Tag: Brokeness

The Waiting Room And The Tension

Today’s a new day! 

There is a place many Christians know all too well. It is not a destination we choose, but a season we often find ourselves walking through. 

It is the waiting room.

The waiting room is where prayers have been prayed, tears have been shed, faith has been declared, and yet the answer has not fully arrived. It is the place between God’s promise and its fulfillment. It is where hope and uncertainty seem to wrestle with one another every day.

And if we’re honest, the waiting room can be uncomfortable.

It is filled with tension.

The tension of believing God for healing while still feeling pain.

The tension of trusting God for provision while the bills continue to arrive.

The tension of knowing God’s promises while facing circumstances that seem to contradict them.

The tension of saying, “I know God is faithful,” while wondering when His answer will come.

Yet throughout Scripture, we see that God often does some of His greatest work in the waiting.

Abraham waited for the promised son.

Joseph waited through betrayal, slavery, and prison before stepping into his calling.

David waited years between being anointed king and actually becoming king.

The disciples waited after the resurrection before the Holy Spirit arrived.

Waiting has always been part of God’s process.

The waiting room is not punishment. It is preparation.

The tension is not evidence that God has abandoned you. Often, it is evidence that God is still working behind the scenes in ways you cannot yet see.

We live in a culture that wants everything immediately. We want instant answers, instant results, and instant breakthroughs. But God’s timetable is often different from ours. His goal is not merely to get us to the destination; His goal is to transform us along the journey.

Romans 5:3-4 reminds us:

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

Notice the progression. God uses the difficult seasons to produce something deeper within us. The waiting room develops perseverance. The tension shapes character. The process strengthens hope.

In the waiting room, we learn to trust God’s heart even when we cannot trace His hand.

We learn that faith is not believing because we see the answer. Faith is believing because we know the One who holds the answer.

Some of the greatest testimonies are born in seasons of waiting. Some of the deepest intimacy with God is developed when there is nowhere else to turn but to Him.

If you find yourself in the waiting room today, do not lose heart.

God has not forgotten your prayers.

God has not overlooked your tears.

God has not misplaced His promises.

The tension you feel today is not the end of your story.

Keep praying.

Keep worshiping.

Keep trusting.

Keep taking the next faithful step.

One day you will look back and realize that what felt like a delay was actually God preparing you for something greater than you could see at the time.

The waiting room may be uncomfortable, but God is present there.

The tension may be real, but so is His faithfulness.

And while you wait, remember this truth: God is never late. He is always working, always faithful, and always worthy of your trust.

Your breakthrough may be closer than you think. ~OC

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Dear Christian Pastor…

Dear Christian Pastor,

This is not written in anger, but in deep concern and sincere prayer.

One day, every one of us will stand before Jesus Christ. Every pastor, every church leader, every teacher, every believer. On that day, political influence, election victories, cultural popularity, and earthly power will mean nothing compared to our faithfulness to the Gospel.

A question has been weighing heavily on my heart:

How will you defend yourself when you stand before Jesus and try to justify choosing political power over the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

How will you explain that you encouraged the flock God entrusted to your care to place more hope in a flag than in the Cross?

How will you explain teaching people to trust more in a political party than in the words of the Savior?

The Church was never called to be the public relations department of any political movement. The Church was called to be the Body of Christ. We were commissioned to preach the Gospel, make disciples, love our neighbors, care for the poor, defend the vulnerable, and point people to Jesus.

Scripture never tells us that the hope of humanity is found in a political platform. It tells us that our hope is found in Christ alone.

Political parties come and go.

Nations rise and fall.

Presidents are elected and eventually leave office.

But Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Some pastors have spent more time discussing political talking points than preaching the Sermon on the Mount. Some have become more passionate about defending politicians than defending the teachings of Jesus. Others have blurred the line between faith and politics so completely that many people can no longer tell the difference.

That should grieve all of us.

When unbelievers look at the Church, do they see Jesus?

Do they see His love?

His compassion?

His mercy?

His truth?

Or do they simply see another political organization competing for power?

The Gospel is too precious to be sacrificed on the altar of political influence.

Jesus never instructed His followers to conquer Rome. He instructed them to love their enemies, preach repentance, serve others, and carry their cross.

The early Church transformed the world without political power because they were filled with the Holy Spirit. They changed hearts before they changed cultures. They focused on the Kingdom of God rather than the kingdoms of men.

The Church today would do well to remember that lesson.

This is not a call to ignore politics. Christians should engage society, vote according to their convictions, and stand for truth. But our primary allegiance must always belong to Jesus Christ.

When politics becomes our identity, we have lost our way.

When a party becomes untouchable, we have lost our way.

When loyalty to a politician exceeds loyalty to Scripture, we have lost our way.

Pastor, there is still time.

There is still time to turn back.

There is still time to preach the whole counsel of God.

There is still time to boldly proclaim the Gospel without fear or compromise.

There is still time to remind people that their citizenship is first in Heaven.

There is still time to point your congregation back to Jesus instead of pointing them toward earthly saviors.

My prayer is not for your embarrassment, but for your repentance.

My prayer is not for your defeat, but for your renewal.

My prayer is that you would once again fall deeply in love with Jesus and His Word, and that your congregation would see Him more clearly because of your leadership.

The world does not need more political activists behind pulpits.

The world desperately needs shepherds who will faithfully preach Christ crucified, Christ risen, and Christ returning.

May we all remember that when we stand before Jesus, the only opinion that will matter is His.

And my prayer is that every pastor, every leader, and every believer will hear these words:

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Until that day, may we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and faithfully proclaim His Gospel above all else. ~OC

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Say His Name: Kohen Wiley

Say his name.

Kohen Wiley.

A one-year-old child whose life was taken far too soon.

In the coming days, some people will undoubtedly try to turn the death of Kohen Wiley into a political argument. They will attempt to fit this tragedy into their preferred narrative, use it to score points, or frame it through the lens of ideology. But this is far bigger than politics.

The murder of Kohen Wiley is a heartbreaking reflection of the state of humanity in America in 2026.

A child is gone.

A family is shattered.

A community is grieving.

And no amount of political spin can change those facts.

The reported circumstances surrounding this tragedy make it even more difficult to comprehend. The murder of a child over diapers is beyond unacceptable. It is a horrifying reminder of how broken this world can be and how desperately we need compassion, accountability, and justice.

Those responsible for the death of Kohen Wiley must be held accountable.

Justice cannot bring this precious child back, but justice matters. It matters to the family. It matters to the community. It matters because every human life has value, and the life of a child is no exception.

As Christians, we believe every person is created in the image of God. We believe children are a gift from the Lord. We believe that Jesus welcomed children into His presence and warned against causing harm to the innocent.

Today, our hearts should not be focused on arguments. They should be focused on grief, prayer, and support for those who are suffering.

My prayers go out to the family and friends of Kohen Wiley. I pray that God surrounds them with His comfort in the darkest moments of their lives. I pray He gives them strength for the difficult days ahead. I pray that He places caring people around them who will walk with them through this unimaginable loss.

There is another truth that every leader, elected official, community organizer, pastor, and public servant should understand:

Grief and anger are neighbors.

When institutions fail to acknowledge grief, anger moves in.

Not because people are impatient.

Not because people are unreasonable.

But because people are human.

Because love and loss are inseparable.

A family cannot place its sorrow on hold while officials try to figure things out. A community cannot pause its heartbreak until a press conference is scheduled or a report is completed.

The community is not reacting to paperwork.

The community is responding to the loss of an innocent one-year-old child.

That pain is real.

That grief is real.

And it deserves to be acknowledged with compassion and urgency.

My prayer is that this family finds healing. My prayer is that this community finds healing. My prayer is that justice is served and that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

Most of all, I pray that Kohen Wiley receives justice beyond the grave from a God who sees every tear, knows every sorrow, and never overlooks the suffering of the innocent.

May we refuse to let his story be reduced to a headline.

May we refuse to let his name be forgotten.

Remember the family.

Remember the community.

Remember the loss.

And most importantly remember the name.

Kohen Wiley. ~OC

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Either Way I Win

In 2019, after almost eighteen years of major health battles and being told on multiple occasions that I only had hours left to live, I experienced a beautiful miracle from God.

At that point in 2019, doctors believed I only had weeks remaining. The situation looked impossible. The circumstances seemed hopeless. Yet Jesus stepped into the middle of the story and reminded me that He always has the final say.

It was a true miracle.

Since that miracle, however, my journey has not been without additional challenges. I have endured multiple serious battles with COVID and also suffered a stroke. Today, my health journey has entered its twenty-fourth year.

Over those years, countless people have prayed for my complete healing. I am deeply grateful for every prayer, every encouraging message, every act of kindness, and every person who has stood beside me during difficult seasons. Those prayers have meant more than I could ever adequately express.

But as I have prayed about my health and spent time talking with Jesus, I have found myself reflecting on this journey from a different perspective.

I think about the many patients I have met over the years.

I think about the hospital rooms.

I think about the waiting rooms.

I think about the difficult conversations.

I think about the opportunities God has given me to pray with people, encourage people, and remind people that they are not alone.

Some Christians have viewed my health journey as something negative. They have looked at the diagnoses, the treatments, the setbacks, and the ongoing battles and wondered why God has not completely removed them.

But I have never viewed my journey that way.

I have always seen it as an opportunity.

An opportunity to share the love of Jesus.

An opportunity to share the hope of Jesus.

An opportunity to remind hurting people that God is still faithful even when life is difficult.

As I think about this, I am reminded of others whom God has used powerfully despite significant challenges.

I think about the Apostle Paul, who prayed for the “removal of his thorn in the flesh”, yet God told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul went on to impact the world with the Gospel despite his ongoing struggles. 

I think about Joni Eareckson Tada, whose life and testimony have inspired millions around the world.

I think about Nick Vujicic, who was born without arms and legs yet continues to share the Gospel with millions across the globe.

I think about Billy Graham, who faithfully preached Christ throughout seasons of physical weakness and aging.

I think about Eric LeGrand, whose courage and faith have encouraged countless people through adversity.

None of these individuals allowed their struggles to define them. Instead, they allowed God to use them right where they were. 

Their stories remind us that God’s power is not limited by our circumstances.

Throughout my own health journey, God has repeatedly shown me that my willingness to continue sharing the love and hope of Jesus during difficult seasons has encouraged others who are walking through storms of their own.

Sometimes we assume that our greatest ministry will happen after God removes our struggle.

But what if God wants to use us in the middle of the struggle?

What if the very battle we are asking Him to remove is the place where He is doing some of His greatest work?

What if our pain becomes a platform for His glory?

What if our scars become evidence of His faithfulness?

I still believe Jesus heals.

I still believe miracles happen.

After all, I am living proof that they do.

And maybe Jesus will choose to perform another miracle in my life on this side of Heaven.

Maybe He will completely restore every area of my health.

I certainly welcome the prayers everyone continues to pray for my healing.

But perhaps God is using this season exactly as it is.

Perhaps there are people I can reach because of this journey that I could never reach otherwise.

Perhaps there are conversations that happen because of these challenges that would never happen without them.

Perhaps Jesus has me planted exactly where He wants me.

So if God leads you, please continue praying for my healing.

But also pray that Jesus continues to use me.

Pray that I remain faithful.

Pray that I continue to encourage others.

Pray that I continue sharing His love and hope wherever He opens a door.

Because whether I receive another miracle here on earth or whether God continues to use me in the middle of this battle, my victory is already secure in Christ.

If He heals me completely here on earth, I win.

If He uses my story to bring hope to others, I win.

If He uses my struggles to point people toward Jesus, I win.

And one day, whether through healing here or perfect healing in Heaven, I will stand in the presence of my Savior completely restored.

Either way, I win.

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

And that is a victory no illness can ever take away. ~OC

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Two Questions Every Christian Should Ask Themselves

Today’s a new day! 

There are two questions that have been on my heart recently, and honestly, they are questions I need to ask myself as much as anyone else.

Question #1: When someone looks at your life, would they want to be like you?

Not because we’re perfect.

Not because we have all the answers.

Not because we’ve never failed.

But when people see our lives, do they see something different? Do they see the peace of Christ in the middle of chaos? Do they see grace when others are harsh? Do they see hope when circumstances seem hopeless? Do they see a faith that remains steady when life gets difficult?

The Apostle Paul boldly wrote, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

That is a challenging statement. Could we honestly say the same?

When people watch how we treat our spouses, our children, our neighbors, the cashier at the grocery store, or even those who disagree with us, are they seeing Jesus reflected in us?

The truth is that our lives may be the only Bible some people ever encounter. Every conversation, every action, every response to adversity is an opportunity to point people toward Christ—or away from Him.

None of us get it right all the time. I certainly don’t. But our goal should be to live in such a way that others are drawn not to us, but to the Savior living within us.

Question #2: Do you have a passion to praise and serve Jesus?

Christianity was never meant to be a once-a-week activity.

It was never meant to be a religious checkbox.

It was never meant to be a routine without relationship.

Jesus gave everything for us. He carried our sins to the Cross, conquered death through His resurrection, and offers us eternal life. How can we not respond with passionate praise and wholehearted service?

Praise isn’t just singing songs on Sunday morning. Praise is thanking God when life is good. Praise is trusting Him when life is hard. Praise is lifting His name when the diagnosis comes, when the bills pile up, when the storm refuses to leave.

Service isn’t just what happens inside church walls. Service happens when we encourage someone who is hurting. It happens when we pray for others. It happens when we meet needs, show compassion, and become the hands and feet of Jesus in a broken world.

The question isn’t whether we attend church.

The question is whether our hearts burn with a love for Jesus.

Do we wake up looking for opportunities to honor Him?

Do we seek ways to serve others in His name?

Do we long to know Him more deeply today than we did yesterday?

A Personal Reflection:

As I ask these questions of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, I must also ask them of myself.

When people look at my life, do they see Jesus?

Am I living in a way that inspires others to draw closer to Him?

Do I still have a passion to praise Him through every season?

Do I still have a desire to serve Him with whatever time, talents, and opportunities He has given me?

These aren’t questions meant to bring condemnation. They are questions meant to bring reflection and renewal.

Perhaps today is a good day for all of us to pause and ask God to search our hearts.

May our lives be a testimony of His goodness.

May our words point people toward His truth.

May our actions reflect His love.

And may we never lose our passion to praise and serve the One who gave everything for us.

Lord, let my life be a reflection of You. Help me live in such a way that others see Jesus in me. Rekindle my passion to praise You, serve You, and follow You faithfully every day. Amen. ~OC

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When We Care More About Position Than Protection

Today’s a new day!

I know many people may disagree with what I am about to say, and that’s okay. Healthy disagreement is part of life and part of the Church. But I stand firmly by these words.

I care far more about the victims of abuse in our churches than I do about whether a woman teaches a Bible study, preaches a sermon, or stands behind a pulpit in a Southern Baptist Church—or any other church.

For years, countless hours, meetings, conferences, articles, and social media debates have focused on the role of women in ministry. Entire denominations have wrestled with the question. Churches have split over it. Christians have passionately argued both sides.

Yet while some believers are consumed with debates about who is allowed to speak from the platform, children, teenagers, and vulnerable adults have suffered abuse in churches that were supposed to be safe places.

That should break our hearts.

When Jesus walked this earth, He consistently placed people above power, compassion above control, and protection of the vulnerable above religious posturing. He reserved some of His strongest words for religious leaders who burdened others while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

I cannot help but wonder what Jesus thinks when churches spend more energy debating who can preach or teach than they spend ensuring children are protected.

I cannot help but wonder what He thinks when victims are ignored, silenced, questioned, or blamed while church leaders focus on preserving reputations and institutions.

The Church should be the safest place on earth for a child.

The safest place for a survivor.

The safest place for the wounded.

The safest place for those seeking healing.

And yet, too often, it has not been.

This is not a statement against theology. 

Theology matters. Scripture matters. Church governance matters. But if our theological discussions become more important than protecting people made in the image of God, something has gone terribly wrong.

If Christians are more concerned about a woman’s role in ministry than they are about children being abused, they have missed something essential in the teachings of Jesus.

If we can passionately argue about positions while remaining silent about victims, we need to examine our priorities.

If we are quicker to defend institutions than to defend the brokenhearted, we need to return to the heart of Christ.

Jesus welcomed children.

Jesus protected the vulnerable.

Jesus stood with the hurting.

Jesus confronted religious leaders who had lost sight of what mattered most.

The Church should do the same.

The world is watching how we respond. More importantly, survivors are watching.

They don’t need another debate.

They need safety.

They need accountability.

They need justice.

They need compassion.

They need to know that the Church values their well-being more than its reputation.

My prayer is that Christians of every denomination would become known not merely for what we believe, but for how fiercely we protect the vulnerable, how seriously we take abuse allegations, how compassionately we care for survivors, and how faithfully we reflect the heart of Jesus.

Because at the end of the day, protecting the vulnerable is not a political issue.

It is not a denominational issue.

It is not a conservative issue or a progressive issue.

It is a Jesus issue. ~OC

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If The Twelve Disciples Applied For Church Membership Today

“Think about this for a moment: the twelve disciples of Jesus could not pass a background check to get into most churches today.”

That statement may sound shocking at first, but take a closer look at the men Jesus chose to change the world.

Peter was impulsive and publicly denied Christ three times.

James and John earned the nickname “Sons of Thunder” because of their fiery tempers and desire to call down judgment on people.

Matthew was a tax collector, viewed by many as a traitor and a sinner.

Thomas struggled with doubt.

Simon the Zealot was associated with a radical political movement.

And Judas would eventually betray Jesus.

If these men submitted applications to many modern churches, some would likely be rejected before ever making it through the front door.

Yet these are the very people Jesus chose.

Jesus did not build His ministry around people with perfect resumes. He built it around people whose lives would be transformed by grace.

The Gospel has never been about finding people who have it all together. It has always been about redeeming people who know they don’t.

Too often, we can be tempted to evaluate people based on their past failures, mistakes, addictions, broken relationships, or reputation. We forget that every saint has a past and every sinner has a future when Christ enters the story.

The church was never meant to be a museum displaying perfect people. It was meant to be a hospital where broken people encounter the healing power of Jesus.

Imagine if Jesus had looked at Peter’s denial before calling him. Imagine if He had focused on Thomas’ doubt instead of his potential. Imagine if He had rejected Matthew because of his profession.

The early church would have looked very different.

Thankfully, Jesus sees beyond our failures. He sees who we can become when His grace takes hold of our lives.

This doesn’t mean sin doesn’t matter. It doesn’t mean character is unimportant. Transformation is real, and discipleship matters deeply. But we must remember that transformation is often a process, not an instant event.

The disciples were not finished products when Jesus called them. They were works in progress.

So are we.

So is everyone who will walk through your church doors. 

The next time you encounter someone whose past makes you uncomfortable, remember the men Jesus chose. Remember that the kingdom of God has always been built by redeemed sinners who encountered extraordinary grace.

After all, if God can use fishermen, doubters, hotheads, tax collectors, and former rebels to turn the world upside down, He can certainly use us.

The church should never become a place where people are judged solely by where they have been. It should be a place where people discover who they can become through Jesus Christ.

Grace saw something in the disciples that the world could not see.

May we learn to see people the same way. ~OC

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Dangerous Temptation

Today’s a new day!

There is a dangerous temptation in the modern Church to preach against only the sins we personally dislike while remaining silent about the sins we tolerate, excuse, or even benefit from. Over the years, I’ve noticed that when some preachers confront the sins of American culture, the focus is often narrowed almost entirely to sexual morality, transgender debates, or Islam. While Scripture certainly calls believers to holiness and truth in every area of life, the Bible’s prophetic voice speaks just as forcefully against corporate greed, political corruption, racism, systemic injustice, slander, deception, pride, exploitation, and the neglect of the poor.

The Word of God does not allow us to selectively condemn sin based on political convenience or cultural comfort. The prophets confronted corrupt leaders who oppressed the vulnerable. Jesus rebuked religious hypocrisy and exposed systems that devoured widows while pretending to honor God. The apostles warned against greed, favoritism, division, and lovelessness just as seriously as they warned against sexual immorality.

Faithfulness to Christ means proclaiming the whole counsel of God — even when it confronts our own tribe, ideology, assumptions, or lifestyle.  

Too often, Christians can become passionate about the sins “out there” while ignoring the idols hidden within our own hearts. We may denounce immorality while harboring bitterness. We may speak loudly about truth while spreading slander or conspiracy. We may defend “Christian values” while neglecting the poor, the immigrant, the orphan, or the widow. Yet Scripture consistently reminds us that God sees all sin clearly and calls His people to repentance, humility, mercy, and holiness.

The apostle Paul paints a sobering picture of the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21. The list includes sexual immorality, yes — but it also includes hatred, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, envy, and drunkenness. Likewise, Colossians 3:5-9 confronts not only sexual sin, but greed, anger, malice, slander, and lying. In 1 Corinthians6:9-11, Paul reminds believers that many of us were once trapped in various forms of sin, “but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

That is the hope of the Gospel.

The answer is not pretending some sins matter less than others. Nor is it weaponizing morality against people we fear or dislike. The answer is repentance at the foot of the Cross. The ground is level there. Every one of us stands in desperate need of grace.

God’s grace is greater than all our various sins.

Romans 13:14 tells us to “clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” The call of Christianity is not culture war obsession; it is Christlikeness. It is allowing the Holy Spirit to expose every corner of our hearts — not just the sins that are easiest to preach about.

The Church must recover a prophetic voice that is not controlled by political parties, media outrage, or cultural tribalism. We are called to speak truth with courage and love, whether that truth confronts personal immorality, greed in the marketplace, racism in society, corruption in government, or pride within the Church itself.

Biblical Christianity does not belong to the “left” or the “right.” It belongs to Jesus.

And when we truly follow Jesus, He will challenge every idol we try to protect. ~OC

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A Country Divided

Today’s a new day! I debated on whether to share the following or not. But after praying about it, I decided it was time to share the newest writing. Well, new for you, but I have been holding on to it for some time. 

As I have watched the news, scrolled social media, and had conversations with family and friends, I have been heartbroken. The division, the cruelty, the “us versus them” mentality… it literally makes me sick to my stomach. I have watched the name-calling. I have watched politics turn human beings into teams, tribes, targets, and enemies. 

People ask me all the time if I’m a Democrat or a Republican. My answer is simple: I vote for whoever I believe will do the least harm in that moment. That’s it. Politics has taken on a level of hatred I want no part of. 

A house divided cannot stand. 

 And I am afraid this country is tearing itself apart piece by piece. 

The last time I remember seeing this country truly united in my lifetime was when those towers fell on September 11th. For a brief moment, we were not White, Black, Democrat, Republican, Rich, Poor, Blue State, Red State Left or Right. 

We were simply Americans. 

We cried together. We prayed together. We held each other up. And as tragic as that moment was, the unity that followed was a beautiful thing to witness. 

I miss that. 

Now everybody wants to be right, but not enough people want to be righteous. 

My health issues have taken a lot from me over the years. But at the same time, it’s allowed me to see life with a whole new perspective. So I do not share to gain anything. I am not afraid of backlash. I’ve got nothing left to lose except my place in heaven, and I refuse to give that up. 

I don’t agree with sin — any sin — but I will always love the person. 

That’s what Jesus did. 

When the woman caught in adultery was thrown at His feet, the crowd wanted to stone her. They wanted punishment. They wanted to feel righteous by destroying someone else. 

But Jesus didn’t join the mob. 

He protected her dignity first. 

Then He said, “Go and sin no more.” 

He corrected the sin without crushing the soul. 

That’s the example I try to follow. 

And look at how Jesus treated immigrants and strangers. 

He said, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”  

He praised the Good Samaritan — a foreigner — as the true neighbor. 

He never taught us to fear people crossing borders. 

But today, we treat immigrants in ways we wouldn’t treat our dogs. 

We act like every one of them is a criminal. 

We forget they’re human beings — fathers, mothers, grandparents, children — many running from danger, hoping for a chance to do things the right way. 

Not all of them are criminals. 

Not all of them are threats. 

Every one of them deserves dignity and a chance to become a citizen the right way. 

This is who I try to be: 

Someone who chooses decency even when it costs something. 

Someone who refuses to join the outrage machine. 

Someone who speaks up for people being dehumanized — whether they’re immigrants, LGBTQ, disabled, poor, or simply different. 

I do not have a platform. 

I do not have a microphone. 

I have a body that doesn’t work very well anymore. 

But I still have eyes. 

I still have a conscience. 

And I still have a responsibility to speak the truth as I see it in the scriptures.

When God finally calls me home, I want to leave it knowing I stood on the side of compassion — not cruelty. On the side of humanity — not division. On the side of Jesus — not the crowd with the stones in their hands. ~OC

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I Cried Out

There are moments in the life of a believer when words fail, when sermons feel too small, and when the only honest response left is tears. Recently, I found myself bowed low on my knees before God, overwhelmed by a grief so deep it felt impossible to fully explain. It was not grief over politics, culture, or the chaos of the world alone. It was grief over the condition of the global Church, especially here in America.

As I prayed, tears streamed down my face. Not tears of hopelessness, but tears of burden. Tears born from the realization that we are living in a critical hour, yet so many believers seem spiritually asleep.

The Church in America has more platforms, more buildings, more resources, and more influence than many generations before us ever dreamed of. Yet somehow, in the middle of abundance, we have often lost our hunger for the presence of God. We have mastered performance while neglecting prayer. We have learned how to build crowds while forgetting how to carry the cross. We have polished the image of Christianity while starving for genuine holiness.

And still, God is calling.

Even now, Heaven is extending mercy.

Even now, the Spirit of God is crying out to awaken His people.

I believe we are standing at a crossroads. One path leads toward comfort, compromise, and spiritual numbness. The other leads toward repentance, purification, surrender, and revival. The frightening reality is that many do not realize the urgency of the moment we are living in. Time is moving quickly. Eternity is drawing near. The hour is late.

The world does not need another watered-down gospel designed to entertain people while leaving them unchanged. The world needs a Church burning with holiness, truth, compassion, humility, and power. It needs believers who are not ashamed of Jesus. It needs disciples willing to pray when nobody is watching, obey when it is unpopular, and love when it costs something.

God is not looking for perfect people. He is looking for surrendered people.

Throughout Scripture, awakening always began the same way: with brokenness. Before revival came repentance. Before restoration came humility. Before God moved publicly, His people first wept privately.

Perhaps that is why the burden feels so heavy right now.

Because deep down, many believers sense that we cannot continue playing games with God. We cannot keep treating the holy things of Heaven casually. We cannot keep building our own kingdoms while neglecting His. We cannot keep blending in with a dying world while claiming to carry the light of Christ.

Jesus did not call us to cultural Christianity. He called us to die to ourselves and follow Him fully.

This is the hour for the Church to return to prayer.

Return to holiness.

Return to the Word of God.

Return to compassion.

Return to reverence.

Return to the secret place.

Return to our first love.

I believe God is shaking everything that can be shaken, not to destroy His people, but to awaken them. Some trust in personalities, platforms, politics, or programs, but none of those things can save us. Our hope has never been in human strength. Our hope is and always will be Jesus Christ.

The answer for America is not found in louder opinions. The answer is repentance and revival. 

The answer is the Church becoming the Church again.

So today, I continue to pray through tears:

“Lord, awaken us again. Purify Your Bride. Burn away every distraction, every idol, every compromise, and every counterfeit thing living inside of us. Teach us to fear You again. Teach us to love what You love. Refocus our hearts on eternity. Let revival begin in us first.”

May we not waste this hour.

May we not sleep through this moment.

May we not stand before God one day realizing we were too distracted by temporary things to pursue what mattered most.

Time is running out.

But the mercy of God is still calling His people home. ~OC

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