Tag: Forgiveness

My New Year’s Prayer

Dear Jesus, I thank you for another year. Last year was filled with many challenges, but also some amazing moments. Both gave us a chance to grow. As we walk into 2021, here is my prayer for the new year.

Teach us grace, that we may walk in forgiveness, Teach us wonder, that we may walk in praise, Teach us goodness, that we may walk as servants, Teach us truth, that we may walk with courage, Teach us love, that we may walk in compassion, Teach us mercy, that we may walk in humility, Dear Jesus, teach us to walk with You, that we may walk with boldness. Amen. ~OC

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My Christmas Prayer

Dear Jesus, I offer this humble prayer as I celebrate your birth. I come to worship with a song of thanks, a song of redemption and love. I pray for joy in my heart, hope in You, love to forgive, peace and unity upon the world. I ask for the salvation of all my family and friends. I pray your beautiful blessings on all people. I pray you would comfort the hungry, broken, homeless, heal the sick, protect all healthcare workers, first responders and those in the military. I pray you bless me with your wisdom. I pray you would continue to fill me with the Holy Spirit. I pray you would give me a servants heart. I pray all this in the matchless name of Jesus Christ. Amen. ~OC

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Jesus and Judas

During a time where people are ending friendships because they disagree about politics, I will choose to stay friends.

During a time where people are ending friendships based on different religious beliefs, I will choose to stay friends.

During a time where people are ending friendships based on different skin color and culture, I will choose to stay friends.

During a time where people are ending friendships based on different beliefs about the pandemic, I will choose to stay friends.

During a time where people are ending friendships based on someone’s sexual orientation, I will choose to stay friends.

I could continue giving examples, but I hope you get the point. I do not have to agree or like someone’s opinion or belief system to be their friend. I can just respectfully disagree. I can also have respectful conversations with them. I can continue to pray for them. I can continue to love them.

I often think about Jesus and Judas Iscariot from the Bible. Jesus knew the day he met Judas, that Judas would betray him. The smart thing would have been for Jesus to not even start a friendship with Judas. But what did Jesus do? He invited Judas into his inner circle. Jesus ate with Judas. Jesus engaged Judas in conversation. Jesus prayed for Judas. Jesus washed Judas feet on the night Judas betrayed him. Jesus loved Judas.

People are broken. Friends come with baggage. We can choose to discard those friends we disagree with or we can choose to love them. There is too much hate in this world. So, I will choose to love those I disagree with. Baggage and all. ~OC

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Your Love

Dear Jesus, thank you for loving me since the beginning of time. You loved me before I took my first breath. You loved me before I ever loved you. You love me when I am unlovable. You love me when I don’t love others. You love me when I feel unloved. Your love keeps no wrongs. Your love is full of grace. I want to live my life has a testimony of your amazing love. Dear Jesus, show me where I fall short in loving you and others. Thank you dear Lord, that your love is everlasting. ~OC

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A Sad Day

I wake up a little sad this morning. I also wake up this morning with one less friend. No, my friend did not pass away. Sadly, my friend disagreed with something I shared in a group last night. Instead of talking about it in person, this friend decided to question my faith and character in a text. This friend decided their opinions were more important than a friendship.

That is really why I am sad today. When did it become okay to kick a friend to the curb when you have different opinions? Unfortunately, I am hearing more and more stories like mine these days. I remember a time when two friends with opposing views, could have a wonderful conversation and still walk away friends. Most of the time better friends. Sadly, those days appear to be slipping away. Today, it has become Them vs. US. Guess what? There is only US. If we continue to walk in a Them vs. US mentality, we will continue live in a divided world.

For me, I will continue to love everyone; even when their opinion differs from mine. I will continue to embrace dialogue. I will continue to embrace different opinions. I will continue to embrace diversity. I promise, I will not kick you to the curb when we disagree. ~OC

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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

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Celebrate Juneteenth

Happy Juneteenth! Today we celebrate the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1865. Take time today to learn more about this holiday and its history. Take time today to learn more about African-American History and Culture. Take time today to have conversations about our history (the good, the bad, the ugly) with our African-American brothers and sisters. But, do not make this just a one day celebration or conversation. Let’s use today as a launch to have more conversations about the beautiful history of African-Americans and the ongoing issue of racism in America. -OC #Juneteenth

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LOVE

Today’s a new day! People need to feel your love and concern, before they hear your words. ~OC

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