With all the news about the upcoming elections, the economy and COVID19, let’s not forget the millions of victims of human trafficking. ~OC
#EndHumanTrafficking
Human Trafficking
Not a Elephant or Donkey
Good morning everyone! This week, I received an email that basically called into question my faith based on someone’s assumptions about my political views. I have never actually had a conversation with this person about my political views, but I guess they decided I did not show enough support for their candidate. I am basically apolitical. I do not belong to a political party. Before each election, I take the time to educate myself on each of the candidates and issues. Then I vote my conscience. I could care less if you support a elephant or donkey. I would rather know about you, your family and how I can help/pray for you. I have chosen not to respond to the email at this time. I will pray about it and see if it is actually worth my time and effort. Thanks for letting me share. ~OC
True Friendship
A few thoughts on True Friendship:
*True friends encourage you.
*True friends respect you.
*Tue friends support you.
*True friends stand by you.
*True friends reach out to you.
*True friends love you.
*True friends dance through the storms with you.
Obviously, this is just a small sample. Feel free to share your own list. ~OC
Truth, Hope and Love
Today’s a new day! The world is hurting. Violence, Hate and Disease seem to be running rampant. People are scared. People are frustrated. People are looking for something real. People are looking for hope. People are looking at Christians.
As Christians, we have a tremendous opportunity to share real love and hope to a hurting world. Will you step out of your comfort zone and help share the true hope and love of Jesus with a hurting world or will you let this amazing opportunity pass, as you sit on your hands and complain about the church doors being closed? ~OC
Faith
Today’s a new day! The enemy uses storms to destroy your faith. God uses storms to build your faith. ~OC
Pray
Good afternoon family & friends. I received this from one of my nurses. Please continue to pray for all the healthcare workers, hospital/nursing home staff, first responders, patients and families. ~OC
Todd.. I’m working covid unit and the patients are so lonely. They get no visitors and are mostly to weak to even talk on phone.. the families aren’t allowed to visit.. I’m encouraging families to send care packages.. fresh fruit.. pictures of them and family members to remind them to fight depression .. they need encouragement.. I wish I could spend more time with them…
Will You?
With all the racist and hateful comments being spewed by so many, I hold on to the belief that hate can never win. Love wins when good people stand up against hate.
A question for all of us. Will we stand up against hateful racist comments or will we make excuses for those making the comments? ~OC
Adopt A School
As school districts debate on whether they should open up in the Fall or not, I would encourage everyone to adopt a school to pray for in your area. You could take one day a week, to drive by the school and pray for the students, teachers, administrators, staff and parents. This will be another tough and unique school year for everyone. They could all use our prayers. ~OC
Love Over Differences
The last few weeks, several Christian friends shared it was hard for them to pray for people they do not like. That could be a politician, athlete, entertainment or someone in the media. As I heard this several times, God gave me the following thought.
When Jesus met Judas Iscariot, he knew Judas would betray him. Did you catch that? Jesus knew this man who he called a friend, would betray him for thirty pieces of silver. Yet, Jesus still loved Judas. He even washed Judas feet at the last supper. That’s right! Jesus humbled himself and washed the feet of the man who would betray him. Jesus payed for Judas. Jesus loved Judas.
So will you choose to love and pray for that person who just rubs you the wrong way? Will you love and pray for that person who looks differently than you? Will you love and pray for that person who has a different opinion than you? Will you love and pray for that person who belongs to a different political party than you? Will you love and pray for that person who worships differently than you? I pray we will always choose love over our differences. ~OC
Lean In…And Get Uncomfortable
As I scroll through social media and watch the news, I see a lot of pain and injustice in the African American community. I see my brothers and sisters hurting. It breaks my heart. At times it can seem overwhelming. I asked myself, how in the world can I make a difference? Can anybody relate? Even though I cannot do everything, I can do something. So, I have decided I will continue to stand up and do everything I can to help end racism in America. I will continue to lean in..,and get uncomfortable.
I will continue have real conversations about racism in America, with people wanting to truly make a difference in this world. Not just talk about the issues, but take real action. I will surround myself with others who want to fight the sin of racism. I will continue to get educated. I will continue to listen to my brothers and sisters of color, as they share their experiences. I will lean in..,and get uncomfortable. I will continue to take the time to see the pain of my brothers and sisters of color. I will not pass them by with a “I’ll pray for you.” No, I will stop and pray for them in that moment. I will not allow my brothers and sisters to walk through this unjust world alone. I will lean in…and get uncomfortable. I will continue to have uncomfortable conversations with my white brothers and sisters who believe racism is not a major problem in America today (That is a whole other blog). I will proudly stand up and say #Black Lives Matter. I will continue to challenge my white brothers and sisters to step out of their comfort zones, and sit down with people of color and truly listen to their life experiences. I will encourage them to study African American history and visit African American museums. I will continue to confront racism when I see it. I will continue to speak out against injustices even when it’s not popular. I will lean in…and get uncomfortable. I encourage you to join me. ~OC
The Blessed Overcomer 