Tag: America

My Covid Story

On March 13, 2020, America shut down because of Covid. Five years later, Covid still plays a major part in my life. Here is my story.

For most, the year 2020 was one to forget. The Covid Pandemic turned most of the world upside down. We watched in horror as we witnessed so many people and families suffer tremendous suffering and lose. As my wife and I watched all this unfold, we were thankful that Covid19 had not touched us. Until it did.

On Super Bowl Sunday 2021, I woke up a little tired. It had been a long week so I did not think much of it. I took my temperature and thankfully it was normal. I headed off to church excited for the day. You see, I am a life long Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan and they were playing in the Super Bowl. After church, I headed home and took a little pregame nap. When I woke up everything had changed. I woke up with my shirt soaked in sweat. I took my temperature and it was at 103.6. I immediately went and had a Covid test. Of course this was on a Sunday, so my results would take a few days. I went home and basically slept through the Bucs winning the Super Bowl. Go Bucs!

On that Monday morning, I woke up feeling much worse. My temperature was now at 104.2. I also had a terrible headache, body aches, terrible cough and did not want to move. Later in the day, it was determined I needed to make my way to the ER. Once inside the ER, test revealed I did indeed have Covid and double pneumonia. I was headed to the Covid floor.

During my stay at the hospital, I received Blood Plasma, Steroids and Remdesivir. Being isolated on the Covid floor was tough. When I had been hospitalized in the past, I was used to having visitors and walking the halls. This hospital stay was filled with staff in protective covering and closed doors. Complete Isolation. After more than a week on the Covid floor, I was released. Time to recover from Covid and double pneumonia.

After being released from the hospital, I had to spend a week isolated away from my wonderful bride, since she continued to test negative for Covid. But unfortunately, my wife would soon experience the effects of Covid. Thankfully, her symptoms were a little milder and she does not suffer from any longtime effects. After finally arriving home, I waited to feel better. Surely I would feel better in a few days. But that was not the case. After two months my symptoms had not gotten much better. My CT Scan showed my lungs were still filled with Covid. I was still dealing with headaches, breathing issues, cough, no appetite, hoarse voice, fatigue and brain fog. Most of my days felt like the movie Groundhogs Day.

My medical team officially classified me as a Covid Long Hauler almost six months after my original diagnosis. Not a club anyone wants to be part of. Everything was wait and see. So, what do you do with that news? When you cannot rely on anything that was once reliable. When you have taken every step you know how to take-what then? You Hope. You Never Give Up.

My life is totally different than it was on that morning in February 2021. In 2025, I still stand up having no idea where I am going. Trying to process new information is still a challenge. Breathing continues to be a struggle. Constant fatigue. I could go on and on about the different symptoms I still deal with on a daily basis.

So as I continue to walk this journey, I still lean into Hope. I still do my research. I continue to try to encourage others walking through their own Long Hauler’s battle. I will continue to pray with great expectancy to wake up one morning with no Covid symptoms. That day when I am renewed physically. But until that day, I will live in Hope. ~OC

0

Sunday Bloody Sunday

Today’s a new day! On March 7, 1965, in Selma, Alabama, approximately 600 peace loving advocates set out to march to Alabama’s capital, Montgomery, to demand voting rights for Black Americans in the face of unfair, discriminatory laws and practices.

Sixty years ago, black voters faced numerous obstacles when trying to register to vote, including literacy tests, poll taxes, intimidation and brutal violence. Civil rights leaders organized this march to demand an equal opportunity to participate in American democracy.  

As the marchers peacefully crossed Selma’s Edmund Pettus Bridge, local police, vigilante groups and state troopers violently attacked them.

Many marchers were hospitalized as a result of these brutal attacks, which was televised nationwide and became known as “Bloody Sunday.” In addition, the events leading up to this day and the weeks after resulted in the deaths of three civil rights advocates.

The brutality of Bloody Sunday highlighted the urgent need for change and galvanized support for the Civil Rights Movement across the country. Two weeks later, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and 3,200 civil rights protesters completed the 54-mile march from Selma to Montgomery.

Thanks to the efforts of those brave freedom fighters, historically disenfranchised Americans were able to fully participate in the democratic process for the first time.

Sadly sixty years later, there is still a lot of work to do across America to protect and expand the freedom to vote. The fight is not over. We, the Freedom Fighters of today must continue to speak up and fight for justice.

So on this 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, let’s remember the legacy of all those who fought for a truly inclusive democracy and pledge ourselves to supporting the continuing fight for the freedom to vote and for equal rights for all Americans. ~OC

0

Let’s Be Clear

Today’s a new day! Let’s be clear: Christian Nationalism – the movement that’s gripped so many Christians and Churches in America is a misinterpretation of Jesus’ teachings. It’s in direct opposition to them. It’s an affront to the Sermon on the Mount, the fruit of the Spirit, and everything Jesus stood for. If you’re claiming to follow Christ, you cannot ignore this false theology. ~OC

0

It’s Time

Today’s a new day! As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, I wanted to share the following with you. ~OC

Today, It’s our calling to support our friends, colleagues, and family members and to stand against senseless acts of violence and systemic racism. We need each other now more than ever if this nation is to ever truly move forward and heal the broken systems established years ago.

It’s time we stand in solidarity as individuals and communities to change a system that has been filled with racism for way too long.

It’s time we educate ourselves.

It’s time we change our broken systems.

It’s time we respect our black brothers, sisters, and People of Color.

It’s time we demand equal rights for all.

It’s time we allow the destruction for powerful reform to take place.

It’s time to accept and respect each other regardless of our differences.

It’s time we stopped using hate to conquer hate.

It’s time we truly love our black brothers and sisters. And not just for the month of February.

It’s time we bring real change to America and beyond.

0

America

Today’s a new day! So many thoughts swirling around, as I see everything that is happening in America and around the world. I definitely do not recognize America at this moment.

I love the United States of America, but I do not think of it as a country that is united at this time. It’s not the America that most of us grew up in or that the rest of the world looked to for hope.

What does the world see when it looks at America in 2025? What do I see? What do you see?

How do the choices each of us make every day affect, influence, impact the future that is before us, the direction America is headed and the world that upcoming generations will inhabit?

What combination of events and attitudes and circumstances has brought us to this point in our history?

How did we get to this point, to this current version of America?

I have far, far more questions than answers as unprecedented events unfold in our nation and around the world. I still believe in America, in the sense that there are so many people I care about so very deeply that are standing up for ALL people who are currently living on American soil. My concern is at heart-wrenchingly-high levels for the well-being of everyone who calls America home this very hour and for those living in every part of this beautiful world.

How do we move past this era of woeful words of hatred and division, how do we work together for the better world that I do believe, that I have to believe is possible? How do we shape a brighter future for all, a future of connection, compassion and peace? Those are some billion dollar questions for sure.

I will continue to pray for brighter, more stable and peaceful days for America and the world. I hope you will join me in this prayer. ~OC

0

Truth and Justice

I remember when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, so many people including Christians and churches in America were so supportive of Ukraine and everything the citizens of the country were going through. Many Americans and churches held fundraisers and welcomed the Ukrainian people into America who had to flee their homeland. Fast forward to yesterday and the comments from the current President and now so many of those same people are turning their backs on Ukraine. Sadly, this is just another example of how the actions of so many Christians and churches across America are causing a great multitude of believers and unbelievers to turn their backs on the church and faith. I can only imagine the tears filling God’s eyes as he watches all of this transpire. I personally will continue to pray for peace and healing over the people of Ukraine. I will also continue to pray for my fellow believers and churches in American that appear so willing to compromise so much for the sake of power.

Once again, these are my thoughts and opinions. Some may asked why I share the things I do on social media? Yes, they can be hard to read and many people would rather I just share positive and uplifting post. I hear many friends tell me to “Stay away from the negative and challenging post. Just stick with sharing your story and uplifting post.” But I am sharing my story. I believe in truth and justice. That is who I am. So when I see things that are unjust and wrong, I must speak up. I do not enjoy posting things like this on my pages, but I have to be honest with myself and I cannot ignore everything that’s going on around me. Even if that means being attacked or unfriended. So, I will continue to share when I feel God leading me to share my thoughts online. I hope you will to. Even if we have different opinions. Let Love Rule. ~OC

0

The Power of Groups

Today’s a new day! I believe committed individuals and a small group of passionate people can help change the world.

Let me remind you that Jesus chose a small group of disciples to share an example of what happens when a group of committed individuals come together for a greater purpose. If we follow just that example, we can see how a small group of people can change their communities and beyond. Just think, we are still talking about twelve individuals who came together and committed themselves to the cause of Christ, thousands of years later. Small groups are still the primary focus of most churches, especially ones that want to accomplish purposeful ministry.

I can look no further than my godson Ricky Aiken, who saw a need in his community and started Inner City Innovators (https://innercityinnovators.org/), which is not just making a difference in Ricky’s community, but communities across America. One person with a dream and some committed people to help him develop and create a life changing organization.

As we celebrate Black History Month, I think about some unknown heroes who were committed to the Civil Rights Movement. They are the individuals and families that opened up their homes to the leaders in the Movement because they were not allowed to stay in most hotels or restaurants in the South. These individuals and families offered food, rest, conversation and shelter to the heroes we read about in history. A group of unassuming individuals and families opening their homes and encouraging the Civil Rights leaders, as they led peaceful marches and protest across the south. Without these kind and loving souls, the bodies and minds of the great leaders of the Civil Rights Movement might not have carried on.

Small groups of humans, just like your friends or colleagues that gather for common themed conversations, have been changing the world since the days of the caveman. It is no surprise, at least now reflecting on each phase of my own life that every step I have taken to make an impact for the greater good has been in the company of a small group of people with similar questions, passions, ideas and the determination to take action.

What is your mission and purpose in life and who will sit around the table with you to help encourage and support your dream to make a difference? ~OC

“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”” ~Matthew 18:20

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead

“While others hit the streets, marching, singing protest songs and risking arrest, these women made their contributions to the Civil Rights Movement in their kitchens.” – Rosalind Bently, Hostesses of the Movement

0

Not From God

Today’s a new day! This is not the America that so many men and women gave their lives for. But sadly, this is the type of hate that so many Americans voted for and support. I must remember that God is still in control. I know that can be hard to believe as we see everything that’s happening in our nation, but nothing we’re seeing right now is from God. This is all man made. Dear God, please help us. ~OC

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna190446

0

Project 2025…The Truth

Today’s a new day! For those that will question me on this post, did you read it? I did. Every page. This isn’t some liberal propaganda. This was written and produced by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Everything we see the current administration doing is from this playbook. This playbook is not in the best interest for all Americans. Of course you would know that if you actually read the book, but many will choose not to because of their political and religious beliefs. ~OC

0

Some Shocking Truth

Good Morning! As I continue to go through some old journals, I keep finding some old treasures. I guess I can title this collection of writings “The Lost Writings of OC.” This was written in 2017.

Today’s a new day! Here’s some shocking truth for some: Jesus is not an American. Jesus did not come to create a blueprint for Americans to be Americans. But it seems as though our identity as Christians has blended with our identity as Americans, where it is often hard to differentiate what value comes from where.

Because in America, we have substituted the freedom that was given to us by God the Father (Galatians 5:1) for false freedom that was established by human fathers. In America, we have substituted the safety and security we have in the hands of God the Father (Psalm 91:1-2) for safety and security found at the hands of human fathers. In America, we have substituted the goal of building the kingdom of God (John 18:36) for building the kingdom of this country. 

Let me be clear: This is not a political post. This is not an anti-America post. But more generally and over the longer term, I’m afraid that our pursuit of what it means to be American has undermined our pursuit of what it means to be Christian.

So the new question I have been asking is, what does it mean to be a Christian in America?

The answer to this question can unlock a freedom that is not found in the question of who is saving America from destruction but rather in the question of who the Savior of my life is (John 8:36). And the answer to this question might actually cause me to lose safety and security for the sake of others finding safety and security in Jesus (Philippians 2:4). Because answering the question of what it means to be a Christian means answering the question of where Jesus is calling me to follow him (Matthew 16:24). 

So for some, this new question will cause us to look at the pain and suffering of those around us with compassion and ask Jesus to guide us in how he is wanting us to engage with lives that look different than ours (Colossians 3:12). For others, this question will cause us to look toward those who have caused us pain with mercy and loving-kindness and ask Jesus to guide us in how he wants us to engage with the lives of those who seemingly oppose us (Ephesians 4:32). But the invitation in asking the question of what it means to be a Christian in America is an invitation to stop looking at policies, people, and parties and to start looking at Jesus.

This American question has divided us, and the world is watching the internal implosion of the Church. But they are also looking for hope. And as long as we are asking the wrong question, we are unable to show them the hope we so desperately desire that they see (Colossians 1:27).

I pray everyone will take the time to reflect on this post. I pray everyone has a beautiful day. ~OC

0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑