Tag: Grace

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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Saddened

I continue to be saddened that our unity in Christ is less valued than political positions. How have political convictions come to matter more than whole hearted devotion to Jesus? So many identify as a devotee of a political party or leader rather than a follower of Jesus. ~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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Today

Today’s a new day! Slow down today. Share a smile and kind word. Show grace when it would be easier to judge. Show love even if hate is thrown your way. Do not miss out on a beautiful interruption. Take time and embrace the moments you will experience today. I pray your day is filled with amazing moments and God’s blessings. ~OC

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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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Celebrate Diversity

Today’s a new day! Most people that know me, know I love to wear t-shirts with a message. Something to make others think or to help start a conversation. My amazing wife bought this shirt for me yesterday. It’s from a great organization called The Happy Givers (www.thehappygivers.com).

I am not a fan of the phrase “I don’t see color.” That is just a false statement. We all see color, unless you were born with an eye issue. But if not, then stop saying you don’t see the color of someone. I believe it’s disrespectful to that person and most importantly it is disrespectful to God. Yes, it’s disrespectful to God. God created color. God created diversity. God loves all the different colors He created. God loves all the diversity He created. You should too.

So stop saying you don’t see color. Instead say I see your color, but that does not determine my feelings and opinion of you. Your beautiful color was created by God. I love you because you were created by God. Let’s talk and get to know each other. Let’s celebrate diversity. ~OC

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Our Lives

Today’s a new day! Let’s make sure our lives are filled with Grace, Hope, Compassion, Forgiveness and Love. ~OC

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