Tag: Hope

Go Rest On High

As I have scrolled through social media the past few weeks, I have been saddened by stories of friends dealing with the death of loved ones. Those stories inspired me to write the following words.

Your mission on earth is now complete. No more pain fills your days. Your journey on earth was filled with ups and downs. But even during the hardest days, you looked up to heaven and gave praise. When the enemy came in the middle of the night, you faced him head on never taking a step back. You reminded the enemy that even on the darkest days, you would continue to praise the one on high.

Now you are looking into the eyes of Jesus rejoicing in praise. He has welcomed you home. No more walking through the pain. Your purpose on earth is now complete. I wish I could have seen your face as the angels led you into the gates of heaven to meet the King. We rejoice as we think about you sitting at the feet of the King of Kings, as he took you by the hand and uttered those beautiful words well done, thou good and faithful servant. I can see the smile on your face as you gazed into his eyes. Go rest on high.

We will continue this journey as we carry your memory in our hearts. We will remember your strength and determination as you faced your darkest days. Some days will be filled with tears, when we pick up the phone to call only to remember you have gone home to the King. We will smile as we recall how you made everyone laugh even during the pain. We will rejoice as we think of the day we join you in heaven and sit at the feet of the King. Go rest on high. ~OC

0

Dear Running,

Dear Running,

It is very painful to write these words to you. Running, we have been friends since I was a child. Back then, I loved running through the neighborhood. Not a care in the world. I did not get my drivers license until I was 18 years old because I thought I could just run everywhere. My friends had cars. Why did I need to drive? After high school, you and took a break. We reunited a few times in college, but nothing serious. Just a casual short run every once in awhile. After college you and I drifted apart. Life got busy and I abandoned you. Then in 2003, while having open-heart surgery to remove a cancerous tumor, God spoke to me through a vision and said it was time to reunite with you. Not only to start running again, but to start running marathons. I was under heavy anesthesia, so was this real? Yes indeed, it was real. Not only did God say to start running again, but to share the Gospel through running. Four months after surgery, I started running again. Oh, how nice to see you again old friend. It was like old times. We were back together. One year after my surgery, I completed my first marathon. Oh what a wonderful feeling and experience. As I ran, God gave me the chance to share his amazing love. You and I continued to complete one marathon after another. In 2007, we received a scare when I was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s. My first question to the doctor was “Can I keep on running?” I was overjoyed when the doctor shared I could indeed keep on running. Oh, we had a fun time the next year and a half. In 2008, God blessed me with the opportunity to run a 1,000 miles in one year. We anticipated a wonderful and exciting year of running in 2009. It started off with me completing the Disney Marathon. But something just wasn’t right. Was Parkinson’s starting to come between me and running? We fought hard to stay together. But once again something just wasn’t right. In March of 2009, my body started to betray me. That month, Myasthenia Gravis joined Parkinson’s to wreck my body. They finally broke us up in mid 2009. For the next ten years, I would fight for my life and daydream about you friend. Funny thing about those ten plus years, God kept directing me to buy a new pair of running shoes each year. Was God planning a reunion? It sure didn’t look like it. My health continued to decline. Funeral arrangements were made. Goodbyes were shared. Then on November 3, 2019, a shell of a man walked into a tent revival and was completely healed by our amazing Savior. A month later, God reunited us. In 2020, after not running for over ten years, God blessed me with the opportunity to complete 1,000 miles in ten months. Oh what a feeling. But during 2020, a pandemic rolled in and changed the world. On Super Bowl Sunday 2021, I was introduced to this strange virus called Covid. Little did I know my life was going to be completely changed. Since that Super Bowl Sunday, my body has never been the same. I have tried on many occasions to run again. We had a little success, but there have been many moments of major disappointments.

So it’s with a broken heart, I say one final goodbye to an old friend. We have made some beautiful memories together. But the effects of Covid and some other health issues have made running difficult and not enjoyable. I always dreamed running would be part of my life until Jesus took me home. So on August 4, 2022, I announce my retirement from running. It has been a beautiful crazy journey. Thanks for the memories my friend.

0

Hello Todd

Some nights, I wanna disappear into the night like a flying star. Maybe I can be like Marty McFly and find a time machine to take me back in time. Maybe I will travel to the year when I was 12. That’s when I remember my body facing its first medical trial. When life changed for awhile. Of course I didn’t know then that at 35, my life would turn into one crazy beautiful health journey. But a miracle would change that at 53. Then a pandemic would hit that changed everything at 55. I would tell that 12 year old, he’s going to take a lot of hits along the way. His life is going to become a medical odyssey. A journey around the world for doctors to see how this dead man walking keeps on overcoming. They whisper to themselves this man just refuses to die. I would share with that 12 year boy, it’s not by his strength that he is surviving the crazy waves. No it’s by the powerful love of God that he’s thriving as the waves come raging in. Remember when you were 10 years old and you asked the King of Kings into your heart? That life changing moment did not make life easy, but that single moment filled you with peace and hope. Those would come in handy in the years ahead. You will make mistakes along the journey, but when you look to your left or right the King of Kings will always be standing by your side. When you have questions or need some insight, God will always be there to direct your ways. You see, God is always listening even when you think he’s asleep. Hey, let’s take a break and return to that young man trying to navigate his way. There are some things you’ll do along the way you wish you could erase. But remember, every slip up will make you the man you will become one day. Far from perfect, but still allowing God to mold him like clay. People will build you up along the way, but will be quick to tear you down when you go astray. But don’t let anybody tell you how to write your story. Along the journey you might need to flip the script even if it scares a few people away. We are all products of our lived experiences. At times along the journey you will feel confused and scared. That’s when you stop and lean into the loving arms of the King of Kings. I hope you’re hearing this. I wish I could tell you life is going to be easy, but that would be a shiny bright lie. Yeah, I wrote about that before you should check it out. Life will be full of mistakes. That’s just part of the race. Do not forget about those lived experiences. But life will also be full of decisions you get right. Both are learning experiences. Don’t miss out on the lessons. When the journey gets hard, remember that Mother’s Day back in the day when you said yes to the Lord. You will often look back on that day when facing those crashing waves. Life is not going to be easy. There will be days you feel like throwing it all away, but then God will suddenly stop everything so you can take it all in and be amazed. Don’t miss one of those days. You see, life is going to go quick. One day you will wake up and wonder what happened to all those days. My prayer for that 12 year old boy, is that you will take it all in. The good and the bad. The memories that bring tears and the ones that bring smiles. Enjoy every minute of this amazing ride. ~OC

0

We Breathe

Everyday We Breathe:

Everyday we breathe, there’s a chance to give.
Everyday we breathe, there’s a chance to share love, peace and unity.
Everyday we breathe, there’s a chance for forgiveness.
Everyday we breathe, there’s a chance for hope.
Everyday we breathe, there’s a chance to laugh.
Everyday we breathe, there’s a chance for reconciliation.
Everyday we breathe, there’s a chance to make a difference. ~OC

0

Becoming A Christian

Today’s a new day! Becoming a Christian is more than a one time decision. It’s more than waiting to die with a ticket to Heaven in our hand. No, becoming a believer in Christ is about experiencing Him here and now. To live out a beautiful creative journey.

Living out this God journey actually means believing and truly living out the scriptures. Not just the scriptures we like.

Living out this God journey actually means loving our neighbors. All of our neighbors.

Living this God journey actually means serving all people. Not just the people we deem worthy.

Living out this God journey actually means living in God’s love and unity. Not being separated by the color of our skin, denominations, political parties or anything else that tries to separate us.

Living out this God journey actually means we can have opposing opinions without having division. Being able to listen without judgment or prejudice.

God never said this beautiful journey would be easy. It will take a lot of patience, constructive conversations, listening, wisdom, love, healing and grace. But I personally believe God wants us to experience him in a beautiful creative way, right here on planet earth. ~OC

0

Dear Friend

Dear Friend,

As I scrolled through your social media pages, I sense you are struggling. You seem tired. As I read your post, it appears you are being overwhelmed by the storms of life. I have experienced those moments.

So friend, I want you to know I am here for you. There have been times, I have watched other friends walk through storms from a distance because I was not sure what to say. I made their pain about me. I wish I had just showed up. Just listened.

As I have walked through my own storms, I realize how important it is to have friends walk with you. I am thankful for those who did not jump out of the boat when the seas got rough.

I am done letting fear keep me from staying close. I will not be perfect when I reach out to you. I may not always say the right thing. I am okay with that. The most important thing is, I will always be there for you. No judgment. No quick fixes. Just me standing in the gap.

Friend, you will get through whatever storm you are facing at this moment. It will not be easy. There will be some rough days. You might even feel like giving up. You might lose hope. When you lose hope, I will hope for you. We will get through this journey called life together. We will finish strong. ~OC

0

Simple Days

Simple Days

Sometimes I miss the simple days. The days of riding my bike and playing street football with my friends. Not worrying about the trials of life. Always had a smile on my face. Life was about hanging out with friends. Planning the fun events of the day. Not stressed about the mounting bills to pay. I miss the days when the only bill I was worried about was the one on Schoolhouse Rock. Oh how I miss those simple days. I miss playing hide and seek on a hot summer night. Watching sports with my dad. Days spent walking around the mall. Excited about who we might see. Friday nights at the local skating rink. Oh, how I miss those simple days. Saturday mornings watching Looney Tunes and then listening to American Top 40, to hear your favorite tune. Oh, the simple days. The days of sitting in the yard talking about life with your friends. A life with less distractions. Oh, how I miss those simple days. Summer vacations with family and friends. Sitting around with a bottle of Coke, soaking it all in. Maybe lucky enough to catch a lightning bug in a glass jar. Make sure you punch some holes in the top. Oh, how I miss those simple days. The simple days when you could count the number of tv stations on one hand. Those days when your parents knew your teachers name. When teachers were held in high esteem. You may have thought about talking back to your teacher, but you realized you would have to face your parents at the end of the day. I miss the days when I knew my neighbors names. I realize those days were far from perfect, but sometimes I miss those simple days. ~OC

0

Life Moment Lessons

Today’s a new day! As we walk through life we will all face storms. As we walk through the storms of life, we make the choice what lessons we learn. Here are just a few lessons I have learned during my journey.

Life Moment Lesson 1: I could not do life without my faith. As a 10 year old boy, I gave my life and heart to God. There have been some ups and downs along my faith journey, but God has never left me. As with any relationship, I have taken the time to get to know Him better. I have taken the time to listen to God as he has spoken to me. l have seen God move mountains, perform miracles and heal relationships that people said were dead. I have felt the beautiful peace and presence of God in every area of my life.

Life Moment Lesson 2: Do not take any moment or person for granted. Life can change in a single moment. So share grace and forgiveness. Do not hold onto anger or grudges. Let it go.

Life Moment Lesson 3: Family and friends are a beautiful gift. Hug them often. Never miss a chance to say I love you. Treasure the time together. Cherish the laughter and memories. Be present.

Life Moment Lesson 4: Never make life about you. Make life about serving others. Every experience we encounter, has a beautiful God purpose if we only stop and embrace the moment. Stop rushing through life.

Life Moment Lesson 5: God is in every moment. But we must stop to see God’s beautiful presence. It doesn’t matter what storms we are facing. God is always there. If we look closely, we can see God’s fingerprints on everything. Slow down.

Life Moment Lesson 6: Be thankful and grateful in everything. I have learned when my focus is on God and everything He has brought me through, I can only praise Him and say Thank You. Take time to be thankful.

Of course there have been more lessons learned along the journey, but these are the ones God wanted me to share today. I am Blessed. ~OC

0

Not Reality

Hello. This is something God put on my heart.

We have allowed many things to catch our eyes. They are bright and shiny, but are never what they claim to be. We hold them tight, only to see them disappear into the night. They are not real. Just pretty fantasies and not what they claim to be. They appear to be silver and gold, but that’s not reality. Just another fantasy. The shiny lights are just a dream. They were never reality. There just idols that will fade. They don’t have the power to save. Just a box of shiny bright things. Don’t allow yourself to get lost in that fantasy. Only one person can save us and that’s the King of Kings. Unfortunately, some people like to make the true King bright and shiny, but that’s far from reality. You see, the true King was born in a simple cave. That was far from the bling of the man made kings of the day. They were just living in a fantasy. Not much different than today’s man made kings. The idols of success and closet full of shiny bling ain’t gonna, no ain’t gonna save us. There just another fantasy. Only the King of Kings can turn that fantasy island into a place of eternity. Our only hope is in the King of Kings. Look up and shout out to the true King. Look up and shout out to the true King. He can turn your shiny fantasies of this world into the true reality of eternity. Look up and shout out to the true King of Kings. He’s holding out his hand waiting to welcome you into eternity. ~OC

0

Her Dreams

Good morning. God is really blessing me in my writing. He gave me these words this morning.

She walks into class tired and dragging after a long sleepless night. Nobody knows the secrets she’s holding back. Wearing extra makeup to hide the scars. Her teachers notice the flashy jewelry and the bloodshot eyes, but they don’t ask. It’s easier to ignore the signs than bear the burden of the truth. So they don’t ask. Her dreams keep slipping away.

After school, she goes home to an empty house to rest. It’s going to be another long night of putting on a smiling face for the men who will pay to steal her dreams. Another night of going to a different place to escape the horrors of the day. Her dreams keep sleeping away.

The girl with so many dreams, wears a pretty mask for the world to see. Deep down those dreams are slipping away. She wants to reach out for help to ease her pain, but it seems everyone else is caught up chasing their own dreams. Too caught up in their own dreams to see her dreams slipping away. No time to look past the mask to see her pain. Her dreams keep slipping away.

Her dreams give her wings to fly to another place. A place she no longer has to wear a mask to hide from her pain. She no longer has to hide the scars. She is finally free. In a place where she can fly and dream. ~OC

0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑