Today’s a new day! As I continue to run this crazy beautiful health journey, I keep my eyes on God. I continue to run the race God created me to run. I don’t get caught up in comparing or competing with others running their own race. I refuse to allow my health battle to become my identity. I continue to run with hope. I continue to lean into the promises of God. I continue to trust God’s plan for my race. I keep believing. I continue to believe in miracles. I continue to love and respect everyone God allows me to run with on this journey. I refuse to hate. I refuse to give up. I refuse to put a time limit on the beautiful hopes, dreams and promises of God. I continue to live. ~OC
Love Your Neighbor
Today’s a new day! Back in the day, Jesus made both the right and the left mad. The Zealots were mad because they wanted a political revolution, and he made the Pharisees mad because he wasn’t religious enough. The Romans didn’t get him either. I personally believe we’re at a pivotal moment in our history and I think it’s important to stop and get to know and love our neighbors. All of our neighbors. To stop and love those with different opinions. To truly listen first and respectfully speak second. ~OC
Embrace Silence
Today’s a new day! As I walk through this crazy beautiful health journey, one of the issues caused by my health battle is with my voice. As I write this morning, my voice is becoming weaker and weaker. Over the course of this crazy beautiful health journey, I have experienced many hours without a voice. While my voice issues have made it difficult for others to communicate with me, I have found amazing peace in my own silence. I love having the time to sit quietly with my thoughts and to sometimes just be present without thinking at all. I also love quietly watching what is going on around me without having to connect to the conversations. During the course of this crazy beautiful journey, I have grown to love the silence in my life.
In my silence, I have learned or reinforced many lessons that I already knew.
1). Silence allows me the time to create a beautiful container for my own thoughts. Sometimes the chatter that I engage in takes away my ability to be present and to trust my own thoughts and desires. The silence has given me the space to allow what God put in my heart to resonate more fully within me. The silence has allowed me to hear and connect with God in an intimate and powerful way.
2). As a Speaker, my voice was often used as a tool to tell stories and to connect with people. Dealing with voice issues, forced me to trust God and others in new ways.
3). As my voice became more of an issue, my love of writing became stronger. I have been blessed to write two books and start a blog. Issues with my physical voice can never silence me.
4). Vulnerability is a reality of life. Sometime illness takes away our ability to function; it also makes me realize how we sometimes need to rely on others. That’s not a sign of weakness. No, it’s just part of being human.
As I have shared, my health journey is a gift. A gift that keeps taking away so many things, but also allowing me to experience so many beautiful moments. Losing my voice has given me time to reflect and to make some decisions for how I will navigate my life a little differently. Perspective has come from the silence. Instead of me just speaking the words that come to me, I have had the opportunity to stop and take the opportunity to reflect before acting too quickly. Much can be learned in the space between the words (spoken or written).
My hope is that I will create a little more silence in my life as I continue to navigate this crazy beautiful health journey. I hope you take the time to experience the beautiful gift of silence in your own life. ~OC
Let’s Do Better
Today’s a new day! Good morning to all political parties, politicians, media and voters. As we navigate between the attempt on Donald Trump’s life, President Biden’s health and the upcoming election both political parties and their supporters bear responsibility for the division in this country. Neither party nor politician is innocent. Each party has made the choice to speak and post negative remarks regarding each other. None are innocent.
So, please do not come on tv or social media and point the finger at the other party. Would any of you allow your children or grandchildren to use some of the language seen in interviews, rallies, political ads or social media post? I hope not. But yet as a grown adults some feel justified in doing so.
As the political season heats up, I pray the negative rhetoric will stop. I pray that voters will start to hold their political parties and candidates accountable for their words and actions.
Politics in America was not always this nasty. Yes, there has always been differences between the Democrats and Republicans, but they used to be able to sit together and have constructive dialogue. Sadly that is not the case these days. But if each of us would make the decision to say no to all the negative talk and post, we could make a difference.
My challenge to all today. Are you willing to seat at the table with someone with a different opinion and have a real, honest and respectful conversation? I hope so. ~OC
Hope and Peace
Today’s a new day! As we scroll through social media or turn on the news, we see the world is full of chaos. Most days it seems like people are losing their minds. Day after day is filled with stories of hate and violence. Some days you just want to stay in bed and pull the covers over your head. But I encourage you to not to lose your hope or peace in the midst of all of the chaos.
We cannot walk around this crazy world expecting God to be the source of our hope and peace if we are looking to the world for our satisfaction.
The words above are a reminder, that we cannot expect God’s amazing peace to flood our hearts when we allow this world to be our source of happiness.
In the famous words of The Rolling Stones, we can’t get no satisfaction
We can’t get no satisfaction
‘Cause we try and we try and we try and we try, we can’t get no, we can’t get no satisfaction.
As we look around at the world today and read the news ticker or social media post, remember that the violence, hate and anger we see is because so many lack true peace and hope. So many people have put their hope in a broken system. A place where they can’t find any lasting satisfaction.
The current state of the world is painful to watch, but we cannot give up on humanity. We must remember, God died for each and every soul walking this unpredictable world. He gave His life for the angry person at the political rally and the angry person driving erratically through traffic. Therefore, we should not give up on this world, but love each of our neighbors.
As I continue praying for this broken world, I am reminded of the powerful words God. May the following scriptures fill us with hope as we seek peace in the midst of these uncertain times.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. ~John 16:33
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons and daughters of God. ~Matthew 5:9
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. ~John 14:27
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. ~John 13:35
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! ~Psalms 133:1
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live
in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. ~2 Corinthians 13:11
Thoughts on Friendship
Today’s a new day! As I continue to run this crazy beautiful health journey, I have seen many of my friendships change. More than ever, I have looked for my friends to stand by me and catch me before I fall and break, like Humpty Dumpty.
But like a “trust-fall” exercise gone wrong – right when you need their safety net the most – a lot of friends aren’t there. And sometimes the fall is hard.
The pain and disappointment of slowly losing friends can be overwhelming. It’s a blindsiding blow that you never see coming.
Since my health journey started way back in 2002, I have been hurt by the unpredictable disappearance of a number of friendships that I truly thought were solid.
As I have walked through this loss, I initially reacted the way most who are rejected and took it personally, adding insult to my health journey.
The following questions have flooded my mind at different times during my health journey:
Was it my fault somehow?
Was it something I did or said, or didn’t do or say?
How did I not see this coming?
Those questions never had any real answers and just kept me spinning in an unresolved circular loop. That began to shift when I learned that many people dealing with chronic and longtime health issues deal with the very same issues.
I began to realize that many times the friends who left were the very people I believed I could count on the most.
I began to realize the issue was not me, but was those friends. They either lacked compassion, a willingness to be uncomfortable or they just couldn’t handle watching a friend decline day by day and year by year.
I guess I just assumed some friends would always be there for me. I thought wrong.
Maybe they excused themselves by rationalizing that they were “too busy”?
I have had some friends share they don’t want to bother me. That I need my rest. You can only rest for so many hours in a day.
I have friends not think to invite me to some function because “I did not think you would be up for it.” You never know unless you ask.
Other friends have mentioned they just figured my house is always full of company. Not the case.
Or, maybe for some, it’s because they are still able to hold onto the illusion that they maintain a level of control – something I have clearly lost in many ways. No cold, hard reality has come along to shatter that for them yet.
Who really knows why some friends chose to leave.
I have wondered if it’s realistic to think we can really know or count on the staying power of our friends until we encounter and work through adversity together.
Things that we believe are shared between us – unique connection, loyalty, understanding, tolerance, mutuality, honesty, trust, humor, etc. – are much easier when they are not put to any serious test.
Since there are no friendship vows, I have had to get clear about my boundaries and the friendship qualities that matter the most.
During this health journey, I have had Christian friends question my faith and asked what sin am I living with? Our one of my favorites, everyone is going to die; you just know what your dying from. Another favorite is “Well you have lasted this long.”
Once I got past the sting of some friendships fading like a sunset, I started focusing on the friends who have stuck around. They are more important than those friends that have chosen to fade away.
Those friends who have decided to run the race with me are like a healing balm that constantly renews my weary spirit. Thank you.
These wonderful souls in my life, show me that there are still many compassionate people out there who truly understand how to be a true friend.
Friendships lost is an experience that I didn’t ask for and didn’t want, yet it woke me up to not settle for anything less than solid, real and caring friendships. ~OC
Pillars of Truth
Today’s a new day! To my brothers and sisters in the Christian community. I am greatly concerned and disappointed that so many Christians appear so willing to sacrifice the mandates of God to be pillars of truth by trafficking in lies for political gain. Something to think and pray about today. ~OC
Old Friends
Today’s a new day! I woke up this morning, walked out on our balcony that overlooks my old high school (Twin Lakes High School / Palm Beach High School). It made me think a minute about some old friends.
Back in the day, I missed my friends on Summer Break. I loved a break from school. Loved getting to visit out of town family and playing sports all day. But a few weeks into the break, I would start missing my friends from school that did not live close by. Kinda felt like I wasn’t my whole self without them. No cell phones or social media back in the day. So between school and after school activities we would basically go from spending all day every day together to zero contact over the summer. Ouch. What was I gonna do call my friends on the phone that was attached to the wall several times a day and check in? Yes! That’s what a lot of us did back in the day. We made the effort to stay in touch. I fondly remember talking to some friends for hours on the phone.
As I reflect back on my high school years, I couldn’t wait for school to start back to see all of my friends. Yes, I was that person. Life was always better with friends around. I am thankful that God created me to be a person who really wants to connect with others. I can do the surface conversations, but I truly love having meaningful conversations. Always have. Of course being a teenage guy, that was not the norm. That’s probably why I have always had more female friends than guy friends. As I recall, there was not a lot of meaningful conversations with a lot of my guy friends back then. No real sentiments would be shared. I do not think we hugged back then. We would just be together, probably swap stories and just catch up. I am thankful for the few guys that were willing to open up and be real.
I look at my friends as family. I am blessed to still have friends from elementary school. I hope I have never taken my friendships for granted. But sadly, I probably have. For that I apologize. True friends are a beautiful gift. Especially when you’re young. Part of who we are today is because of the friends we had back in our younger days. Of course that could be a little scary. Haha!
As I continue walking through this crazy beautiful health journey, friendships mean a lot more to me these days. Every day is becoming more of a struggle for me at this time, but my days are brightened when I hear from a friend or a friend drops by. Especially when a childhood friend connects with me.
We were all created for relationships. Especially friendships. I believe in the old saying, you cannot pick your family, but thankfully you can choose your friends. My life has been blessed with amazing friendships. I am thankful for those friends who have chosen to walk with me through life. Especially those friends who have stayed by my side during this crazy beautiful health journey. You will never realize the difference you have made in my life. Thank you!
So today, take time to remember the beautiful friendships you have experienced over the years. Never take one for granted. Take time today, to reach out to a friend. You may just brighten their day. ~OC
My Relationship
Today’s a new day! My relationship and walk with God has never been and never will be based on the current circumstances in my life. My relationship with God is not based on how other people feel about me. My relationship with God is not based on the current state of America or the world. My faith is a deep and personal connection with God. As I walk out my faith, I pray that it impacts those around me in a positive way. When people examine my faith in God, hopefully they will see love. When I meet people from a different faith (are no faith), country or political party, I pray they will experience love flowing from my words and actions. I pray the person I am on Sunday morning at church, is the same person I am Monday through Saturday. As I study scriptures from the Bible, my faith teaches me to simply love people because they were created by God. He loves them so I should do the same. It is not my job or right to pass judgement on anyone. The faith I read about in the Bible teaches me to love radically, to serve and give sacrificially and to continue growing in my faith daily. I love that in the midst of this crazy beautiful health journey, God has given me a purpose and a heart to love, encourage and serve people. I will continue to live out this amazing journey with love. ~OC
Reconstructing Over Deconstruction
Today’s a new day! I have noticed a lot of articles and conversations about Christians Deconstructing from their faith. It seems to be a hot topic these days. Before I go any further, let me share that I am not deconstructing from my faith. Even though I can definitely understand why many believers are choosing to walk down that road. Have you noticed how some churches and Christians treat people? And the Christian on Christian meanness is unbelievable. It seems like these days if you do not walk and believe in the latest Christian talking points you might just get ostracized or ghosted.
I get it. I have been there. In 2019, after being given only weeks to live, I experienced a beautiful miracle from God. The man given the nickname “The Man Who Refuses to Die,” was given a beautiful gift from God. More time. After that miracle in 2019, I was the flavor of the month among many in the Christian Community. I was asked to speak and pray at churches and different gatherings. People from around the world wanted to hang out with the “Miracle Man.” I do not share this to brag. No, I share this because that part of my life was only for a short season. The “Miracle Man” had the audacity to get really sick again. Not something I wanted or prayed for. But some in the Christian community, decided my declining health issues must be from lack a lack of faith or unresolved sin in my life. Even though many in the Christian community have tried to put that on me and still do today, I never allowed those lies and poor theology get in my heart and mind. So just a few short years after the miracle of 2019, I went from being the flavor of the month to the man many forgot.
If I was ever going to deconstruct, that would have been the time. The same people who invited me to every spiritual gathering and get together, now appeared to have lost my number. Since my health has taken a turn for the worse, I have not heard from many who used to call me brother. Those who were so quick to use my story have chosen to stop walking with the man behind the story.
So, I understand why people walk away from their faith disillusioned. I understand how difficult it is to make sense of your faith when it appears life is falling apart all around you. I understand how difficult it can be to keep your faith in the middle of the storm.
And yet, here I am. My faith is stronger than ever. I have walked through counterfeit churches and Christians and held onto my faith. I have chosen not to deconstruct from my faith; but reconstruct my faith.
What are you talking about? I know, some of you are just learning about deconstruction and I am adding in a new phrase. What is Reconstructed Faith? I may have just created a new phrase.
Reconstructed Faith means God is bigger than any problem we will ever face in life. I believe many Christians put God in a box. We all think we have God figured out until life punches us in the face. But after life knocks you to your knees, you begin to ask more questions. You begin to examine your life and faith a little more closely.
The events I experienced after my miracle in 2019, did not lead me to reconstruct my faith. No, that started years earlier. I am still walking that process out.
As I continue to walk out my faith journey, I realize more and more how important it is to keep my focus on God; not on the Church or other Christians. The Church and Christian Community are filled with flawed individuals. All of us are flawed humans who fail at living God’s ways a lot of the time. But I pray you give both the Church and God’s people a second or third chance. God can and will answer your questions. God can and will heal us from all of the hurt and pain.
Instead of Deconstructing from your faith, allow God to pull you close to Him in the middle of your storm and hold you close. God desires to change us midst of our trials. Even though sometimes it feels easier to walk away from our faith, God desires for us to have an intimate relationship with Him. ~OC
The Blessed Overcomer 