Tag: Fear

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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Get Up!

Today’s a new day! There’s a quiet battle that happens before the day even begins — the one between the comfort of staying down and the courage to rise up. For many, especially those walking through sickness or hardship, that battle starts the moment the alarm rings. The temptation to stay in bed all day is real. But the truth is simple: you can’t win the battle lying down. 

Getting up each day — physically, mentally, and spiritually — is an act of faith. It’s a declaration that says, “God’s not done with me yet.” Whether your body feels weak or your spirit feels weary, rising is your way of saying, “I’m still in the game.” It’s less about strength and more about surrender — surrendering to purpose over comfort, hope over helplessness, and faith over fear. 

Every morning is another opportunity to complete another lap in this marathon called life. The running shoes are staring at you, and you have a choice: stay down or put on the shoes and head out the door. Some days, “getting up” might mean physically moving out of bed. Other days, it might mean simply lifting your thoughts toward heaven and whispering, “Lord, help me through this day.” 

Don’t underestimate the power of those small victories. God sees every effort, every struggle, every push against the weight of the day. And in those moments when you rise anyway — even trembling, even tired — heaven applauds, because faith just took another step forward. 

So today, no matter how heavy the storms of life may feel, answer the call. Rise up, not because it’s easy, but because your story isn’t finished. You are still in the race, and the fight is still worth it. 

“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.” — Proverbs 24:16

****If you would like to hear this post in Spoken Word, please check out my YouTube channel at Todd E. Shoemaker Music.

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Not A Performance

“The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.” — Psalm 145:18 

Today’s a new day! Prayer isn’t a performance. It’s not a speech, a sermon, or a spiritual audition. It’s a conversation — raw, real, and sometimes downright messy. You don’t need a robe, a pulpit, or the perfect words. You just need a moment and faith like a mustard seed. 

God doesn’t wait for you to sound holy. He waits for you to be honest. Whether you’re whispering in a hospital room, shouting in frustration, or mumbling through a mouthful of emotions, He hears you. He’s not grading your grammar — He’s listening to your heart. 

Daniel prayed in danger. Jonah prayed in darkness. Peter prayed while sinking. And you? You can pray in your car, your kitchen, your wheelchair, your recliner or your weakest moment. You can pray with a full plate or an empty stomach. You can pray with tears, laughter, or silence. 

There’s no wrong time to pray. No wrong place. No wrong posture. You can pray standing, sitting, lying down, or leaning on the edge of hope. You can pray in church, at the breakfast table, or as you’re being wheeled into the operating room. 

So stop worrying about sounding like Shakespeare or James Earl Jones. Stop waiting for the perfect moment to pray. Just talk to God. Tell Him about your hopes, frustrations, dreams and hurts. Tell Him what’s funny. Tell Him what you need. And if all you’ve got is “Thank You, Lord,” that’s more than enough. 

Because the power of prayer isn’t in how you say it — it’s in Who you’re saying it to. Can I get an amen? ~OC

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The Butterfly

Today’s a new day! Change can feel uncomfortable and painful at times, but if we don’t allow ourselves to go through all the stages of change, nothing will change. We know all too well that change is a constant in life. Many times we fight that change. Especially when it happens so fast.

As I have walked out this crazy beautiful health journey, I have often thought about the butterfly. Do you know on average, butterflies only live two to four weeks. How crazy is that? But think about all the changes a butterfly experiences in such a short amount of time. During my health journey, I have experienced a lot of change. Every new health issue or near death experiences has allowed me to grow and become all that God created me to be. He has used the all my experiences to teach me new lessons and view the world differently.

To become a butterfly, they must first start off as a caterpillar. They begin crawling along the ground, creating their comfort zone. The moment it’s time to change from a caterpillar into a cocoon, they probably think they’re dying. It feels like life is over. Then they experience something beautiful, but probably a little painful. During this health journey, I have experienced many different stages of growth. So many times I truly thought I was dying. I was sure I was breathing my last breath and soon I would experience the freedom of Heaven. Those moments are never easy, but unlike the caterpillar, I did not experience uncertainty or confusion. No, in those moments I experienced peace. I also experienced something beautiful. A new chance at life.

This health journey has been filled with some difficult moments. Those difficult moments have helped me grow into a deeper relationship with Jesus. In this season, I have learned to not fight all the changes going on in my body. I have not let my health issues become my identity, but instead have allowed God to use life changing moments to teach me the lessons He has for me at that moment. God has taught me to embrace each and every lesson along the journey. He has allowed me to embrace the uncomfortable and painful moments. Getting to know your own uncomfortable self is not something to fear, but something to embrace. I promise you, keeping your faith and having the patience to hold on gets a little easier over time. Does it get less painful? Sometimes, but the suffering becomes more about growing in our walk with Jesus and less about the pain. As you walk out your own journey, learn to be patient and not beat yourself up so much. As I continue to walk through this health journey, God has made me stronger, more hopeful and more confident whenever I walk through a cocoon season of life.

So today, make the decision to walk in the light of Jesus and be free. Don’t waste one single minute. Strive for growth, not perfection. Commit to living out your God given purpose. Embrace every moment and surround yourself with inspiring and encouraging people. Strive each day to be all God created you to be. Do not allow fear or past failures to keep you from spreading your wings and flying. ~OC

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Don’t Back Down

Stand up for what’s right, don’t be swayed

By the voices that try to make you stray

Be brave, be strong, and hold your ground

Fight for justice, let truth be found

Raise your voice, let it be heard

Speak out against injustice, undeterred

Don’t let fear silence you, don’t back down

Stand firm, wear your heart in this town

Be a beacon of hope during the dark times

Shine your light, let it guide the way

For a brighter tomorrow, a better day

Stand up for what’s right, come what may

Your voice matters, your actions too

Make a difference, see it through

Stand up for what’s right, be bold

Create a world where love never grows old. ~OC

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Flashing Neon Sign

Today’s a new day! As with many neurological illnesses there is nothing noticeable about my condition. It’s not like a broken leg or arm where there is a cast which is obvious when seeing the person. But I cannot tell you how many times I have heard the same old words since my diagnosis last fall, Todd, you do not look like you have dementia.

I often wonder if it comes down to the fact that people feel uncomfortable talking to me about it, so they say the first thing that comes to mind. Which at times can come across as very insensitive and judgmental. Since my diagnosis of early onset dementia caused by my Parkinson’s, I have had several people tell me I do not look or act like someone with dementia. Or Todd, maybe you’re just dealing with an infection of some kind and just need to take some antibiotics. I would be overjoyed if that was actually the case. But I have some amazing doctors and they didn’t come up with this diagnosis lightly.

What does dementia look like? There is no cast or bandage to put on it. I guess I could wear a flashing neon sign that says, “HELLO, I HAVE EARLY ONSET DEMENTIA!” that lets people know of my latest diagnosis.

But seriously, I am walking through a very new and strange season of life, but I know I am not the only one. It simply gets frustrating when people decide to find a different diagnosis or make you doubt your current state of health because they do not like the diagnosis. It can be irritating and cruel when people doubt you and your medical team. Believe me, no one wants to sit in a doctor’s office and hear the words “You have early onset dementia.”

I do think that part of this attitude is because people have a hard time believing someone in their 50’s could have an “old person’s” disease. Also the topic of dementia is not an easy or fun subject to talk about. It can be easier to just ignore it or try to explain it away.

I also believe people have their own preconceived beliefs about dementia and I and many others suffering from this horrible disease do not fit in their picture of dementia.

So please do me a favor. Stop putting your personal beliefs or opinions on those suffering from a visually invisible disease or one that you don’t like. Life with dementia is already hard enough. Thanks for listening. ~OC

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My Life With Dementia

Today’s a new day! As I continue to walk through this crazy beautiful health journey, I have always wanted to be upfront and honest when sharing my journey with you. So this morning, I want to share a post I have been working on for several weeks. It’s my life with dementia. I apologize in advance for the long post.

When I was diagnosed with young onset dementia last year, part of me thought there has to be a mistake, but it was also a relief to have some answers on why my life seemed a little out of focus. But it was still hard to hear “you have dementia.” Like so many people diagnosed with young-onset dementia, I was still planning a future with my bride. How was dementia showing up in my 50’s?

But here I am, almost a year later.

What I have learned is a dementia diagnosis isn’t the end of life. It just means life looks a little different.

Of course my life has looked a little different for the last twenty-three years dealing with multiple health issues. But over the last two decades, my faith and life experiences have taught me it’s possible to live a fulfilling, purposeful, and even joyful life even while dealing with the uncertainty of declining health. A diagnosis of dementia was not going to change that. At least I hope and pray that will be the case.

So as I walk out this journey called dementia, I wanted to share a few things that are working for me. This is not a neat how to live with dementia list, because dementia is not an easy follow these instructions and everything will be okay disease. No, dementia is a unpredictable roller coaster ride. Every day brings new challenges, but also new opportunities.

My hope and prayer is that this blog post will help create conversations. If you’re living with dementia, or supporting someone who is, I hope these tools help you live a full life regardless of the diagnosis.

My Dementia Toolbox:

I choose to live each day with Hope and Purpose.

I choose to live a life full of new adventures. Never stop making memories with family and friends.

I choose to maintain my independence as long as possible.

I choose to continue connecting with family and friends.

I choose to adapt to the changes dementia brings and never give up.

I choose to hold onto my identity and what makes me “me.”

I choose to keep learning new things each day.

I choose to live out my life and faith.

I choose not to avoid the declines that dementia brings, but to make the most out of every day and refuse to let dementia silence me.

Finally, living with dementia is not an easy journey. There are moments of loss and frustration, but there are also unexpected discoveries, laughs, and the good will of family and friends. ~OC

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Vision

Today’s a new day! As we start this new week, let’s take some time to talk about vision.

“Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.” ~Proverb 29:18

Vision is the ability to see God’s plans concerning our future. Vision is revelation that gives life meaning, value, direction, significance and purpose. Vision holds endless possibilities of what could be and what should be. Without vision there is nothing that keeps our lives on track and we end up wondering through life with no purpose. Author and Educator Helen Keller once said, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” If our vision is compromised, it’s like a boat with no rudder. We will aimlessly wonder around with no direction.

When we have clear vision it gives us the ability to imagine what our future might hold. Vision gives us the ability to dream big dreams. Living with vision gives us hope to make it through the tough days and moments in life. Vision inspires the depressed and motivates the discouraged. God created each of us for a purpose. Within that purpose is our vision for life. I believe purpose is knowing and understanding what God created us to accomplish in life, and vision is when we conceive it in our minds through faith and begin to live it out. Vision is a glimpse of our future that God has designed just for us. ~OC

Today’s Prayer:

Dear God, I pray you would bless each of us with vision and a purpose that can only come from you. I pray all of this in the matchless and powerful name of Jesus. Amen.

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Breakthrough

Good morning! As I have walked this crazy beautiful health journey the last twenty-three years, I have had many moments where I needed a breakthrough from God. As we walk into a new week filled with new challenges, I want to share some things I have done when I needed a breakthrough at different moments in my life.

Pray: This may seem obvious, but sometimes we get so caught up in the roller coaster of life we forget to pray.

But prayer should never be our last resort. It should be the first thing we do when facing challenges in life. We also need to call on some trusted friends to pray on our behalf.

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope.” ~Psalm 130:5

Fast: When coupled with prayer, fasting is a powerful tool to use when you need a breakthrough. And fasting doesn’t mean you have to give up food. A fast is about sacrificing something, so you can clearly hear from God. He may asked you to give up social media, a hobby or tv. Some things do not break with just prayer alone. When you need a breakthrough, fasting is crucial to seeing it come to pass.

“So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.” ~Ezra 8:23

Build Your Faith: I’m just going to be straight up with you: Every breakthrough that I have personally experienced came from leaning into the promises of God. Thankfully, He is so gracious that He has not left us to figure out how to grow in our faith on our own.

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” ~Romans 10:17

Be Patient and Consistent: As I share this last point, I must warn you that breakthroughs can take time. The breakthrough you need may not come the first time you pray – or the hundredth. It may take weeks or even years. We cannot control the time, but we know that God can. He is always faithful. Our part is to stay consistent. So keep on praying. Keep on fasting. Keep on listening to the word. Keep believing in God. Your day of breakthrough will happen in God’s perfect timing for you.

If you’re waiting for your breakthrough the best thing you can do is remember that it will come at the perfect time. So press in to God and be patient. Your Breakthrough is coming! ~OC

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