Tag: Lessons

Seasons

Today’s a new day! This journey called life is made up of many seasons
some seasons slip away, never to be seen again while other seasons look like they’re slipping away, but they have only just begun

Like the dim light on the road ahead on an evening run, we only get a glimpse of the secrets of the world
May never pass this way again

Noises all around us
the seasons come and go
May never pass this way again

The dreams we dream keep us moving forward in the difficult seasons of life, those dreams keep us flying like an eagle on a warm summer breeze
May never pass this way again

Like Dr. King in the olden days
we must gather all our courage and live out our dreams
May never pass this way again

So cast away your fears
Our dreams will ebb and flow
different seasons will come and go
May never pass this way again

I wanna laugh with family and friends
I wanna cry and not waste a tear
I wanna dream and live in the moment
May never pass this way again

I wanna dance with my bride on a cool summer night to the sounds of the 80’s in the background
I wanna drive down the highway with adventure in my heart and some Motown playing on the radio
May never pass this way again

On those tough days when my body is failing me, I want to look in the mirror and not see a life of washed out dreams, on those days when it’s hard to breathe, I wanna hear Journey in the background reminding me Don’t Stop Believing
May never pass this way again

As the season change, I’m still standing, maybe not better than before, but living as an Overcomer
I wanna keep dancing in the light
May never pass this way again. ~OC

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Mile Marker Moments

Today’s a new day! I will never forget Sunday November 14, 2004. A little over a year after being diagnosed with cancer and having my chest cracked open to remove a golf ball tumor, I completed my very first half marathon on that day. I was blessed that so many friends and family members were at the finish line to help Laura and I celebrate. What a memorable day. My running days gave me so many amazing memories.

I am incredibly thankful for what I call “Mile Marker Moments.” What are Mile Marker Moments? They are moments in life where everything hits the wall. A moment where you have to decide if you continue on or if you call for a ride to the finish line. During my marathon days, my Mile Marker Moment came at mile 19. My body was done. The music on my playlist and the cheers from the crowd were just not enough. At mile 19, I always wanted to throw in the towel. But in that moment, God would fill my body and mind with amazing energy. The strength to get through all the pain and doubts, to continue on and run strong through the finish line. As much as I loved crossing that finish line, the real lessons were learned at mile 19. I truly value the Mile Marker Moments of life.

Mile Marker Moments teach us:
My last year running marathons was extremely tough. My body was really starting to shut down and every training run and marathon was filled with pain. My times had went from somewhat respectable to something far from respectable. Running was no longer easy for me. But after each marathon that year, I would spend time reflecting on the race and my results. I would always walk away with a teachable moment. It was on me to take the time to embrace those lessons and learn from them. Just like mile 19 of a marathon, we have to commit to embracing the valuable lessons of life instead of quitting.

Mile Marker Moments challenge us:
During that last year of running marathons, there were times I really hated running. The pain, the slow pace were overwhelming at times. Here I was the Blessed Overcomer of running, the guy whose story for some reason was encouraging others and I was struggling. But I challenged myself to do better. That can be difficult when your body is betraying you. During those low moments, I would use every race to challenge myself to learn and hopefully do better the next race. We need to use the mile marker moments of life to fuel us for the next opportunity.

Mile Marker Moments shape us: All the tough moments in running and life have strengthened my faith. God has used all of those Mile Marker Moments, to make me a better and stronger person. The Mile Marker Moments of my crazy beautiful health journey remind me that even in my darkest moments, God is still in control. The Mile Marker Moments of my life have blessed me with the opportunity to have some amazing conversations with people dealing with their own mile marker moments. During those conversations, I encourage people to let those mile marker moments help shape them, but not become their identity.

So as you face your own Mile Marker Moments, allow them to reveal God’s purpose for your life. Let them remind you to never give up and keep your eyes on the finish line. ~OC

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A Garden

Today’s a new day! For just a moment, imagine that our minds are like a garden. The thoughts we entertain are the seeds we plant. Loving thoughts are like seeds of beautiful flowers and nourishing vegetables. Our garden flourishes when we plant these seeds, tend to them, and water them regularly. However, if we plant seeds of envy, division, hate, arrogance, or resentment, our garden becomes overrun with nasty weeds, that slowly choke out the beauty and nourishment.

To cultivate a garden of love, we must intentionally plant seeds of patience, kindness, forgiveness, grace, humility, and truth. This requires effort and care, just as tending to a real garden does. Doing so creates an environment where love thrives and bears fruit. ~OC

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Keep Overcoming!

Today’s a new day! During my 22 year crazy beautiful health journey, I have met many amazing Overcomers. These heroes have overcome so much, as they have run their own crazy beautiful journey. The journey has not been easy. Many have been wounded.

To all my fellow Overcomers, never doubt God has an amazing plan for your life. You may feel your life is out of control, but know God is still in control. Even during your darkest moments, I encourage you to hold on to hope. I encourage you to stay strong . Do not allow discouragement or fear to keep you from the purpose God has designed just for you. Yes, even as you run through your own crazy beautiful journey, God has a plan for your life. A purpose for your pain. Just keep your eyes focused on Him. God is with you this very moment- you only need to be still. He’s got your back. Keep Overcoming! ~OC

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Woke

Today’s a new day! Several years after the horrific mass shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC, Laura and I visited the church. It was a sobering and powerful experience.

I also remember that being the first time someone referred to me as being “Woke.” It was said in a very loving and respectful way. Unfortunately, that is not always the case when the word “Woke” is used in today’s politically charged world. As a white Christian in America, I am saddened that so many politicians, pastors and Christians misinterpret the word “Woke” to suit their own biased ideology.

Some politicians and pastors have the nerve, for example, to quote Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when he spoke at the March on Washington in 1963 and shared the following words, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” Dr. King was projecting a vision of a world without racism, where people would see each other as friends, neighbors, and fellow human beings. But some politicians, pastors and Christians have twisted Dr. King’s words to insist that we should ignore racism right now, stop teaching about it, and pretend it does not exist. They use his words to justify laws on teaching about or discussing the racism in the here and now. They use his appeal for an unrealized future to blind us to a cruel present.

Today, I propose that we make a concerted effort to reclaim the original meaning of the word Woke. So many politicians, pastors and Christians have turned the word into a shameful four-letter word. Have they even taken the time to look up the true definition of WOKE? I have. The original meaning of the word Woke is “Being aware of injustice and inequality, specifically when referring to racism.” What is wrong with that?

I strive to be aware of injustice and inequality and racial discrimination and to do whatever I can to help educate and make things better. I believe as humans we should all do that.

So yes, I will wear the tag of “Woke” with honor. I pray that Dr. King’s “Dream” someday will become a reality in America and around the world. But we have a lot of work to do. Let’s Go! ~OC

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Labels

Today’s a new day! What label are you wearing today? Labels? Am I wearing a label? What does it say? Who gave you this label? If you’re wearing a label and it doesn’t reflect who God says you are, then it’s time to rip it off.

I remember when I was in 1st grade, the teacher Ms. Deer sat what she perceived as the “Smart Students” in the front of the class and the perceived “Not So Smart Students” in the back of the class. Without really knowing me, Ms. Deer placed me in the back row. There it was. The “label” I did not ask for, but that was the one that was placed on me. Ms. Deer had no idea that in that one moment, she would define who I was as a student for the rest of my academic career. As look back, I remember always sitting in the back of the class. That “label” Ms. Deer slapped on me may have been invisible to everyone else, but I saw it. I felt it.

We have to be so careful about the labels we slap on people. Because without knowing it, those labels can follow people the rest of their lives. Those labels can end up defining a person.

I am thankful, that I would later have teachers and professors that put a lot of time and effort into pushing me past that “average” label. But I must admit, that label was always in the back of my mind all of my academic career.

I am grateful that God does not look at me and slap on a “average” label. No, God looks at me and all of us and sees masterpieces. God takes the time to look past all the labels the world has put on us and sees that masterpiece. But we need to discover who we are in God. To truly believe who God says we are. Then we need to declare it. Take out that megaphone and shout it out to the world. ~OC

“As surely as I live, declares the Lord, I will do to you the very things I heard you say.” ~Numbers 14:28

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Joyful Warriors

Today’s a new day! Are you a joyful warrior? Would you like to be? I hope so. That’s who we are called to be as we run this crazy beautiful journey. We are called to love God above all else and others like ourselves. It’s not as easy as it sounds, but the benefits are truly out of this world.

Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you (2 Corinthians 13:11).

A joyful warrior is someone who’s fighting the storms of life with joy, not only in their own battles, but helping fight the battles that their family and friends are walking through. Because when we walk through a storm with someone else, we cannot help but experience the presence of hope and joy.

And isn’t that our purpose in life? To love others with God’s love. Most of the time these acts of love are very small and we might not even notice them ourselves. But the impact can be tremendous. As we walk through difficult moments with friends and loved ones, we can be conduits of great joy and deep refreshment.

Yes, ultimately our lives are in God’s hands, but we also need other people to walk with us on this journey called life. We are called to live in peace, unity and love. It does matter how we treat each other. We can be joyful warriors by helping those in need. Because it truly takes a village to spread hope and live with joy. But it can be done. Because God is always with us. His supply of joy is unlimited. Besides loving to pour out that sweet joy, God also loves sharing his hope, love and grace.

God is the ultimate joyful giver. But we are also called to be joyful givers. God has more joy than we can ever use in a lifetime. Our joy cup will never run drive. The more joy we pour out, the more joy we have. This is one of the beautiful mysteries of God. But it works. And it makes us victorious joyful warriors. And for that I am grateful.
 
Dear God, Thank you for the gift of joy
and the gift of joyful warriors in our lives. Today, allow us to be beautiful joyful warriors. Help us to bring hope and joy in the midst of the storms. Let us fight division with the amazing gift of peace, grace and joy. In the craziness of this world, help us to be joyful warriors. ~OC

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Storms

Today’s a new day! Living in Florida means we deal with a lot of storms. In the summer it can be sunny out, but around 3 or 4 o’clock a storm can come out of nowhere. Some days it can be raining hard in the front yard, but sunny in the back. Of course then there are the hurricanes. Some hurricanes move quickly through, while others just stall over us.

On this crazy beautiful journey called life, we will face many different storms. Sometimes there will be a light rain that comes and goes in a minute.
Then there are storms that blow in, causing havoc for everyone and everything in its path.

We don’t like walking through the storms of life. Who does? We love the sunny beach weather. But unfortunately that is not the world we live in. We will all walk through a storm or two during this life. We will all face days of blowing winds and flooding rain. But stop for just a minute and be still. In that minute, I am sure you can think of one person who is currently walking through a storm. The storms of life are hitting them from every direction. Maybe that person is you. I often hear pastors share we are either walking in a storm, just coming out of a storm or about to walk through a storm. How true. If you are currently walking through a storm, I encourage you to take hold of the strong hand of God. He will lift you up as you face the raging seas.

When we walk through a storm, that doesn’t mean God doesn’t love us or isn’t listening to our prayers. On the contrary, the scriptures tell us in this life we will all face troubles. We like to skip over those scriptures. But that doesn’t change the fact that we will all face trials in life. Even when we walk through a storm, we can take heart because God has overcome this world. That means He will never leave or forsake us. That should bring peace and comfort to everyone.

I have walked through many storms in my life. I have come to learn these storms have a purpose. That may not always be clear as we are walking through a raging storm. But if we will take the time to listen, God will reveal the lessons he has for us as we walk through those turbulent storms. I have learned God never wastes a storm. God can use a storm to show us the purpose for our lives or to reconnect us to our true purpose in life.

Hopefully this will bring you peace as you walk through your storm. Especially if you have walked through a storm for many years. You have been praying and crying out to God, but it appears he is not listening. Believe me I have been there. I have been walking through a stormy season for the last 22 years. I have been hit by one storm after another. So I get it my friend. Life can be hard. But in the mist of my storms, I have seen God grow my faith in a life changing way. God has allowed me to share His story with many as I walk the halls of the hospital, during treatments and medical appointments. As I continue to run this crazy beautiful health journey, God continues to show me that my worth and value are not tied to my health, career, success or whatever I might achieve in life. No, my value and worth are found in being a child of God. In being chosen by him, called by him, and equipped by him for a purpose. Even during the storms.

Sometimes our lives are rocked by the storms of life, so that we can rebuild on a stronger foundation. On the firm foundation of God. ~OC

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Be Still

Today’s a new day! I love the song “Be Still.” Various artists have covered the song over the years. But as I sit here this morning, the version that keeps playing in my mind is from the artist Travis Greene. The second part of the first verse says:

“But when the noise is over, a still, small voice you will hear. I hope that you believe me, when I tell ya
That I’ll handle all of your cares, just wait on me.”

Those words remind me of times in my own life when I have been busy, stressed and all God wanted me to do was trust in Him. He had everything under control. My relationships, my finances and my health issues are all in God’s hands. All I needed to do was be still.

I was reminded of the story of Jesus rebuking the wind and waves. He gave a simple, yet powerful command: “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39), and they had to obey. My stress and worry were like wind and waves tossing me to and fro, coming against me to get me off course. Yet, just as Jesus reminded the wind and the waves of Who was really in control, God was using the song “Be Still” based on His Word to silence the worry and fear raging in my mind and heart. God is still in control and sometimes I need to be reminded of that truth.

Just stop and think, God has the authority to silence any challenge, any trial coming against us. The problem is we have to learn to trust Him. The song Be Still speaks of a “still, small voice” reminding us that God is in control. So many times, the worries of this journey seem to drown out that voice but it is there, we just need to pay attention to it, to listen to it. As the chorus of the song says:

Be still and know, that I am God
Be still and know, that I am God
Just trust and know, that I am God,
And I’m in control, I am still … God
            
The lyrics remind us to simply be still, to trust and know that God is in control and that no matter what storm comes our way, God can and will handle it.

The song “Be Still” comes from the powerful words in Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

So today, as you face the storms and challenges of life, I encourage you to take a moment and just be still. ~OC

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Love Our Neighbors…No Exceptions

Today’s a new day! In the age of social media and partisan cable news, one of the most common questions I get as a Christian is how do I stay in relationship with the family member or friend who believes differently than I do? It can be difficult when we are all firing off text and social media post without giving it any thought or even taking a breath. Things can get nasty and personal real quick.

I recommend that each of us get in the habit of never posting a quick reply to another person’s post or text we disagree with. This can be difficult. We so desperately want to share our opinions. If something someone has posted or shared really bothers you, take a day to think about it and then message them. Maybe you need to type something out to get your feelings on screen.  If you’re like me, once you get your feelings out, you realize there is no real need to push send.

Sometimes you may need to adjust the settings on your email or social media to “mute” a certain person’s messages. They don’t have to know you aren’t reading the stuff they are sharing and forwarding to you.  You can spare yourself and them the awkward discussion of why you “unfriended” them.

Other times you may have to take the hard step of “un-friending” someone or maybe just letting that person know you need to communicate with them in other ways besides social media, text or email, because you can’t keep your emotions in check. I’ve had to make this move with some close friends, because what they share or post provokes a reaction in me I don’t like.  I’m pretty sure the stuff I share and post has caused that same kind of reaction in them. I’m definitely sure that what either of has posted has never changed their mind or mine.

Finally, there are those people who share such negative and personal things that it may amount to emotional abuse. In such cases, setting firm boundaries is necessary for your own well-being and health. Loving your neighbor can only happen from a safe distance with some people.

Remember the biggest companies with the smartest minds are working non-stop to keep us glued to our phone, tablet and computer. They make money and lots of it, the longer we keep using their app or watching their channel. The easiest way to keep us making money for them is to keep us outraged. There are genuine things to be outraged about in the world, but few of them are ever changed by a shared social media post, a forwarded email or text.

Sadly, our culture does not reward maintaining relationships with people different from ourselves. It rewards outrage and remaining in your own bubble. Yet, if we are really going to “Love our neighbor. No exceptions.” it has to cut both ways.

Nobody ever said this Christian life would be easy. ~OC

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