Our cities and towns are full of people in need. How often do we pass them by? We are too busy. We have to get to that next meeting or get together. We are too busy posting about our latest vacation or meal. They don’t look like us. They are from a different country than us. They belong to a different faith than us. I would love to help, but I am already late for church. How many beautiful interruptions are we missing because it’s not convenient? How many times are we missing heavenly moments because they don’t look like our perception of heaven? I believe heaven is where Jesus is, and I think maybe He’s waiting for us to realize that truth.

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

My purpose in life basically comes down to two things. Sounds simple I know. But doing these two things has made my life so much better. Both are pretty easy to do. They can be life changing. My purpose in life is to Love and Encourage others. Pretty simple. ~OC

Our world is filled with a lot of judgment and hate. Just jump on social media for a minute. Turn on the news. Just walk outside of your house. We are being bombarded with negativity. When did we become so mean? When did hurting people become a sport? Have we lost all semblance of kindness?

I decided to complete a self checkup on myself. At times I struggle with critiquing others. Sometimes I assume the worst in people. Sometimes I am my own worst enemy. During this crazy/beautiful journey I have chipped away at the sharp edges that needed softening. I also came to realize every problem has the same beautiful answer.

More grace.

Showing more grace might heal all the judgment, hate and negativity our world is facing. More grace might heal our broken relationships.

So I have committed to living a life where my first response is not to judge others. Not to critique or pass judgment on everything I read on social media or hear on the news. Will I miss the mark at times. Yes I will. But during those moments I will choose to show myself some grace.

Sharing more grace is the beginning freedom, and let’s be honest we all need more of it. ~OC

Back in 2014, I started to lose my appetite. I did not think much about it at the time because I needed to lose some extra weight. After years of being on prednisone I had put on a lot of weight. During my running days my weight was around 150. After being on prednisone for six months, my weight had ballooned up past 200. I had never weighed that much in my life. Unfortunately, I could not exercise to take the weight off. All my weight went to my stomach. All I wanted was for the weight to come off. Be careful of what you hope for.

By 2015, I eating and drinking were becoming more difficult. Anytime I would eat or drink, I would feel like I just ate a Thanksgiving meal. And that was just after one bite. The nausea was becoming unbearable. I was finally diagnosed with gastroparesis. In October of 2015, doctors decided to inplant a gastro pacemaker into my stomach to help with the nausea. I found some relief from the nausea. Unfortunately it did nothing for my appetite. By 2016, I was only taking in about 350 calories a day and the weight was coming off quickly. I was losing about 2 pounds a day. After years of complaining about my extra weight, I was thankful for the extra weight. So was wife and medical team. I truly believe God allowed me to gain this extra weight because he knew I would need it. By March 2017, my weight was down to 112 pounds and things were not looking good. I was given two choices. One, be admitted into the hospital and have a feeding tube inserted. Second, be admitted into the hospital and never go home. I decided God was not finished with me yet and decided to have the feeding tube implanted. Since March 2017, life has been full of ups and downs with my feeding tube. I am glad to say I have put on some much needed weight. But the thought of living the rest of my life on a feeding tube is not really appealing. My prayer has always been to have the ability to eat and drink again. I need a miracle.

Back in June of this year, my medical team decided to refer my case to Emory in Atlanta. I had actually found a new procedure that can help patients with gastroparesis eat again. The procedure is called a G-POEM. My wife and I met with the doctors at Emory and they shared I needed to complete several tests before I could be considered for the procedure. But there is more to the story.

During our trip to Emory, I really felt God telling me my stomach would be healed. I was not sure if that meant this new procedure would be my miracle or if God would actually heal my stomach. To be honest, I am hoping God will completely heal me of this  gastroparesis. I have completed all the tests Emory ordered. We should get the results next week. I am believing the test will show my stomach is completely healed. That would surely be a miracle. Laura and I are blessed to have so many people praying for my healing. I am happy to report that my stomach has been able to handle a few Ensures this week. That is a miracle! I believe it’s the first of many. ~OC

The world is filled with so much anger and hate these days. Here are a few simple ways we can love people.

-Pray for and with them.

-Look for ways to encourage them.

-Share a kind word and smile.

-Love them.

-Forgive them.

-Stop judging them.

-Look for ways to serve them.

-Listen to them.

-Spend time with them.

-Stand up for them.

~OC

Say yes to loving others.
Say yes to forgiving others.
Say yes to helping others.
Say yes to standing up for others.
Say yes to listening to others.
Say yes to encouraging others.

Say no to hating others.
Say no to judging others.
Say no to bullying others.
Say no to gossiping about others.
Say no to discouraging others.
Say no to holding grudges against others.

~OC

I will continue to pray this prayer and post on social media until there is justice for all in America. Current events at a swimming pool, a cookout in California, LA Fitness, Waffle House, Yale University, Nordstrom Rack, Starbucks, University of Florida, the three African American students at the NASA competition and my own recent encounter with racist comments make this prayer even more urgent.

Praying for my brothers and sisters of color. Praying that as you walk down the street, people will not clutch their purses or bags a little tighter. Praying as you visit a place of business, you will not be hassled. I pray if for some reason you’re pulled over by the police, you will be treated with respect. I am saddened that I have to pray this prayer every day for my brothers and sisters of color, but I will continue to lift this prayer up each day. I will continue to speak out against the injustices in this world. ~OC

During my crazy/beautiful health journey, I have embraced verses about overcoming. Here are a few that have blessed me during  this journey. Feel free to add your favorites. ~OC

-When we call on God, he hears us. (Matthew 7:7)

-Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, “for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

-God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

-No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:37)

-I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

Hello! Several people have inquired when Laura and I will be releasing our book. I wish it was tomorrow, but we’re still in the process of writing it. Also writing a book is not cheap. Nor should it be. We have partnered with a great team at RoseDale Communications. Clara and Kristi are making the process so enjoyable. My wonderful sister-in-law Faith has started a GoFundMe page to help with the cost. You can check out our GoFundMe Page The Blessed Overcomers for more information. Also if anyone has a wealthy friend or family member who wants to help out two new struggling authors let us know. HaHa! Laura and I are super excited about this project. We are trusting God to help us complete this book that will share our crazy/beautiful journey. Our prayer is that this book will help others dealing with their own storms and let them know they are not alone. Keep praying for us. ~OC