Tag: Character

Good Trouble for the Church

Today’s a new day!

The late Congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis left us with a simple but powerful challenge: “Get into good trouble, necessary trouble.”Get His words were never an invitation to create chaos. They were a call to courage—to stand for what is right when remaining silent would be easier.

As I look at the state of the American Church today, I can’t help but wonder if we need a little more good trouble.

I love the Church. I believe Jesus established the Church to be the hope of the world, a place where broken people discover healing, where sinners find grace, where the lonely find family, and where the Gospel transforms lives. My concern doesn’t come from a lack of love—it comes because I love the Church too much to stay silent when I see it drifting from its mission.

Too often, it seems many churches and Christian leaders have become more passionate about politics than about the Gospel. We know how to defend a political party, but do we defend the forgotten? We know how to argue over elections, but do we weep over the lost? We rally around candidates, but are we rallying around the Cross?

The Gospel was never meant to be wrapped in a political or American flag.

Jesus didn’t tell His followers to seek political power. He told them to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. He welcomed the outsider, touched the untouchable, defended the marginalized, and proclaimed good news to the poor. His ministry consistently crossed cultural, social, and political boundaries because His Kingdom was never confined by them.

The Church should be known first for its love—not its voting record.

Perhaps it’s time for some “Good Trouble.”

The kind of good trouble that speaks up when refugees are treated without dignity.

The kind of good trouble that refuses to ignore the hungry, the homeless, the disabled, the widow, the orphan, and the immigrant because Scripture refuses to ignore them.

The kind of good trouble that challenges churches to be known more for compassion than for culture wars.

The kind of good trouble that reminds us our neighbors are not our enemies.

The kind of good trouble that chooses the teachings of Jesus over political talking points.

This isn’t about choosing the political left or the political right. It’s about choosing the narrow road that Jesus called us to walk. The Kingdom of God has never fit neatly inside any political platform.

The early Church changed the world without controlling governments. They changed it because they loved radically, served sacrificially, shared generously, and proclaimed Christ boldly. They cared for plague victims, rescued abandoned children, fed the hungry, and welcomed those society rejected. Their witness wasn’t built on political influence—it was built on Christlike love.

Imagine if today’s Church became known once again for that kind of faith.

Imagine communities where every person—regardless of race, nationality, economic status, disability, or political affiliation—knew they would be welcomed because they bear the image of God.

Imagine churches where serving the poor mattered as much as winning debates.

Imagine Christians who were recognized not by the politicians they defended, but by the Savior they followed.

That’s the kind of good trouble our generation desperately needs.

The Gospel is still good news.

The Cross is still enough.

The Church still has the opportunity to be the light of the world—but only if we remember whose Kingdom we belong to.

May we have the courage to lovingly challenge what needs challenging, to speak truth with grace, and to follow Jesus wherever He leads—even when it costs us comfort, popularity, or influence.

If that causes a little good trouble, perhaps that’s exactly where the Church needs to be. ~OC

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Keep Being You, Ryan Clark

I have never met Ryan Clark, but I have long been a fan of his work.

Like many football fans, I appreciate his knowledge of the game. He breaks down plays with intelligence, passion, and the perspective of someone who has actually lived the NFL experience. But what has always stood out to me even more than his football analysis is his willingness to speak his mind.

Ryan Clark has never seemed interested in simply telling people what they want to hear. Whether discussing football or larger issues affecting society, he has consistently been willing to stand up for people whose voices are often overlooked. You may not always agree with everything he says—that’s perfectly reasonable—but you always know where he stands.

This week, ESPN parted ways with Ryan Clark. 

As I write this, I have not seen an official explanation detailing the reasons behind that decision. Because of that, anything beyond the publicly available facts is speculation.

From my perspective, it is difficult not to wonder whether his willingness to speak openly on social issues played a role. That is simply my opinion, not a statement of fact. If that were the case, I would find it disappointing. In a country that values free expression, thoughtful disagreement should not be something we fear. People can disagree passionately while still respecting one another.

Regardless of the reasons behind ESPN’s decision, one thing seems clear to me: Ryan Clark’s talent did not disappear overnight. A respected football analyst with his experience, insight, and ability to connect with audiences will almost certainly have opportunities ahead. Great communicators have a way of finding new platforms.

Sometimes a closed door becomes the entrance to something even greater.

I have every confidence that Ryan Clark will land on his feet and continue building an outstanding career. Whether it’s on another network, through digital media, or in an entirely new venture, I believe his future remains incredibly bright.

To Ryan Clark, if you ever happen to read this: thank you for being authentic. Thank you for speaking with conviction, even when it isn’t easy. Continue to be yourself, continue to challenge conversations, and continue to bring your passion for football wherever your journey leads next.

I’ll be watching.

And I’ll be cheering you on.

Keep being you. ~OC

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True Difference-Makers

Today’s a new day!

We live in a culture that often celebrates the loudest voices, the biggest platforms, and the wealthiest people. Every day we are bombarded with stories of people chasing power, fame, influence, and money, as though those things alone define a successful life.

But I have discovered something far more inspiring.

There are still people quietly changing the world.

They may or may not trend on social media. They may or may not become household names. They may or may not receive the recognition they deserve. Yet every single day they choose compassion and truth over applause, service over status, and people over personal gain.

I wanted to take a moment to recognize just a few individuals whose lives have encouraged me.

Ricky Aiken- Inner City Innovators:

Ricky Aiken has dedicated his life to investing in young people and underserved communities through Inner City Innovators (https://innercityinnovators.org/). Rather than asking, “How can I become successful?” he asks, “How can I help someone else succeed?”

His work is about creating opportunities where others see obstacles, building hope where many only see despair, and reminding people that every life has value.

That kind of leadership isn’t built on ego.

It’s built on love.

Bryan Stevenson-Equal Justice Initiative:

Bryan Stevenson has spent decades standing beside people whom much of society has forgotten. Through the Equal Justice Initiative (https://eji.org/), he has become a powerful voice for justice, mercy, and human dignity.

One of his most memorable statements is this:

“Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.”

Those words reflect a truth Christians 

understand well. Every one of us stands in need of grace. Every one of us has been offered redemption through Christ.

Justice without compassion becomes cold.

Compassion without justice becomes incomplete.

Bryan Stevenson reminds us that both matter.

Benjamin R. Cremer:

Benjamin Cremer (https://benjaminrcremer.substack.com/ ), consistently challenges Christians to look more like Jesus than like the culture around us.

His writing encourages believers to choose humility over arrogance, love over outrage, and faithfulness over political power.

In a time when Christianity is too often associated with division, Benjamin continually points people back to the heart of Jesus.

Not everyone agrees with him.

That isn’t the point.

His willingness to speak with humility, compassion, and conviction is something our world desperately needs.

Suleika Jaouad:

Suleika Jaouad (https://www.suleikajaouad.com/), has shared her deeply personal journey through illness, uncertainty, hope, and resilience with remarkable honesty.

Instead of allowing suffering to define her, she has used it to connect with countless others walking through their own difficult seasons.

She reminds us that healing isn’t always about becoming who we once were.

Sometimes healing is becoming someone entirely new.

As someone who has spent many years navigating serious health challenges, I deeply appreciate voices that speak honestly about pain while refusing to surrender hope.

A Different Kind of Legacy

These four people come from different backgrounds.

They may have different beliefs.

They may serve in different ways.

Yet they share something that seems increasingly rare.

They have chosen to live for something bigger than themselves.

They remind us that changing the world doesn’t always happen from a stage.

Sometimes it happens in a courtroom.

Sometimes it happens in forgotten neighborhoods.

Sometimes it happens through honest conversations.

Sometimes it happens one person at a time.

What Will Be Said About Us?

When our lives are over, people probably won’t remember how many followers we had.

They won’t remember how much money we accumulated.

They won’t remember how famous we became.

They will remember how we treated people.

Did we lift others up?

Did we stand beside those who were hurting?

Did we speak truth with grace?

Did we leave the world more compassionate than we found it?

Jesus never told His followers to seek fame.

He told us to love our neighbors.

He never instructed us to chase power.

He taught us to become servants.

He never measured success by influence.

He measured it by faithfulness.

Perhaps that’s the kind of legacy worth pursuing.

In a world obsessed with being noticed, may we become people who quietly notice others.

Because those are often the people who change the world the most. ~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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The Book Of Jude And Today’s Political Climate

Today’s a new day! 

As I have been studying the Book of Jude, here are some of my thoughts:

The Book of Jude may be one of the shortest books in the Bible, but its message feels remarkably relevant in today’s political climate. Written as a warning to believers, Jude addressed a culture filled with deception, division, and individuals who sought power for their own gain. While Jude was not writing about modern politics, many of the principles he shared can help us navigate the world we live in today.

A Warning About Deception

Jude urged believers to “contend for the faith” because certain individuals had slipped into positions of influence and were leading people away from truth. Today, we live in a world overflowing with information, opinions, and competing narratives. Politicians, media outlets, influencers, and commentators all seek to shape public opinion.

The challenge for Christians is not to blindly follow a political party, personality, or movement. Our ultimate allegiance belongs to Jesus Christ. Jude reminds us that truth matters and that believers must exercise discernment rather than simply accepting whatever aligns with their preferences.

The Pursuit of Power

One of Jude’s concerns was people who pursued their own interests rather than God’s purposes. In today’s political environment, it can sometimes seem that the pursuit of power has become more important than serving people.

Political leaders are human. Some enter public service with honorable intentions, while others may become consumed by influence, recognition, or personal agendas. Jude reminds us that God sees the heart and that positions of authority come with accountability.

As Christians, we should pray for our leaders, support what is righteous, and speak against what is unjust regardless of which side of the political aisle it comes from.

Division and Hostility

Perhaps one of the most obvious connections between Jude and our current culture is the growing spirit of division. Families are divided. Friendships are strained. Churches sometimes find themselves fractured over political disagreements.

Jude warned about those who caused divisions among people. Today, social media algorithms, political rhetoric, and constant news cycles often encourage outrage rather than understanding.

The enemy would love for believers to become so consumed with political battles that they neglect the mission of the Gospel. Christians are called to be peacemakers, not merely partisans.

Mercy in the Middle of Conflict

One of the most beautiful passages in Jude is his instruction to show mercy. Even while warning about false teaching, Jude encourages believers to reach out to others with compassion.

In our political conversations, mercy is often in short supply. It is easy to label people, dismiss them, or assume the worst about those who disagree with us. Jude challenges us to stand firmly for truth while extending grace to others.

Truth without love becomes harsh. Love without truth becomes compromise. The Gospel calls us to embrace both.

Keeping Our Eyes on Christ

The greatest lesson Jude offers for today’s political climate is that our hope is not found in Washington, political parties, elections, or government programs. Governments rise and fall. Political movements come and go. Kingdoms throughout history have appeared powerful only to disappear.

Jesus Christ remains King.

Jude concludes his letter with one of the most encouraging doxologies in Scripture, reminding believers that God is able to keep us from stumbling and present us blameless before His presence.

When political tensions rise, Christians must remember that our citizenship is first in the Kingdom of God. We should be informed citizens, engaged in our communities, and faithful in prayer, but our confidence must never rest in earthly leaders.

Final Thoughts

The Book of Jude speaks directly into a culture of confusion, deception, division, and competing voices. While political climates change from generation to generation, God’s truth remains constant.

Rather than placing our faith in politicians, we are called to place our faith in Christ. Rather than allowing politics to divide us, we are called to love one another. Rather than being consumed by fear about the future, we can trust the One who holds the future in His hands.

In a world filled with political noise, the message of Jude remains clear: stand firm in the truth, walk in mercy, and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. ~OC

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Microwave Waiting

Today’s a new day! 

Waiting is one of the hardest parts of the Christian life. We pray. We cry out to God. We ask for direction, healing, provision, or restoration, and deep down we often expect an immediate answer. We live in a world of instant downloads, fast food, overnight shipping, and microwave solutions, so naturally we sometimes expect our prayers to work the same way.

We pray about a job and hope the phone rings tomorrow. 

We pray about a relationship and expect immediate reconciliation.


We pray about a health issue and long for instant healing.

And sometimes God does answer quickly. Sometimes doors swing wide open almost immediately. Sometimes healing comes fast, provision appears unexpectedly, and breakthrough arrives sooner than we imagined. Those moments remind us that God is powerful, loving, and fully able to move in an instant.

But other times… God’s timing feels like forever.

There are seasons when heaven seems quiet. Seasons where the prayer has been repeated hundreds of times. Seasons where tears have become part of the daily routine. In those moments, it can be tempting to believe God has forgotten us, ignored us, or moved on from our situation.

But the silence of God does not mean the absence of God.

Often, the waiting season is where God does some of His deepest work in us. While we are focused on the answer, God is focused on our heart. While we are praying for a destination, God is shaping our character during the journey.

Waiting teaches us trust.

Anyone can praise God when the answer comes quickly. But faith grows stronger when we continue trusting Him before we see the outcome. Waiting teaches perseverance. It teaches surrender. It teaches us to seek God not only for what He can give us, but simply for who He is.

Sometimes God delays the answer because He is protecting us. Sometimes He is preparing us. Sometimes He is arranging circumstances we cannot yet see. And sometimes He wants us to learn to hear His voice more clearly in the quiet place of dependence.

The Bible is filled with people who had to wait.

The Book of Psalms is full of cries from David asking, “How long, O Lord?” Abraham waited years for God’s promise. Joseph waited through betrayal and prison before stepping into purpose. Even the disciples had to wait after the resurrection before the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost.

The waiting was never wasted.

Neither is yours.

If you are praying today for a job, a relationship, healing, direction, or peace, do not give up because the answer has not arrived yet. Keep pressing in. Keep praying. Keep opening God’s Word. Keep worshiping when it is hard. Keep listening for His voice.

Sometimes God speaks through open doors.
Sometimes He speaks through closed doors.
And sometimes He speaks through the waiting itself.

Do not let delay destroy your faith. God is still working even when you cannot yet see the evidence. A seed underground looks invisible before it becomes a harvest.

God’s timing is not microwave timing. It is holy timing.

And when the answer finally comes, you may discover that the greatest miracle was not simply what God did for you, but what He did inside of you while you waited. ~OC

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We Need More Mr. Rogers’

Today’s a new day!

There was something quietly powerful about Fred Rogers. He didn’t need to raise his voice to be heard, didn’t rely on insults to make a point, and never tried to win by tearing someone else down. In a world that often feels louder, harsher, and quicker to judge, his gentle way of speaking truth with kindness stands out more than ever. The neighborhoods he built on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood weren’t just for children—they were a blueprint for how we might treat one another as adults. He reminded us that every person has value, that feelings are worth acknowledging, and that kindness is not weakness—it’s strength under control.

Contrast that with the culture we often see today, where bullying has been repackaged as confidence and cruelty gets disguised as honesty. Whether it shows up in schools, online spaces, or even public leadership, the tone can feel more like a battleground than a community. But the truth is, tearing people down has never built anything lasting. The world doesn’t need more voices shouting over each other—it needs more people willing to listen, to care, and to choose empathy over ego. Imagine what would happen if we measured success not by how many people we outshine, but by how many we lift up.

Maybe the call is simpler than we think. Be a little more patient. Speak a little more gently. Choose to understand before reacting. Those aren’t outdated ideals—they’re desperately needed ones. The legacy of Fred Rogers isn’t just something to admire from a distance; it’s something to live out in small, daily decisions. Because in the end, the world changes not through louder arguments, but through quieter acts of love. ~OC

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Integrity Over Influence

Dear Church and Christian Community,

Be careful about aligning yourself with voices that do not truly reflect the heart of God. Not everyone who speaks in ways that sound righteous is walking in truth. There are those who will use spiritual language, quote Scripture, and appear to stand for Christian values, yet their lives and motives reveal something far different. Discernment is not optional in this hour—it is essential. We must test every spirit, not by charisma or influence, but by the fruit they produce and the truth they uphold. Don’t allow yourself to be drawn in by words that sound good on the surface but are rooted in deception.

There is a dangerous temptation to trade integrity for influence—to get a seat at the political table at any cost. But what does it profit the Church to gain temporary access and lose its prophetic voice? When we entangle ourselves in a web of compromise and half-truths, our witness becomes clouded. The world is not changed by our proximity to power, but by our faithfulness to truth. Your temporary presence in places of influence may feel significant in the moment, but it can leave a lasting stain on your testimony if it is built on alignment with what is false.

Do not fall for the hype that blinds you from seeing clearly. Hype is loud, emotional, and persuasive—but truth is steady, consistent, and grounded in God’s Word. We are called to walk in the light, even when it costs us popularity, position, or approval. The Church must remain anchored in Christ, not swayed by cultural waves or political promises. Stand firm. Speak truth. And above all, guard your heart so that you are not led astray by what merely appears right, but instead remain faithful to what is right in the eyes of God. ~OC

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All-Time Low

The bar for character and respect among our politicians in America has been lowered so dramatically that it almost feels invisible. What once required integrity, humility, and a genuine sense of service now seems optional—so much so that you don’t even have to jump anymore to clear it. As Christians, this reality should not simply frustrate us; it should challenge us. Scripture reminds us in Philippians 4:8 to dwell on what is true, noble, right, pure, and admirable. When public leadership drifts from these values, it becomes even more important for believers to stand firmly in them, not just in what we expect from others, but in how we live our own lives.

It’s easy to point fingers at leaders and lament the cultural decline, but Jesus calls us to a higher standard. In Matthew 5:13–16, we are described as the salt and light of the world—preserving what is good and illuminating what is right. If the moral bar has fallen in politics, then the responsibility of Christians is not to lower our expectations, but to raise our witness. We are called to model respect, truthfulness, and grace in our conversations, even when others do not. Our hope is not in human leaders, but in God’s unchanging character. And through our daily actions, we can reflect His righteousness in a world that desperately needs it. ~OC

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No Authority

Today’s a new day!

Fear is a powerful emotion, but as a believer, it does not have authority over your life. Scripture reminds us time and time again that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. When fear tries to creep in—whether it’s fear of the unknown, fear of failure, or fear of loss—you can stand firm knowing that it does not come from God. Instead, it is something you are called to resist through faith. God’s presence in your life is greater than any anxiety that tries to take hold, and His promises are unshakable even when your circumstances feel uncertain.

Walking in freedom from fear requires trust. It means choosing to believe God’s truth over your feelings. Fear may speak loudly, but it does not have the final say—God does. When you anchor your heart in His Word, you begin to see that fear loses its grip. You are not defined by your worries or limited by your doubts; you are defined by who God says you are: chosen, loved, and secure in Him. As you continue to lean into His presence, you’ll find that courage rises, peace settles in, and fear fades into the background where it belongs—powerless and without authority over your life. ~OC

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