Tag: healing

Love, Forgiveness and Grace

Today’s a new day! Attention to all Christians. Before you jump on social media and start posting, ask yourself a few questions before clicking the send button.

1). Is what I am about to post judgmental, gossip, hateful or even true?

2). Is what I am about to post going to unite or divide?

3). Is what I am about to post going to add or delete from someone’s life?

4). Is what I am about to post going drive people closer to God or push them further away?

Our conversations online and in person should be filled with love, respect and words that encourage people. We do not have to agree with people on everything in order to love and respect them. As Christians, we should be inviting everyone to the table. As Christians our friendships should be filled with diversity. As Christians, we should be building bridges; not walls. Remember as Christians, it’s not our job to judge anyone. As Christians, we should be the first ones showing love, forgiveness and grace. ~OC

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Confusion and Distractions

Today’s a new day! As we walk through the storms of life, sometimes there is a tendency to think God has abandoned us. The storms of life can be so distracting. The noises of this world can be overwhelming at times. I started thinking about how distractions and confusion are two of the greatest tools of the enemy as he tries to make us believe that maybe God has left us.

When there are big, crashing waves disrupting our lives, it’s very easy to focus on them and feel as if hope and joy have gone. Anything from financial issues to health problems to family drama can be the things that demands our attention in the worst possible way—being louder in our heads and more all-consuming than the truth of God. I am not for a second saying that the storms you might be facing are not overwhelming. That is why they are so distracting. But I do want to encourage each of you to lean in and focus on the promises of God.

The truth of God’s presence is still there, but sometimes it’s really hard to see or hear Him. Sometimes it feels like we are surrounded by those crashing waves and are being pulled under with no hope of being rescued. That can be scary. It’s in those moments that we need to refocus and listen closely for God’s voice. He never stops speaking to us. God never stops standing with us. Even if at times we believe he does. The truth is we give God every reason to leave us, but He never does.

As I sit here this morning, I pray that you will hear the sweetness and the beauty of God’s voice in the middle of whatever storm you might be facing today. ~OC

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Dear Christian Community

Today’s a new day! Dear Christian Community,

As I scroll through social media, I shake my head at some of the things I read from the Christian community. A community I am part of, but often cringe at the post and comments of so many Christians.

As Christians we talk about the love, grace and forgiveness of God. We love to talk about redemption. We share stories from the Bible about amazing life changing experiences involving King David, the women at the well and Saul becoming Paul. The stories bring us hope. Unfortunately, I do not always see that lived out in the Christian community. Let me share.

Recently Carl Lentz a former pastor at Hillsong NYC and his wife Laura, started a podcast called Lights On With Carl Lentz. There have only been a few episodes, but I have been blessed by Mr. and Mrs. Lentz sharing their journey. Based on some poor choices, Pastor Lentz has been out of the spotlight for the past few years. But in their podcast, the Lentz’s share how they have spent the last four years working on their marriage, family and themselves. Rebuilding the trust that had been lost. To me that is something to celebrate. There should have been articles encouraging and Pastor Lentz and Laura as they continue to heal. Instead, I have seen post, articles and videos attacking Pastor Lentz for sharing their journey with the world. The Christian community cannot talk about and preach about second chances, but only when it meets their criteria. I thought we were supposed to celebrate second chances. God loves second chances.

I do not personally know Pastor Lentz or his wife Laura. Have never met them, but I am praying God uses them in a mighty way. Praying they use their life experiences to encourage and support others walking through their own storms. Praying they embrace the second chances in every area of their lives. I for one will be rooting for them. I think God will to. ~OC

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Unity!

As I was praying this morning, God gave me the following words. I pray the following words challenge and encourage you.

Let us not be divided, but united, to grow the church into what God would have it be. There is nothing on earth like the local church when it is working properly. It has the power to transform and changes lives. To have eternal significance.

Jesus wants us to live as children of God. He promises to give us the strength and wisdom to face whatever storms come our way. Today, pray for those around you and those far away. Bear in mind that we are to be salt and light to a broken world. Also remember that Jesus is praying for us. Be like the tree of Psalm 1, “…their delight is in the law of the Lord…They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in due season.” ~OC

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Come Together

Today’s a new day! God, you created all of us in your beautiful image. Open our hearts and minds to this truth. Help us to recognize that all of us, regardless of skin color are your children. Dear God, help us build bridges of community and hope and not walls of hate and separation. Teach us to love, serve and listen. Open our eyes to the sin of racism. Give us the boldness and courage to stand up against the evil of racism and all hate. Dear God, teach us to celebrate our differences and to see diversity as a strength and not a weakness. Bless us with grace and patience to work together to end racism and hate in our world. Dear God, give each of us the desire to truly live together as brothers and sisters. Amen. ~OC

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Forgiveness

Today’s a new day! Have you heard the expression “Let go and let God”? Easier said than done sometimes. But when we choose to keep holding onto things so tightly, we cannot have open hands that can receive, so it’s better to let go of it today and give it to God. One major issues we hold onto is unforgiveness. So many people allow unforgiveness to rule their lives.

I think we can all remember a time, where someone has hurt us or let us down. And on many of those occasions, we decided to hold a grudge against that person. To not forgive that person, whether they asked for it or not. Who’s tracking with me on this? But stop for a second and think about all that God has forgiven us for. He chose not to hold a grudge against us. God never holds back forgiveness from us. So why would we choose to withhold forgiveness from someone? That does not mean their actions did not hurt. Forgiving them doesn’t necessarily mean we will hang out or have a relationship with them. The forgiveness we give is more for us than them. By forgiving someone we are removing any power they may have over us in our hearts and minds. Sharing forgiveness allows us to experience peace. Forgiveness is the first step in the healing process.

Finally, showing forgiveness to someone who has hurt us is important, but do not forget to forgive yourself. Ouch! Did I hit a nerve? This can be one of the hardest things to do in life. But please stop holding unforgiveness from your own life. Stop replaying the past. God loves you. He does not want you holding that pain in your heart. Today, make the decision to forgive yourself. Regardless of the mistakes you may have made in life, God loves you. He is not holding a grudge against you. Forgiving yourself is the beginning of you experiencing life changing healing. ~OC

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Me Without You

Running this morning and got caught by the red light. Saw a homeless man staring at me
He was holding a sign that read Need A Little Help and God Bless
A sign of the times

As the light changed and I started running again, I looked back and couldn’t help but think I knew that man
That thought pierced my heart

Later that day on my way home
I noticed another man sitting on the side of the road talking to himself
He looked lost, sad and angry
He was not in a good state of mind
As I drove by, I looked back
I couldn’t help but think I knew that man
That thought pierced my heart

In the middle of the night as I tossed and turned, I thought about those two men, then truth hit me and pierced my heart
I sat up and cried out to God

That could be me without You
Only by the grace of God am I sleeping in a comfortable bed and not under a bridge or wondering around in a lost state of mind
God, I praise you for your blessings and grace

I saw a man on the news
He looked like a regular guy, but his life had taken a different turn, he was going to spend the rest of his days locked away surrounded by prison walls
As the story ended, I couldn’t help but think I knew that man
That thought pierced my heart

All day, I thought about that man from the news and wondered what led him astray
Then it hit me straight in my heart
I looked up to Heaven and cried out to God

That could be me without You
Only by the grace of God am I living in freedom and not locked away in a prison cell
God I praise you for your blessings and grace

As I travel around town and see all the pain and broken dreams, I close my eyes and realize how different my life would be and I look up to Heaven and give praise

Dear God, those could be my stories without you
Thank you for saving me
And praise You for your blessings and grace ~OC

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White Christian Nationalism

Today’s a new day! I believe one of the biggest threats to America and the American Church is White Christian Nationalism. This false doctrine has been around for years, but since 2016 White Christian Nationalism has become a major problem in the American Church and the Christian community. Sadly, I have seen it separate churches, families and friends. White Christian Nationalism, has definitely made it difficult to be a white Christian who does not believe in the teachings of this cult like community.

White Christian Nationalism is far from the teachings of Jesus. Christian Nationalism is a political movement cleverly wrapped up in religious language. The movement is more concerned about spreading the American gospel and less concerned with sharing the love of Jesus. The movement wants control over people and issues they do not agree with -which is the exact opposite of what the Gospel teaches us. The Bible shares Jesus came as a servant who sacrificed lhis life for all of us, whether we’re gay, transgender, straight, rich, poor, black, white, refugee, different languages, backgrounds or faith.

Those who have been corrupted by White Christian Nationalism do not reflect the teachings of Jesus and how He lived his life. The theme of the Bible is God’s amazing love and sacrifice for all of us – regardless of our skin color, political affiliation, economic status or sexual identity. As a Christian, I believe God’s love is for ALL people. The Gospel is a beautiful gift. This life changing gift should never be used as a weapon against people or issues we disagree with.

What can Christians who disagree with the false teachings of White Christian Nationalism do? We can continue to pray. We must become more educated about this false and dangerous movement. We must speak up about the dangers of White Christian Nationalism. As Christians, we must earnestly pray that the false teachings of Christian Nationalism come to light in churches and in the hearts of those blinded by the lies of this cult. That truth prevails.

During this election year, Christians against White Christian Nationalism cannot be misled by self-serving politicians or Christians who are promoting false teachings. We cannot be silent like the Churches and Christians in Germany were in the days of Hitler. As Christians who truly believe in the teachings of Jesus, we must continue to live lives of love and respect for ALL of our neighbors regardless if we agree with them or not. ~OC

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Faithful Friend

Today’s a new day! Sadly, as I have run this crazy beautiful health journey, several friends decided to walk away. But this is not about them. No, this letter is for you.

Dear Faithful Friend, I want you to know you are one of the greatest blessings God has ever given me. Coming from a person who has watched many friends walk away, I am thankful that I never had to see what it would look like as you walked away. You have been a constant. You have been persistent. You have been faithful. You have constantly showed me that people are capable of caring unconditionally. Friends like you are hard to find these days, even in people who call themselves Christians.

I am thankful that you have never left, as I have run this crazy beautiful health journey. You haven’t just stayed during the good times, you have decided to run with me even as my body has went through one trial after another. You care for me even when I have nothing to offer.

You have seen the worst parts of this health journey. You know the good and not so good in this season. You know God gives us things exactly when we need them… that’s proven to be true because of the fact that He has blessed me to call you friend. Our paths crossed because God saw that I needed a faithful friend. He was right. I needed someone who intercedes in prayer on my behalf without me asking. I needed someone who would sharpen me as I walk through this journey.

I have studied the Bible to see what it means to be a good friend and most of the things I have read are qualities that you possess. I have seen you run with me at my weakest moments. You have been an honest voice. I have seen you build me up and encourage me. You have had my back in ways I will never be able to truly thank you for.

I am so thankful for your friendship.
I can only pray that I have had a small impact on your life. You have helped me become a better person as I run this crazy beautiful health journey. I pray for you and your family on a daily basis and I hope you know that I am here in all seasons for you, just like you have been there for me. I do not write any of this lightly. Thank you for being a faithful friend. I am thankful for your friendship in my life. ~OC

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True Identity

Today’s a new day! What are you attaching to your life? As I talk with people or scroll through their social media pages, I see so many people associating negative thoughts to their story. Too many people allowing negative thoughts to run through their head, telling them they’re not good enough or they do not measure up. After a while people begin to internalize these negative thoughts and allow them to become their identity.

My hope and prayer is that instead of believing the lies of not being good enough or measuring up, people would be reminded how amazing, unique and loved by God they are. That they are a masterpiece in His eyes. That’s your true identity. ~OC

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