Today’s a new day!
Today’s a new day! Sadly, Christian Nationalism will be on every ballot this election season and the consequences for communities of faith — and for the practice of open government — have seldom been graver than this one.
As a white person of faith, I will embrace the opportunity to vote against every candidate who embraces or refuses to speak out against the hate of Christian Nationalism. On November 5th, I will take a stand against this ungodly theology and choose to “Vote with Love.” ~OC
Today’s a new day! Did you know there are 1,430 hate groups in the United States alone. Sadly, those numbers are growing. While many tend to be small, they have political power and want to see unrest across America.
Hate groups will continue to poison hearts, stir up violence, and polarize people in 2024 and beyond. So to gear up for these challenges, I reflected back on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s book Strength to Love. I encourage you to check it out.
The book is a fascinating read, but one of the phrases Dr. King used truly grabbed my attention. Dr. King calls us to be “Transformed Nonconformist” Here is the scripture that Dr. King used to come up with this beautiful term.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
Transformed nonconformists reject racism, discrimination, hatred and anything that tears our society apart and tries to divide us.
Transformed nonconformists break the chain reaction of evil by refusing to “fight fire with fire.”
Why? Because as Dr. King explains, “Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence… in a descending spiral of destruction” This is one of the main reasons for not responding in kind to evil. In the powerful words of Mahatma Ghandi, “An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.”
The second part of Romans 12 describes the divine reason we break the chain reaction of evil. The Scriptures command us to conquer hate through the power of love:
*Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse (v. 14).
*Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone (v. 17).
*If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (v. 18).
*Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath (v. 19).
*If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink… (v. 20).
*Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (v. 21).
These commands indicate that a transformed nonconformist is in fact a peacemaker. And these peacemakers break the chain reaction of evil – through suffering, absorbing pain and responding in love.
Peacemaking is not for the faint of heart. Peacemaking demands an uncompromising rejection of the unloving ways of the world and a radical embrace of the enemy-loving way of Jesus.
I read an article once where a civil rights worker was asked how he was able to endure racial hatred and violence while working for justice. “The hatred coming at me in those fists and clubs was bouncing right off me back into the air, and it could just continue to spread like electricity. I decided not to fight back. I would let my body absorb that hatred, so that some of it would die in my body and not bounce back into the world. I now see that my job in the midst of evil is to make my body a grave for hate.”
Did you catch that last sentence? “Making my body a grave for hate.” That sounds scary. It is! That is why I chose to follow Jesus – the one who made his body a grave for hate, the one who rose from the grave, and the one who said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you” (John 20:21).
I pray you will join me on this journey of Love over hate. ~OC
Today’s a new day! Along this journey called life, we all deal with fear. Fear can hit us during what we thought would be a routine doctors appointment. Fear can hit us when test result comes back with more questions than answers. Fear can hit us when we watch the news or scroll through social media. We have all experienced fear in our lives.
Back in 2003, one of my doctors called me early one morning and shared he needed to see me right away. Then he made the comment “Oh and make sure you bring your wife.” A little fear hit me at that moment. Later when the doctor shared I had a tumor, the fear grew a little deeper. Fear, worry and anxiety. My wife and I experienced all those feelings sitting in that doctor’s office.
A few weeks later a biopsy revealed the tumor was the size of golfball and was cancerous. Once again, fear, worry and anxiety smacked me in the face. Things seemed overwhelming at that point.
Then something amazing happened. As I laid in ICU hooked up to several machines, God took away the fear, worry and anxiety. Those feelings were replaced by peace, calmness and even joy. Yes, joy. What changed?
God reminded me of the week long fast I had done a year earlier during a missions trip. He revealed the reason I had fasted was to prepare me for this very moment. Peace flooded my room and heart at that moment. In that moment, I completely turned my health situation over to Jesus and trusted Him to walk me through my unknown future.
Even though I had been filled with fear, anxiety and worry, Jesus was right there with me. He shared hope, love and peace even as I was overwhelmed with so many different emotions. God never abandoned me in my time of need.
During that moment, I still had to deal with life as a cancer patient. But that unknown did not overwhelm me anymore. Jesus reminded me that He was bigger than any health issue I would ever face. I am thankful, I did not know my future would be full of more health issues, test, multiple doctors appointments and hospital stays. No, at that moment I was just filled with peace. A peace that has never left me.
Here I am in 2024, after overcoming so much, but still dealing with so many health issues. Fear and worry try to overwhelm me at times, but I am still experiencing that same peace and joy I experienced in that ICU room so many years ago. Knowing that Jesus is still bigger than anything life throws at me. Still living life with a thankful heart. ~OC
Today’s a new day! I write this as another hurricane comes through Florida. A good majority of the state is still recovering from another hurricane that hit us just a few weeks ago. These back-to-back hurricanes got me to thinking.
One thing about the storms of life is they do not last forever. They come and go. It is the size of our faith in God that determines how we will make it through each storm we face. Overcoming the storms of life can be overwhelming at times. When going through the storms of life, our faith and focus should be on God, the author and the finisher of our faith, not our problems. Sometimes that is easier said than done. It is during the storms of life when our faith is tested.
The only way to overcome the storm is to face and confront it. Overcomers cannot afford to play hide and seek with challenges, but instead must choose to face and deal with them head on. The challenges we are facing are just for a short time. We can never allow them to rob us of our destiny. We can never give up on life, on our faith, on our family/friends, and on the important things in life. We must face the storms of life and trust God for a brighter future. God did not bring us this far to leave us. He has a purpose for our lives. The word of God says- But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. ~Isaiah 43:31. I do not know about you, but that gives me hope.
While all the other birds fly away from the storm with fear, an eagle spreads its mighty wings and uses the current to soar to greater heights. An eagle doesn’t run for safety during the storms, but rather, it takes advantage of it to soar to some higher spot. Storms need somebody who will not give up no matter how hard it is. During the storms, take advantage to pray harder and worship like never before. There are times when the storms of life hit us so hard, when the storms threaten to sweep away all that we have. I am talking about times when the storms take away our loved ones, when the storms take away our possessions. Those are the very times we need to stand up and face the storms head on. God is bigger than any storm we will ever face in life. To overcome the storms of life, we have to have faith which is bigger than the storms. Our life is not over until God says it is.
If we are going to overcome the storms of life, we must let go of certain things surrounding our lives. We have to let go of some people who are holding us back. We have to let go of all of our fears and doubts. We have to let go of everything that is weighing us down and soar to a higher spot. Leave gossipers to gossip, leave haters to hate. Overcomers do not have time to confront everyone who speaks against them. Those living without purpose have limited vision, but overcomers see beyond the storms. Your storm will not last forever. Keep soaring! ~OC
Today’s a new day! God did not bring you this far to lose. Keep your head up and keep fighting. You are strong enough. God knew when he chose you, that nobody would run harder for him than you. When the enemy showed up at God’s door, and shared he wanted a fight, God needed someone on the frontline and he chose you. God didn’t choose you by accident. He chose you because he knew when things got tough you would not run away. No you would run to a the battle. No retreat. There is no quit in you. You have been through battles way tougher than anything the enemy could ever throw at you. And you continue to overcome. So stop complaining and step up! God has brought you through bigger battles than this. God will not settle for the world’s second best for you. You have to choose to step up and out for your God given purpose. Stop just passing through life. Every hater and naysayer will try to hold you down, but you are a child of God’s. So keep fighting. Never give up! Choose to be all that God created you to be. A Overcomer! Don’t stop running until you receive your prize. Anything standing in your way will be defeated. So get up and be the Champion God created you to be. Go get it! ~OC
Dear Jesus, we have seen you calm natural storms and stormy lives.
We are praying you extend your power and grace again,
especially upon those most recent storm victims.
Speak peace and healing over the lives of so many broken by Hurricane Helene.
Jesus, speak peace.
Speak peace and hope over families and communities devastated by the sudden loss caused by Hurricane Helene.
Jesus, speak peace.
Speak peace and unity over diverse groups of people, so they would come together for the greater good and the rebuilding of lives and communities.
Jesus, speak peace.
Speak peace and protection over rescue workers, first responders and all volunteers as they reach out to those who are suffering.
Jesus, speak peace.
Speak calmness over Hurricane Milton as it rages in the open waters. May everyone in its path be safe.
You are the Prince of Peace.
You are the Resurrection and the Life.
You are strong to save and restore.
Our hope and trust are in you. Amen.
Today’s a new day! Being chronically ill comes with a lot of ups and downs and a wide range of emotions. These emotions can be so strong and overwhelming at times. As you walk through the different stages of being chronically ill, you are faced with a lot of situations that you could never prepare for and those moments can make you feel like you’re on an emotional roller coaster. Physical health affects your mental, emotional and spiritual health more than people would think.
When you are chronically ill, your life becomes a vicious cycle of intense symptoms and flares. This can leave you feeling completely hopeless and lost at times. But even at moments when it feels impossible to find joy, it is possible, even on the darkest days. Some days you have to search a little harder for that joy but it is always there. Joy looks different to everyone. As a chronic illness warrior it is so important that you surround yourself with joy because it is easy to lose hope of experiencing pure joy again.
I find joy in many ways in my life and I really make an effort to make those things a part of my daily living. One of the main ways that I find joy/happiness is by leaning into my faith. My faith has allowed me to overcome a lot of tough moments in this journey. I also surround myself with the love and support of my family and the few friends who have decided to stay in the boat with me. A supportive group of people have the ability to turn my bad days into great days. I am so thankful for each of them because they not only provide peace/joy, they also give me so much hope. I also find joy and happiness in doing things I love such as: writing,listening to music and making memories with my bride.
The past month has been filled with more tough news regarding my health. Looking back on the past month, joy has still there even in the darkest days. Sometimes during hard times things become so overwhelming that we forget that even then we can still find joy in the little things. It is okay to have bad days but it is so important that everyday we challenge ourselves to stop and find happiness and joy. Joy always outweighs the bad and it is so important that we remind ourselves of that. Have a great day! ~OC
Today’s a new day! I know I will take some heat for this post, but I am a big boy. As we move toward another presidential election, I truly am trying to understand how Christians can continue to support Donald Trump. In all seriousness and good faith, I’m asking you to tell me.
I am posting a number of questions here and I would truly love your honest feedback about your support of the former President.
I would ask that nobody leave sarcastic, snarky or rude answers or comments. I truly do want to understand how a Christian could cast their vote for Donald Trump.
I grew up in the Church, so I know we are all more than one thing. I know if I was just released from the hospital, you would start a meal train. If I were in a car wreck you’d stop to help me. You wouldn’t ask if I’m a Christian or a Democrat or a DEI worker. You’d just help. I know that side of so many of you. That’s part of what makes your support of Trump so baffling to me.
I want to understand this issue that puzzles me because what I see in the former President is absolutely antithetical to the gospel I learned about as a child in that Southern Baptist church in South Florida.
I want to understand how you see the former president so very differently than I do. So, please, write in and respond to one or two of these questions:
1). Why do you as a Christian support Donald Trump?
2). Do you think Trump as a person and/or his former presidency and current campaign express the love of God in Christ for others to see?
3). Does Trump’s personal moral behavior matter to you as long as he supports policies you want?
4). Do you think Donald Trump is a good role model for your children or grandchildren?
5). The Bible many times over says to welcome the foreigner within your borders. How does that square with Trump’s ultra anti-immigrant stance and policies that especially target migrants at our southern border?
6). What do you think of Trump’s history of sexual misconduct and impropriety, including comments about his own daughter, Ivanka?
7). The former president has threatened chaos, including the possibility of a civil war, if he’s not elected. What do you think of that?
8). If you believe the U.S. is supposed to be a Christian nation, what do you think we should do about the non-Christians who live here?
9). If the U.S. is supposed to be a Christian nation, which Christians get to decide public policy?
10). What do you think of how Trump calls people names or says ugly things about people?
11). Are you bothered by all of the Trump lies?
12). How does your support of Trump square with the Gospel for you?
I really hope and pray my fellow Christians will take the time to study and answer these questions. Thank you. ~OC
Today’s a new day! Imagine, you’re given a gift. When you take a peak inside, it seems more like a curse than a gift. This gift is unfortunately going to cause pain and loss. But this gift is also going to radically change your life and the lives around you. This gift is going to bring family and friends together. You will reconnect with friends and acquaintances that you haven’t heard from in years.
This gift will redefine your faith and your purpose in life. The small things in life will mean more to you. Conversations with friends and strangers will take on a new whole meaning. You will not feel rushed. That next meeting can wait. You will form new friendships that will change your life.
You will be challenged. Oh, the challenges will be real. But you will also be inspired, motivated and humbled. Peace, happiness and love will take on a whole new meaning.
By know, your mind is running in circles trying to figure out this gift. You might be thinking where can I get this incredible gift? Can I order it off of Amazon? Is there a waiting list? Probably not. This gift came to me twenty-two years ago. You cannot really wrap it up in a box and make it look pretty. The gift I am talking about is several life threatening health issues. This gift keeps on taking my life.
And while I am maintaining at this time, I would not wish this gift for you or anyone. I doubt you would ever want this gift. But I personally would never return this gift. It has profoundly changed my life for the better. I would probably need several days to share all the beautiful lessons this gift has given me.
So the next time you face something that’s unwanted, unexpected and uncertain, take a moment to consider it might just be a gift. ~OC
Some mornings when I wake up early, I feel God using that time in an amazing way. But I have to be honest, some days those early mornings are tough. Today is one of those days. Let me share an early morning with Parkinson’s and dementia.
Today’s a new day! So it’s 3am and my brain is fully awake
I have been up since before 1am, but who’s counting? I am! Some days I wonder how my brain knows it’s 3am or earlier
Some days I wonder if my brain and I are on the same page
Oh, all the voices and noises
It can be a little scary, but I am thankful I haven’t gone a little insane
I think about my 3am folks going through the same, I wish I could reach out and lend each a helping hand
This early morning I look up to the sky
And sometimes wonder why my brain is so different
Some mornings I just want to cry
I wish I could just open my brain and hit the reset button, but that’s just a dream
On these crazy mornings, I wish it was just a phase
But I been running this race for too long for it to just be a phase
But a brother can still dream
Oh, wait a second you have to sleep to have a dream
There will be no more dreaming on this morning
All the voices and noises
It’s crazy, and I am thankful I haven’t gone mad
Thankful the voices don’t call me to danger
I wonder who’s up at 3am and would not freak if I rang them?
So at 3 am I go out on the balcony
And I talk to God, thank goodness He always takes my call
It’s 3am am I look up and pray
On mornings like this, I do not feel like anyone else
I feel like a stranger
It’s 3 am, once again
Talking to God because He always answers when I call
He reminds me that I am not like anyone else
That I am unique and wonderfully made,
That gives me some peace
I bet God gets a lot of calls at 3am
That gives me comfort as I look out over the night sky and I pray. ~OC
The Blessed Overcomer 