Tag: Forgiveness

A New Week

A new week is a gift from God. It arrives with fresh opportunities, new mercies, and another chance to reflect the love of Jesus to a world that desperately needs hope. No matter what happened last week—the victories, the disappointments, the unanswered prayers, or the unexpected challenges—today is a new beginning.

As we step into this week, let’s choose to fill our hearts with hope, praise, and thanksgiving. Hope reminds us that God is still working, even when we cannot see it. Praise shifts our focus from our problems to His promises. Thanksgiving reminds us that every good gift comes from our Heavenly Father, even in seasons when life feels difficult.

This week, let us truly strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

There are people all around us who are carrying burdens that we know nothing about. A smile, an encouraging word, a helping hand, or simply taking time to listen may be exactly what someone needs. Jesus didn’t just preach about love—He demonstrated it every single day. As His followers, we are called to do the same.

Take a few moments this week to reach out to a friend or a loved one. Send a text. Make a phone call. Share a cup of coffee. Ask them how they’re really doing. Sometimes the greatest ministry is simply showing someone they haven’t been forgotten.

Our world often seems filled with negativity. It’s easy to become discouraged when we focus only on the headlines, the conflicts, or the disappointments around us. But as followers of Christ, we are called to fix our eyes on what is good, honorable, and praiseworthy. Instead of dwelling on the darkness, let us become people who shine the light of Christ wherever we go. 

Let’s also make a conscious decision to be kind this week.

Kindness costs us very little, but it can mean everything to someone else. A kind word can encourage a weary heart. A patient response can calm a difficult situation. A generous act can remind someone that God sees them and cares for them.

May this also be a week marked by love, respect, and compassion.

Love people without expecting anything in return.

Respect those who think differently than you.

Show compassion to those who are hurting, struggling, or simply feeling alone.

When we live this way, we become living examples of Christ’s love.

As you begin this new week, remember that you may be the only glimpse of Jesus someone sees. Let your words bring hope. Let your actions reflect His grace. Let your heart overflow with gratitude. And wherever God leads you this week, be faithful in the little things, because God often uses small acts of obedience to accomplish extraordinary things.

May your week be filled with God’s peace, His strength, and His joy. May you walk in hope, live with purpose, and leave every person you encounter knowing they have been loved.

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16

Have a blessed week, and let’s go be the hands and feet of Jesus. ~OC

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Discipleship, Relationships Over Numbers

Today’s a new day! 

Over the past few years, I’ve had countless conversations with fellow Christians after church services, over coffee, in Bible studies, and during everyday life.

Different churches.

Different denominations.

Different backgrounds.

Yet one theme continues to surface again and again.

“I love my church…but I still feel alone.”

Those words have stayed with me.

These conversations haven’t come from people who are angry with the Church. Quite the opposite. They faithfully attend, faithfully give, faithfully serve, and genuinely love Jesus.

Yet many quietly admit they feel disconnected.

One friend shared, “I’ve been attending for three years, and I still don’t feel like anyone really knows me.”

Another said, “I know hundreds of faces, but I don’t have anyone I can call when life falls apart.”

Someone else confessed, “I leave encouraged by the sermon, but I still feel spiritually isolated.”

As I listened, I realized these weren’t isolated stories.

I was hearing the same longing over and over.

People aren’t asking for bigger buildings.

They’re asking for deeper relationships.

They’re not looking for more programs.

They’re longing for genuine discipleship.

It made me wonder if, in many churches, we’ve unintentionally traded disciple numbers for attendance numbers.

Attendance matters. Every person who walks through the doors is someone Christ loves deeply. Churches should celebrate every new visitor and every opportunity to share the Gospel.

But attendance has never been the ultimate mission.

Jesus didn’t say, “Go and gather crowds.”

He said, “Go and make disciples.”

Discipleship is personal.

It requires time.

It requires listening.

It requires walking through life’s joys and hardships together.

It means knowing someone’s name, hearing their story, praying over their struggles, and encouraging them to keep following Christ.

That kind of ministry can’t always happen during a Sunday morning service.

It happens in living rooms.

Around dinner tables.

In small groups.

Over coffee.

In hospital waiting rooms.

During phone calls.

Through tears.

Through prayer.

Through simply showing up for one another.

Many of the Christians I’ve spoken with aren’t criticizing their churches.

They’re grieving what they feel is missing.

They long to belong to a spiritual family, not simply attend a weekly gathering.

They want someone to notice when they’re absent.

Someone to ask how they’re doing—and genuinely wait for the answer.

Someone to help them grow in their faith.

The beautiful truth is that many churches are already pursuing this vision with humility and faithfulness. Pastors, elders, deacons, small-group leaders, and volunteers invest countless hours loving and discipling others, often without recognition.

But every church can continue asking an important question:

Are we creating disciples, or are we simply creating attendees?

Imagine what could happen if every mature believer intentionally invested in one younger believer.

Imagine if every newcomer was invited into authentic relationships instead of remaining anonymous.

Imagine if every church member saw themselves not just as someone who attends church but as someone who helps build Christ’s family.

The Church has always been at its strongest when believers walk together.

The world is filled with loneliness.

The Church should be filled with belonging.

My prayer is not that churches become less focused on reaching people.

My prayer is that we become equally passionate about walking with them after they arrive.

Because attendance may introduce someone to the Church.

But discipleship helps them become more like Jesus.

A church can fill every seat in the sanctuary and still leave people feeling alone. But when believers intentionally disciple one another, no one has to walk their journey of faith in isolation.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for the gift of Your Church. Help us to be more than people who gather once a week. Make us a family that loves deeply, serves faithfully, and walks alongside one another through every season of life. Give us eyes to notice those who feel unseen, hearts that welcome the lonely, and a renewed commitment to making disciples as Jesus commanded. May our churches be known not only for full sanctuaries but for lives transformed through authentic relationships centered on You. It’s in the mighty and precious name of Jesus we pray. ~OC

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Living Out Answered Prayers

Today’s a new day! ~OC

Have you ever stopped to think about the prayers you prayed years ago?

The prayers whispered through tears.


The prayers spoken in hospital rooms.


The prayers prayed while driving to work.


The prayers prayed while wondering if God was listening.

Today, I want to encourage you to pause for a moment and reflect on something important:

You are currently living out at least one of the prayers you used to pray.

Maybe you once prayed for a spouse, and now you’re blessed with a loving marriage.

Maybe you prayed for children, and now your home is filled with laughter.

Maybe you prayed for healing, and while your journey isn’t over, God has brought you farther than you ever thought possible.

Maybe you prayed for a new job, a new home, a church family, financial provision, restored relationships, or simply the strength to make it through another day.

Whatever it is, there is a good chance that something in your life right now was once a desperate prayer.

The problem is that we often become so focused on what we are still waiting for that we forget what God has already done.

We can become consumed with the next prayer request, the next challenge, the next mountain to climb, and overlook the countless ways God has already been faithful.

Throughout Scripture, God often instructed His people to remember.

Remember His faithfulness.

Remember His provision.

Remember His miracles.

Remember how He brought them through difficult seasons.

Why? Because remembering strengthens our faith for whatever lies ahead.

When we reflect on answered prayers, we are reminded that God has never abandoned us. 

The same God who carried us through yesterday is the same God who walks with us today.

Maybe you’re still waiting on some prayers to be answered. Perhaps you’re praying for healing, restoration, breakthrough, direction, or peace. Don’t give up.

Take a moment today to look back before looking ahead.

Look back at the doors God has opened.

Look back at the battles He has brought you through.

Look back at the blessings you once only dreamed about.

Look back at the prayers that have become your reality

Gratitude changes our perspective.

When we recognize God’s faithfulness in the past, hope begins to rise for the future.

So today, instead of focusing solely on what you don’t have, thank God for what He has already done.

Celebrate the prayers He has answered.

Celebrate the victories, both big and small.

Celebrate the fact that His grace has carried you this far.

You may not be where you want to be yet, but by the grace of God, you are not where you used to be.

And that’s worth thanking Him for.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for every prayer You have answered, even the ones I have forgotten about. Thank You for Your faithfulness through every season of my life. Help me to remember Your goodness, celebrate Your blessings, and trust You with the prayers I am still waiting on. Strengthen my faith as I reflect on all You have already done. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Hope And Class In A Culture Of Insults

Today’s a new day! 

Several people have asked me what I think about the disgusting comments a UFC fighter recently made about former First Lady Michelle Obama. I know his name, but I have chosen not to give him any further publicity by repeating it here.

My thoughts on the matter are actually very simple.

Queens do not step off their thrones to deal with court jesters.

Strong men do not have to put down women to feel powerful.

In a world that seems increasingly driven by outrage, insults, and attention-seeking behavior, I believe we have a choice. We can join the noise, or we can rise above it.

Unfortunately, our culture often rewards the loudest voice, the harshest insult, and the most controversial statement. Social media has created an environment where some people believe that tearing others down is a pathway to relevance. But true character is revealed not by how loudly we criticize others, but by how respectfully we treat them.

Real strength is not found in mocking someone. Real strength is found in showing dignity. It is found in self-control. It is found in refusing to surrender our values simply because someone else abandoned theirs.

Whether we agree with someone’s politics, beliefs, or life choices should never determine whether we treat them with basic human decency. Respect is not a reward reserved only for those who think exactly like we do. Respect is a reflection of our own character.

As followers of Christ, we are called to something higher. Jesus never taught us to build ourselves up by humiliating others. He taught us to love our neighbors, bless those who curse us, and treat others the way we would want to be treated.

The world has enough anger.

The world has enough division.

The world has enough people trying to score points at someone else’s expense.

What our communities need are people who choose grace over outrage, wisdom over mockery, and hope over hate.

And as for me, I will continue to choose hope over bitterness, dignity over insults, and class over chaos.

Life is simply too short to live any other way. ~OC

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Walking Our Neighborhoods: Spreading Hope

Today’s a new day!

If we’re honest, we are living through some difficult times in America and around the world.

Many families are afraid to walk through their own neighborhoods. Some are wondering where their next meal will come from. Others are carrying burdens that few people know about—grief, sickness, financial struggles, broken relationships, depression, anxiety, and fear about the future.

We live in a world that seems increasingly divided. Political divisions, racial tensions, economic struggles, and constant bad news can leave people feeling exhausted and hopeless. Everywhere we look, people are searching for answers, searching for peace, and searching for hope.

As Christians, we know where true hope is found.

Our hope is not found in politicians, governments, bank accounts, social media, or the latest headlines. Our hope is found in Jesus Christ.

The world doesn’t need more arguments right now. It needs more prayer.

That is why I want to encourage every believer to do something simple but powerful: start walking your neighborhood and praying.

Take a walk down your street. Pray for the homes you pass. Pray for the families behind those doors. Pray for the single mom trying to make ends meet. Pray for the elderly couple dealing with health challenges. Pray for the teenager battling depression. Pray for the family facing financial hardship. Pray for the child who needs encouragement. Pray for the first responders, teachers, business owners, and community leaders.

You may never know their names, but God does.

Imagine what could happen if thousands of Christians across America began walking their neighborhoods and praying regularly. Imagine communities covered in prayer. Imagine people feeling seen, loved, and encouraged. Imagine churches stepping outside their walls and becoming the hands and feet of Jesus in practical ways.

Prayer changes things.

Prayer changes hearts.

Prayer changes communities.

Prayer changes us.

As we walk and pray, we begin to see people the way Jesus sees them. We become more compassionate. We become more aware of the needs around us. We become less focused on our differences and more focused on God’s love for every person.

Jesus told us that the greatest commandments are to love God and love our neighbors. One of the simplest ways to love our neighbors is to pray for them.

Our communities do not need more division. 

They need unity.

They do not need more fear. They need hope.

They do not need more hate. They need love.

They do not need more people pointing fingers. They need people willing to kneel in prayer.

The Church has an incredible opportunity in this moment. We can choose to be carriers of hope in a hopeless world. We can choose to be peacemakers in a divided culture. We can choose to bring light into places that seem dark.

So I encourage you today: lace up your shoes, step outside, and start walking. Pray over your neighborhood. Pray over your city. Pray over your schools. Pray over your businesses. Pray over your local churches. Pray over the people you encounter.

You may never fully see the impact of those prayers this side of Heaven, but God hears every single one.

Let’s unite our communities through prayer.

Let’s love our neighbors intentionally.

Let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus

And let’s bring hope to a world that desperately needs it.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2

Our neighborhoods may be changed one prayer at a time. ~OC

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Either Way I Win

In 2019, after almost eighteen years of major health battles and being told on multiple occasions that I only had hours left to live, I experienced a beautiful miracle from God.

At that point in 2019, doctors believed I only had weeks remaining. The situation looked impossible. The circumstances seemed hopeless. Yet Jesus stepped into the middle of the story and reminded me that He always has the final say.

It was a true miracle.

Since that miracle, however, my journey has not been without additional challenges. I have endured multiple serious battles with COVID and also suffered a stroke. Today, my health journey has entered its twenty-fourth year.

Over those years, countless people have prayed for my complete healing. I am deeply grateful for every prayer, every encouraging message, every act of kindness, and every person who has stood beside me during difficult seasons. Those prayers have meant more than I could ever adequately express.

But as I have prayed about my health and spent time talking with Jesus, I have found myself reflecting on this journey from a different perspective.

I think about the many patients I have met over the years.

I think about the hospital rooms.

I think about the waiting rooms.

I think about the difficult conversations.

I think about the opportunities God has given me to pray with people, encourage people, and remind people that they are not alone.

Some Christians have viewed my health journey as something negative. They have looked at the diagnoses, the treatments, the setbacks, and the ongoing battles and wondered why God has not completely removed them.

But I have never viewed my journey that way.

I have always seen it as an opportunity.

An opportunity to share the love of Jesus.

An opportunity to share the hope of Jesus.

An opportunity to remind hurting people that God is still faithful even when life is difficult.

As I think about this, I am reminded of others whom God has used powerfully despite significant challenges.

I think about the Apostle Paul, who prayed for the “removal of his thorn in the flesh”, yet God told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul went on to impact the world with the Gospel despite his ongoing struggles. 

I think about Joni Eareckson Tada, whose life and testimony have inspired millions around the world.

I think about Nick Vujicic, who was born without arms and legs yet continues to share the Gospel with millions across the globe.

I think about Billy Graham, who faithfully preached Christ throughout seasons of physical weakness and aging.

I think about Eric LeGrand, whose courage and faith have encouraged countless people through adversity.

None of these individuals allowed their struggles to define them. Instead, they allowed God to use them right where they were. 

Their stories remind us that God’s power is not limited by our circumstances.

Throughout my own health journey, God has repeatedly shown me that my willingness to continue sharing the love and hope of Jesus during difficult seasons has encouraged others who are walking through storms of their own.

Sometimes we assume that our greatest ministry will happen after God removes our struggle.

But what if God wants to use us in the middle of the struggle?

What if the very battle we are asking Him to remove is the place where He is doing some of His greatest work?

What if our pain becomes a platform for His glory?

What if our scars become evidence of His faithfulness?

I still believe Jesus heals.

I still believe miracles happen.

After all, I am living proof that they do.

And maybe Jesus will choose to perform another miracle in my life on this side of Heaven.

Maybe He will completely restore every area of my health.

I certainly welcome the prayers everyone continues to pray for my healing.

But perhaps God is using this season exactly as it is.

Perhaps there are people I can reach because of this journey that I could never reach otherwise.

Perhaps there are conversations that happen because of these challenges that would never happen without them.

Perhaps Jesus has me planted exactly where He wants me.

So if God leads you, please continue praying for my healing.

But also pray that Jesus continues to use me.

Pray that I remain faithful.

Pray that I continue to encourage others.

Pray that I continue sharing His love and hope wherever He opens a door.

Because whether I receive another miracle here on earth or whether God continues to use me in the middle of this battle, my victory is already secure in Christ.

If He heals me completely here on earth, I win.

If He uses my story to bring hope to others, I win.

If He uses my struggles to point people toward Jesus, I win.

And one day, whether through healing here or perfect healing in Heaven, I will stand in the presence of my Savior completely restored.

Either way, I win.

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

And that is a victory no illness can ever take away. ~OC

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Wake Up, Christian: Why I Write About Tough Topics

One of the questions I get asked quite often is this:

“Why do you write about such tough topics?”

Sometimes the question is phrased a little differently:

“Why don’t you just stick to the nice,

encouraging, less controversial subjects?”

My answer is usually very simple:

Because that is what God has placed on my heart at that moment.

I don’t sit down and ask myself, “How can I make people uncomfortable today?” I sit down and ask, “Lord, what do You want me to say?”

Sometimes He leads me to write about hope, healing, miracles, and encouragement. Other times He leads me to write about difficult issues that many people would rather avoid.

The truth is, I believe too many Christians have become comfortable.

Far too many believers want to walk through life with blinders on, roast marshmallows, eat s’mores, and pretend everything in the world is just fine.

But it isn’t.

Look around.

People are hurting.

Families are broken.

Addictions are destroying lives.

Human trafficking continues to victimize millions.

Abuse is often ignored.

Depression and anxiety are everywhere.

Suicide rates remain alarming.

Loneliness is growing.

The world is facing some very real and very difficult challenges.

As followers of Christ, we cannot afford to pretend these issues don’t exist.

Jesus never ignored pain.

Jesus never looked away from suffering.

Jesus never avoided difficult conversations.

He stepped directly into the brokenness of humanity and brought truth, hope, healing, and redemption.

As Christians, we are called to be a bright light in a dark world. Sometimes that means encouraging people. Sometimes it means comforting people. Sometimes it means speaking difficult truths and confronting evil when we see it.

The world doesn’t need a thirty-minute sitcom version of Christianity.

The world doesn’t need believers who pretend life is perfect.

The world doesn’t need another polished sermon that makes us feel good on Sunday but leaves us spiritually empty by Monday morning.

What the world desperately needs is genuine Christianity.

People want authenticity.

They want to see believers who are honest about their struggles.

They want to see Christians who admit they don’t have it all together.

They want to see followers of Jesus who are willing to show their scars, their failures, their lessons learned, and how God carried them through.

They want to see faith that is real.

The Gospel was never meant to simply make us comfortable.

It was meant to transform us.

Growth rarely happens when we stay comfortable.

Growth happens when God challenges us.

Growth happens when we wrestle with hard truths.

Growth happens when the Holy Spirit convicts our hearts and calls us to something greater.

That is why I will continue sharing messages that challenge people.

Not because I enjoy controversy.

Not because I think I have all the answers.

But because I believe God often uses uncomfortable moments to produce spiritual growth.

If a message makes us stop and think, examine our hearts, or see the world through God’s eyes, then perhaps that discomfort is exactly what we need.

Now, don’t worry—I won’t write only about difficult subjects.

I’ll still sprinkle in plenty of encouraging posts about faith, hope, healing, miracles, worship, and God’s goodness.

After all, encouragement is important too.

But I will not shy away from the hard conversations when God places them on my heart.

The Church doesn’t need less truth.

The Church doesn’t need less courage.

The Church doesn’t need less conviction.

The Church needs believers who are awake, engaged, and willing to shine the light of Christ wherever darkness exists.

So my encouragement today is simple:

Wake up.

Look around.

Pray.

Pay attention.

Love people.

Speak truth.

Show grace.

Confront evil.

Offer hope.

And above all else, point people to Jesus.

Because this world doesn’t need comfortable Christianity.

It needs Christians who are willing to follow Jesus wherever He leads—even when the conversation gets difficult. ~OC

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Two Questions Every Christian Should Ask Themselves

Today’s a new day! 

There are two questions that have been on my heart recently, and honestly, they are questions I need to ask myself as much as anyone else.

Question #1: When someone looks at your life, would they want to be like you?

Not because we’re perfect.

Not because we have all the answers.

Not because we’ve never failed.

But when people see our lives, do they see something different? Do they see the peace of Christ in the middle of chaos? Do they see grace when others are harsh? Do they see hope when circumstances seem hopeless? Do they see a faith that remains steady when life gets difficult?

The Apostle Paul boldly wrote, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

That is a challenging statement. Could we honestly say the same?

When people watch how we treat our spouses, our children, our neighbors, the cashier at the grocery store, or even those who disagree with us, are they seeing Jesus reflected in us?

The truth is that our lives may be the only Bible some people ever encounter. Every conversation, every action, every response to adversity is an opportunity to point people toward Christ—or away from Him.

None of us get it right all the time. I certainly don’t. But our goal should be to live in such a way that others are drawn not to us, but to the Savior living within us.

Question #2: Do you have a passion to praise and serve Jesus?

Christianity was never meant to be a once-a-week activity.

It was never meant to be a religious checkbox.

It was never meant to be a routine without relationship.

Jesus gave everything for us. He carried our sins to the Cross, conquered death through His resurrection, and offers us eternal life. How can we not respond with passionate praise and wholehearted service?

Praise isn’t just singing songs on Sunday morning. Praise is thanking God when life is good. Praise is trusting Him when life is hard. Praise is lifting His name when the diagnosis comes, when the bills pile up, when the storm refuses to leave.

Service isn’t just what happens inside church walls. Service happens when we encourage someone who is hurting. It happens when we pray for others. It happens when we meet needs, show compassion, and become the hands and feet of Jesus in a broken world.

The question isn’t whether we attend church.

The question is whether our hearts burn with a love for Jesus.

Do we wake up looking for opportunities to honor Him?

Do we seek ways to serve others in His name?

Do we long to know Him more deeply today than we did yesterday?

A Personal Reflection:

As I ask these questions of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, I must also ask them of myself.

When people look at my life, do they see Jesus?

Am I living in a way that inspires others to draw closer to Him?

Do I still have a passion to praise Him through every season?

Do I still have a desire to serve Him with whatever time, talents, and opportunities He has given me?

These aren’t questions meant to bring condemnation. They are questions meant to bring reflection and renewal.

Perhaps today is a good day for all of us to pause and ask God to search our hearts.

May our lives be a testimony of His goodness.

May our words point people toward His truth.

May our actions reflect His love.

And may we never lose our passion to praise and serve the One who gave everything for us.

Lord, let my life be a reflection of You. Help me live in such a way that others see Jesus in me. Rekindle my passion to praise You, serve You, and follow You faithfully every day. Amen. ~OC

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America Needs A Better Gospel Than Christian Nationalism

Today’s a new day!

In recent years, many Christians have wrestled with an important question: What happens when faith becomes too closely tied to politics?

As followers of Jesus, we should love our country, pray for our leaders, and seek the good of our communities. Scripture encourages us to be engaged citizens and to pursue justice, mercy, and righteousness. But there is a difference between loving our nation and confusing our nation with the Kingdom of God.

America needs a better gospel than Christian Nationalism.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ was never about elevating one nation above all others. It was never about political power, cultural dominance, or winning elections. The Gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ came to save sinners, reconcile humanity to God, and establish a Kingdom that transcends every border, language, ethnicity, and political system.

Jesus was not crucified because He sought political office. He was crucified because He proclaimed a Kingdom that challenged the powers of this world. His message was not “Take control.” His message was “Follow Me.”

Throughout Scripture, we see that God’s love extends to all people. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s redemptive plan includes every tribe, every tongue, and every nation. The Church is not called to represent one earthly kingdom. The Church is called to represent Christ.

When Christians place their ultimate hope in political movements, parties, or national identity, they risk exchanging the Gospel for something far smaller. Political victories may come and go. Nations rise and fall. But the Kingdom of God endures forever.

Christian Nationalism often asks, “How can we make America Christian again?” The Gospel asks a different question: “How can we help people know and follow Jesus?”

One focuses on power. The other focuses on transformation.

One seeks cultural control. The other seeks changed hearts.

One can create insiders and outsiders. The Gospel invites everyone to the foot of the Cross.

The Church’s mission has never been to conquer a nation. It has always been to make disciples. Our calling is to love our neighbors, care for the poor, defend the vulnerable, welcome the stranger, forgive our enemies, and proclaim the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

America does not need a gospel wrapped in a flag.

America needs the Gospel of Jesus.

The Gospel that calls us to humility rather than pride.

The Gospel that teaches us to love rather than hate.

The Gospel that values truth over tribalism.

The Gospel that reminds us our citizenship is ultimately in Heaven.

The Church is at its best when it looks less like a political movement and more like Jesus. The world does not need Christians who merely win arguments. It needs Christians who reflect the character of Christ.

May we never trade the Cross for political influence.

May we never confuse patriotism with discipleship.

And may we remember that our greatest hope has never been found in a nation, a party, or a politician.

Our hope is found in Jesus Christ alone. ~OC

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When We Care More About Position Than Protection

Today’s a new day!

I know many people may disagree with what I am about to say, and that’s okay. Healthy disagreement is part of life and part of the Church. But I stand firmly by these words.

I care far more about the victims of abuse in our churches than I do about whether a woman teaches a Bible study, preaches a sermon, or stands behind a pulpit in a Southern Baptist Church—or any other church.

For years, countless hours, meetings, conferences, articles, and social media debates have focused on the role of women in ministry. Entire denominations have wrestled with the question. Churches have split over it. Christians have passionately argued both sides.

Yet while some believers are consumed with debates about who is allowed to speak from the platform, children, teenagers, and vulnerable adults have suffered abuse in churches that were supposed to be safe places.

That should break our hearts.

When Jesus walked this earth, He consistently placed people above power, compassion above control, and protection of the vulnerable above religious posturing. He reserved some of His strongest words for religious leaders who burdened others while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

I cannot help but wonder what Jesus thinks when churches spend more energy debating who can preach or teach than they spend ensuring children are protected.

I cannot help but wonder what He thinks when victims are ignored, silenced, questioned, or blamed while church leaders focus on preserving reputations and institutions.

The Church should be the safest place on earth for a child.

The safest place for a survivor.

The safest place for the wounded.

The safest place for those seeking healing.

And yet, too often, it has not been.

This is not a statement against theology. 

Theology matters. Scripture matters. Church governance matters. But if our theological discussions become more important than protecting people made in the image of God, something has gone terribly wrong.

If Christians are more concerned about a woman’s role in ministry than they are about children being abused, they have missed something essential in the teachings of Jesus.

If we can passionately argue about positions while remaining silent about victims, we need to examine our priorities.

If we are quicker to defend institutions than to defend the brokenhearted, we need to return to the heart of Christ.

Jesus welcomed children.

Jesus protected the vulnerable.

Jesus stood with the hurting.

Jesus confronted religious leaders who had lost sight of what mattered most.

The Church should do the same.

The world is watching how we respond. More importantly, survivors are watching.

They don’t need another debate.

They need safety.

They need accountability.

They need justice.

They need compassion.

They need to know that the Church values their well-being more than its reputation.

My prayer is that Christians of every denomination would become known not merely for what we believe, but for how fiercely we protect the vulnerable, how seriously we take abuse allegations, how compassionately we care for survivors, and how faithfully we reflect the heart of Jesus.

Because at the end of the day, protecting the vulnerable is not a political issue.

It is not a denominational issue.

It is not a conservative issue or a progressive issue.

It is a Jesus issue. ~OC

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