run since. Let’s just say that was a very long break. From the minute I started running again in 2004, I enjoyed every minute.

In 2009, after my health issues returned, I had to hang up my running shoes. I still buy a pair of running shoes once or twice a year. My love for running has never wavered. I still talk about running. I still read about running. I still think about running. Once a runner, always a runner.

I have come to realize I will never be able to run again. After some time, I am at peace with that truth. But like I shared above, I still love running. So in 2019, I would love the opportunity to help coach and encourage other runners. I am not looking for a paid position. I am looking for the opportunity to help encourage an individual or team to reach their goals. Just to be back in the running community would be a blessing.

If anyone is interested in talking with me about this opportunity, feel free to contact me. It would be my honor to help you or your team achieve your running and life goals. ~OC

Today is the first day of 2019. Can you believe it? A new year. A new start. New challenges. New blessings. How exciting! Here are some of my prayers for this new year.

*Dear God, please continue to work through me and strengthen my walk with you.

*Dear God, help me to be a better husband.

*Dear God, help me to be a better friend.

*Dear God, help me love and serve my church and all the people you have placed there.

*Dear God, help me never miss the beautiful interruptions you have for me.

*Dear God, help me help others.

*Dear God, help me be more concerned about your opinion and less about the world’s opinions.

*Dear God, help me to be a better encourager.

*Dear God, help me make a difference for you right where you have me planted.

*Dear God, help me be a change maker.

*Dear God, help me love others more this year.

*Dear God, help me to continue to grow outside of my comfort zone.

*Dear God, help me to never put you in a box.

*Dear God, give me the strength and wisdom to live the life you have created for me.

*Dear God, help me to be okay when your answer is no or not yet.

*Dear God, I thank you for this new year and dedicate it to you. May you be glorified in all that I do and say. ~OC

A man faces life-threatening illnesses.

A man decides to run marathons to share his story.

A man decides to run a 1,000 miles in one year to encourage others.

A man goes from running marathons to fighting for his life.

Sound like an interesting story? It’s my story.

If you or your organization are interested in hearing more about my story in 2019, contact me at http://www.theblessedovercomer.org and click on the Contact Page or the Booking Information Page. I look forward to hearing from you. ~OC