Tag: faith

Real Talk

Today’s a new day! 

I’m gonna be real with you. 

Lately, I have hit a wall physically, mentally and emotionally. 

Some days the weight just stacks up heavier than usual, and you feel it in places nobody can see.

But I want you to hear this clearly: 

Hitting a wall doesn’t mean you’re defeated. 

It means you’ve been running hard. 

It means you care. 

It means you’re human.

I am learning that even strong faith-filled people have moments where they need to sit down, catch their breath, and let God hold the weight for a minute. 

I’m doing that right now, resting my mind, leaning on prayer, and letting the people who truly love me love me.

If you’re reading this and you’ve hit your own wall lately- emotionally, spiritually, mentally- don’t beat yourself up. 

Take a Pause. 

Take a Breath.

Don’t be afraid to Reach Out for help.

You don’t have to power through this life alone.

I am grateful for every prayer, every message, every ounce of encouragement family, friends and strangers have sent my way. 

It truly carries me on days when the race feels overwhelming. 

Today, I am:

Still Standing.

Still Believing.

Still Pushing Through. 

Still Running the Race. 

Still Thankful.

Still Blessed. 

I pray everyone has a beautiful and blessed day. ~OC

***If you would like to hear the Spoken Word version of this post, check it out at my YouTube channel Todd E. Shoemaker Music.

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Conviction Over Applause

Today’s a new day! In a world that’s loud and proud, it’s easy to get caught up in the cheers and applause. But what’s the point of standing on a stage if your heart’s not in the right place?

I’d rather stand on conviction than seek the spotlight’s glare

A quiet resolve that echoes, “I’ve got faith, I don’t care”

It’s not about the praise or the crowd’s loud cheer

It’s about standing firm, even when nobody’s watching

Applause is fleeting, but conviction’s strong and true

It’s the backbone of courage, when the world’s pushing back, too

It’s the difference between living for God and living for praise

One brings eternal impact, the other just temporary days

So I’ll take the path less traveled, the one that’s often hard to see

I’ll follow my heart’s conviction, even if it means standing alone with me

For in the end, it’s not the applause that brings true peace

It’s the quiet voice that says, “You’ve done what you were meant to be”

When the noise dies down and the crowd disperses wide

I’ll stand on my conviction, with faith as my guide

For in the silence, I’ll hear God’s voice clear

“Well done, my child, you’ve nothing to fear” ~OC

****If you would like to hear this put to music, check out my YouTube channel at Todd E. Shoemaker Music. Thanks.

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Soar!

Today’s a new day!

You were created to fly,

Don’t let the darkness clip your wings,

You were meant to rise above,

Like an eagle, you’re designed to thrive.

Listen, you’ve got a fire in your soul,

A spark that flickers, a flame that makes you whole.

Don’t let the haters, don’t let the doubts creep in,

You’re a difference maker, let your spirit win.

God created you unique, a masterpiece divine,

Don’t hide your light, let it shine.

Spread your wings and soar,

Like an eagle, rise above the fray,

You’re meant to fly, don’t be afraid,

Stretch out your wings, let your spirit be displayed.

Comfort zone’s a cozy place to stay,

But growth happens when you step out into the day.

The winds of change, they may shake your world,

But you’re anchored in faith, you’ll find your way.

You’ve got a voice, use it, let it be heard,

A message of hope, in a world that’s blurred.

Spread your wings and soar,

Like an eagle, rise above the fray,

You’re meant to fly, don’t be afraid,

Stretch out your wings, let your spirit be displayed.

Fear’s a liar, it’s a heavy chain,

But faith’s the key, it’s the weight that remains.

You were made for more, don’t settle for less,

You’re a world changer, let your dreams possess.

The sky’s not the limit, it’s just the view,

You’re destined for greatness, let it be true.

Spread your wings and soar,

Like an eagle, rise above the fray,

You’re meant to fly, don’t be afraid,

Stretch out your wings, let your spirit be displayed.~OC

***You can watch a Spoken Word of this writing on my YouTube channel Todd E. Shoemaker Music.

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Finding Purpose In The Pause

Lately, I’ve been getting a few messages asking how I’m doing, and how I spend my days. Honestly, it’s a bit of a challenge, but I continue to find beauty in the struggle. As I navigate this crazy beautiful journey with multiple health issues, I am reminded that life is not easy. It’s a little harder getting around these days, so I spend most of my days at home. 

My health journey is a rollercoaster, and it’s okay to admit that it’s tough. Some days are better than others. But my constant desire is to walk closer with God every day and to connect with other people. Trying to put my thoughts together to write these days is much harder, but God helps me through,  because it’s my way of connecting with people and letting those who are struggling know they’re not alone. If I didn’t share, I’d be stuck in silence, alone and that’s a lonely place to be.

My days are pretty simple. I spend most of my time in prayer, trying to write and read when my body allows. It’s not glamorous, but it’s my reality. And you know what?  I am learning to find purpose in the pause, to cherish the quiet moments, and to share my story with others who might be walking a similar path.

I am not writing this for sympathy or to complain. I’m writing this to remind society, that people walking through health battles still need and want to connect with others. I am the same person I have always been, just a little slower. But my story isn’t over yet. And I want people walking through their own storms, to know that you’re seen, you’re heard, you’re loved and you’re not alone. 

As I continue on this journey, I’m grateful for the few friends who have decided to stick around, even when life gets hard.  And to those who’ve disappeared, I am doing my best to understand why. But I am learning to cherish the ones who stay and to find joy in the connections we have made along the way.

If you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone. Keep writing, keep praying, and keep pushing forward. And if you need someone to talk to, I am a phone call away. Let’s connect and walk this journey together. ~OC

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I Will

Today’s a new day! In the quiet of the morning, I’ll find my place,

I will open up my Bible, and let God’s love take its space.

I’ll pour out my heart, on the pages worn,

And listen for the whispers, that only He can speak. 

I’ll journal my thoughts, my fears, my doubts,

And let the truth of scripture, shine like a beacon bright and loud.

I will pray, with a humble heart,

And let God’s presence, heal every part.

In the stillness, He’ll restore my soul,

And breathe new life, into my heart that’s grown old.

I’ll sit with God, and let love abide,

And in His presence, I’ll find my heart’s inside.

With every word, with every breath,

I’ll seek His face, and find my peace.

I will trust, I will obey,

And in His love, I’ll find my way. ~OC

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The Unexpected Play

Today’s a new day! Over the years some brave and caring people have asked me “What’s it really like to live with multiple health issues that will eventually take you out.” (Insert laughter here)

After taking a moment to think about that question I shared, “It’s like your body came with a lifetime warranty, but when you read the small fine print, there is a little section that states “starts to expire once started.” My body has been under a recall for the past twenty-four years. When I call Customer Service, I am placed on hold, where a very nice voice keeps telling me to “get some rest.”

That’s just a little humor, but it’s also true in so many ways, when you’re dealing with multiple health issues that are breaking down your body. Walking through a medical journey, will test your faith, your patience and your Wi-Fi connection. You can either drown in self-pity or laugh at the absurdity of it all. I choose laughter. Because when you can’t move or think like you used to, joy has to do the heavy lifting.

See, the best medical team can study your chart, but only God knows your heart. The doctor ask, “How are we feeling today?” and I think, “You tell me — you’re the one with the fancy degrees.” But God looks past my diagnosis and says, “You’re still here. You’re still mine. You’re still fighting.”

When the nurse says, “This might sting a little,” I laugh because that’s life in a nutshell — a little sting, a little surprise, a little pain, and a whole lot of grace.

When I am in the hospital, which is often, you often hear or see a message reminding everyone to be quiet, because patients are resting. But I look around at all the beeping machines, the flashing lights, and people checking my blood pressure like I’m a contestant on The Price Is Right, and I think, “Dear God, if this is resting, heaven’s gonna be amazing.”

But seriously, I have learned something deeper through this crazy beautiful health journey called life: when your body slows down, your faith speeds up. When your strength fades, your laughter stretches further. And when life tries to crush your spirit, God uses joy as medicine for your soul.

In Proverbs 17:22 we read, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” That verse hits home for me. It’s God’s way of saying, “Keep your sense of humor, even in during the tough moments. Don’t let your spirit dry up.”

So what’s it like to truly live with the finish line always so close? It’s like sitting front-row at an audition you didn’t sign up for- but you still get to decide whether this play will be a drama or a comedy. For me, I have decided to sprinkle in a little Daniel Day-Lewis and a whole lot of Robin Williams. As I watch this play unfold, I remind myself and everyone around me that even when life isn’t very funny… you can still find the humor.

Because hope doesn’t always show up healed — sometimes it shows up laughing. ~OC

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Lessons Being Learned

Today’s a new day! Here are four things that God has been showing me over the past few months. I guess God wanted to remind me of His love, care and purpose for me, even in the midst of this health journey. I pray they encourage you. 

I Am Precious In God’s Eyes:

Isaiah 43: 4 says, ‘You are precious and honoured in my sight, and … I love you.’

As my body and mind continues to be an issue, I need to remind myself continually that God loves me for who I am not what I can do. The Lord has chosen me to be his treasured possession (Deuteronomy 14:2) and I am still precious to him despite my illness. He knows what he is doing and he is good.

If you are feeling that you have no purpose, the Lord wants to tell you differently. He wants you to know that your purpose is being his child, not what you are able to do.

I Am Blessed:

As I continue to walk through this crazy beautiful health journey, I have periods of sadness,  as I mourn the things I am no longer capable of doing. Some days are harder than others and I feel helpless and upset that I am a burden on Laura and others. Yet, God promises that if I lean on him and trust him, he will give me the strength that I need.

I need to ask God daily to help me remember my blessings. I have so much to be thankful for. Each day is a gift to enjoy being with Laura and friends making memories. I cannot allow myself to constantly be distracted by those friends who have decided to walk away, for whatever reason. 

I am reminded that God’s word says that every good and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17) and I have been able to find much pleasure in the everyday things around me that I had not noticed before.

When you have a serious illness your world becomes much smaller, but in God’s grace even that can be a blessing. God has opened my eyes to see the little things in life and I can pray about them. I have time to see God answering those prayers and to see how he is interested in the tiny little details of our lives. Sometimes, living in the moment is a real privilege. I don’t need to worry about earning money or running a house because I have to trust that God will give others the strength and wisdom to do that. I know I can trust God in the big things because I can see him working in the little things.

I Am Useful:

It has been very hard not being able to get to church services and have fellowship with people. Zoom, text and phone calls are great but they aren’t the real thing. Often, although I know people pray for me and love me from afar, it can feel very lonely away from the church and everyday life. Yet, wherever I am,  I am still part of God’s family. I am still part of life. I really value people visiting and telling me what God is doing in their lives. It is good to be able to serve the Lord by praying for them and with them.

I can encourage others just by continuing to walk out this health journey, and let people see how He continues to move in the midst of the storm. I continue to learn that you don’t always need to be cheerful and smiling to be an encourager. Just sharing your life and your struggles and letting others see how God sustains you even in the midst of pain and darkness can be an encouragement. God continues to show me that Christian fellowship is about sharing your life with others, the ups, the downs, the differences and the bits in between. True fellowship is precious and points us  to Heaven.

Each day I ask God to help me to be content and to make life as easy as possible for those around me. There are times when I struggle with not being fully involved in daily life, but I know life needs to go on around me. I am still a husband, son, friend and I pray that God will make me the best one I can be.

I Am Being Made New:

I continue to learn that God is bigger than all of my health issues. He is good and his ways are perfect. I sometimes wonder why I am here after all these years, but while He allows me to continue living, I know that he will give me the strength to shine for him. I am reminded almost daily, even a weak and tiny flame can bring much light to a darkened room.

Guess what? God doesn’t see my body as decaying. No, my body is being changed for good and when God sees me as ready, he will take me to be with him, forever. I know that I am more than my illness, I am a child of God and I am loved.

Some days, the enemy tries to put fear in my heart. But on those days, I lean on the words of Psalm 23, which states, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff they comfort me.” I know that God will give me the strength to keep going until he calls me home. I continue to learn not to worry about tomorrow, but to be thankful and trust him for today. God knows what is coming and he will be with me when it comes.

I want to encourage you, in whatever storm you might find yourself walking through, that you are precious to the Lord and he will never leave you nor forsake you. ~OC

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Love

Today’s a new day! Jesus treated Judas with such love, that none of the other disciples had a clue he would betray Jesus. That is what loving your enemies and those you strongly disagree with truly looks like. ~OC

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The Hands That Hold Us

Today’s a new day! When the weight of the world feels too heavy to carry, we must remember that there is a vast and steady love that holds us all. Pain can feel like a mountain that blocks our view of the sun, casting a long shadow over our path and making our steps feel uneven. Yet, even in the deepest valley, we are never out of reach of the hands that hold us close. 

God is not only the light that guides us through the darkest storms, but a presence far wider and deeper than any sorrow we might face.

Our struggles may be great, but they do not have the final word. There is a divine strength that breathes life back into our tired spirits, mending the places where we have been broken. 

When we lean into this grace, we find that our hurts begin to lose their power over us. We are reminded that we are part of a much larger story—one written with hope and an endless mercy that can turn any trial into a testimony of peace. 

Trust that you are held in hands that are stronger than your fears and bigger than your yesterday. ~OC

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Fleeting, Yet Eternal

Good morning. As I continue to run this crazy beautiful health journey, God often wakes me up between 1 and 3 am, with words that could only come from Him.  Today, I want to share one of those words. I pray you will take the time to listen and reflect on these words. 

We’re but a vapor, a mist in the air,

A whispered promise, a moment to spare.

Our lives, a fragile, flickering flame,

A dance with eternity, a fleeting game.

We chase the world, we chase the night,

But Jesus says, “I am the light.”

We cling to things that wither fast,

But He says, “I am the vine that forever lasts.”

We’re but a breath, a heartbeat away,

From the unknown, the final day.

But Christ says, “Do not fear, I am near,

I am the resurrection, I am the one who wipes away your tears.”

Our lives, a fragile, fleeting thing,

But in Him, our souls take wing.

We’re rooted deep, our hope secure,

In the eternal love that Christ ensures.

So let us live, let us love, let us shine,

Reflecting the glory of the divine.

For in the end, it’s not what we own,

But the love of Christ that makes us whole. ~OC

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