Today’s a new day! Not backing down. You can’t count me out. No longer going to play it safe. Stepping out of my comfort zone. Where Jesus leads me, I will follow. ~OC
Challenges
Today’s a new day! You will face challenges today. Some will be small, but some will feel overwhelming. I encourage you to overcome those challenges. I encourage you to look at past victories. You have overcome challenges before and you can do it again. It will not be easy, but I believe you can make it. Don’t back down. Don’t give up. Keep believing. Keep pushing forward. God is in control. He will be with you every step of the way. God can turn your challenges into opportunities. Embrace those opportunities. Keep Overcoming! ~OC
Memories
Memories. They can make you smile, laugh and cry. Sometimes memories just make you sit back and reflect. That happened to me this morning, as I scrolled through my Facebook page and a memory from May 13, 2009 jumped out at me. It took me back. On this date in 2009, I went back to work after a month in the hospital and recovery at home. I did not realize at the time that life would never be the same.
As I went back to work that Wednesday morning, I thought things would go back to normal. Little did I realize that my life would never be normal again. Several days after going back to work, I would end up back in the hospital. This scene would play out many times over the next few months. I would work a few days and end up in the hospital for a few weeks. Finally after seeing this Groundhog Day moment several times (Google the movie Groundhog Day), my medical team shared it was time for me to retire and go on disability. Retire? Disability? I was only in my early 40’s. I was not real excited about this new normal. But this new normal was now part of my life. Little did I realize what a crazy beautiful journey God would allow me to experience.
As I have walked this new normal since 2009, I have become a full time Abolitionist, a Missionary and a published Author. I doubt any of my teachers or professors would have ever guessed I would write a book. During this new normal, my faith became so much stronger. My wife Laura and I have experienced so many amazing adventures. I definitely would not have chosen this new normal, but I would not change a thing. My new normal has become a beautiful gift. Thanks Facebook for the memory. ~OC
Blessed Life
Today’s a new day! I woke up this morning. I took a breath. I am blessed. Have a wonderful day. ~OC
Today in History
April 15, 1947- Jackie Robinson breaks color barrier in Major League Baseball. #42
World Cancer Day
In 2003, I became a member of the cancer community. My prayer is that one day, we will be able to say goodbye to World Cancer Day. ~OC
Dream Killers
If God has placed a dream on your heart, do not let anyone or anything try to destroy that dream. Dream Killers can be the the following:
Doubt
Criticism
Comparison
Intimidation
Failure/Discouragement
People
These dream killers can happen everyday. Do not allow them to destroy the dreams God has put on your heart. Step out and trust God. ~OC
How To Help
During my 17 year crazy beautiful health journey, I was often asked how people could help Laura and I. Here are a few suggestions:
Stay in Contact: Nothing brightens a patient’s day more than hearing from friends. It could be a phone call, visit or a simple text. Even when I could not eat or drink, I loved the interaction with friends. So never be afraid to call that loved one or friend. Also the doctors have shared keeping a person’s mind active is very important. So, when you are thinking about someone, take that opportunity to reach out to them. Do not miss out on a beautiful memory.
Remember to Check On The Caregiver: The caregiver can get lost during the journey. As my caregiver, Laura had the toughest job. Working full-time and taking care of me could be overwhelming. And remember, she did this for over 17 years. So, make sure you are asking about the caregivers physical, mental and emotional well-being. One of my main concerns during my journey, was that Laura take care of herself and enjoy life. A caregiver can always use a night out.
Don’t Start a Pity Party: Dealing with health issues is tough enough. At times people want to go crawl in a hole and isolate. Don’t let them do it. Offer some words of encouragement. Get them out of the house. Go make some memories. My journey was a tough one, but so many people had it tougher than me. Remember, a lady gave birth in a tree. True story!
Just listen: Sometimes hurting people just need someone to listen. Not to fix. Not to have all the answers. Just listening is a beautiful gift.
Be Flexible: The one thing about illness is everyday is different. My health issues bought new challenges each day. Sometimes each hour. So be flexible when dealing with a family member or friend struggling with health issues.
Learn About the Illness: Some people are dealing with illnesses we have never heard of, but asking questions and maybe a quick Google search can help. This can help you better support that loved one. Just don’t believe everything you read online.
Be Available: People dealing with health issues face different challenges. So be available to help when possible. That help could come in the form of bringing someone meals, sitting with someone during their treatment, visiting them in the hospital or transportation. For years, I could not drive based on my health issues. So, having rides to my appointments were important. I am thankful for my team of drivers during my journey. Getting out of the house and enjoying live is so important.
The Long Haul: Be there for your family and friends. Did I ever think my journey would last 17 years? No way! But what I learned was that some friends put an expiration date on how long they could endure my new normal. Having friends that have stuck it out and supported me has been a true blessing.
Acceptance: Stop comparing who someone was before they got sick, to the person they are now. Simply accept that who someone was and who they are now has changed. So when that family member or friend has a life changing experience, embrace the new them.
I hope this helps. There is really not a blueprint for this stuff. So don’t beat yourself up, if you say or do the wrong thing. The most important thing you can do is be present and engaged. ~OC
Don’t Mess With My Miracle
As I continue to walk in my miracle, the enemy is not happy. He is constantly telling me my healing is not real. Or he tells me I am not worthy of Jesus healing and blessings.
You see the enemy loves to play games with us. He doesn’t want us living in victory. The enemy wants us to doubt the healing power of Jesus. The enemy wants us to believe miracles ended when Jesus went to be with his Father in Heaven.
But as live out this incredible miracle, Jesus reminds me that my suffering went well beyond the mild discomfort of a stubbed toe. Jesus reminds me that I was at deaths door on more than one occasion. Doctors shared I was in the Wasting Stage. They had lost hope.
Then on November 3, 2019 Jesus decided it was time for me to experience His healing. Time to wake up from a 17 year sleep. It was time to start living again. To start thriving.
As I sit hear typing this post, my life will never be the same. It is time to live in victory. Dear Enemy, you cannot still my healing or my joy. ~OC
My Prayers and Thoughts
Good morning! So as I sit in this hospital room, here are some of my prayers and thoughts.
I pray my beautiful bride is resting and wakes up feeling great.
I pray that some dear family and friends who are sick, will experience complete healing.
I pray for all the Caregivers taking care of a loved one.
I pray The Holy Spirit will take over South Florida. Revival come!
I pray I will be the best husband, friend and disciple of Jesus that I can be through Him.
I pray for everyone in the military and all First Responders. And their families.
I pray for peace.
I pray for all the leaders. I pray their hearts and minds would be changed by God.
I pray for the victims of human trafficking. I pray they will be rescued and their lives will be completely restored. I pray for all the organizations fighting this horrible crime. I pray their needs will be met. Most importantly, I pray their hearts and motives are pure.
I pray for all churches, pastors, missionaries and ministries. May they truly be the hands and feet of Jesus.
I pray God will allow me to do more for everyone I come in contact with during the day.
I pray for all the patients, nurses, doctors and staff at Good Sam. Give each the strength they need today.
I pray for our schools, students, teachers, staff and administrators. I pray God would bless and protect each.
I pray I will not get in the way of what God wants to do in my life.
Here are some of the thoughts going through my crazy beautiful mind this morning:
What races will I run in 2020, if God allows me to run again? It has been almost 11 years since I last ran.
If God blesses me with the ability to run again, that means I could return to the workforce. Where would I work? Who would hire a 50 something guy who has not worked in almost 11 years, but has an incredible crazy beautiful story? Would I go on the speaking circuit? Would I look at working at a church or ministry of some kind? Would I work at a school or university? Would I be a Greeter at Walmart?
Yes, those are some of the crazy thoughts that go through my mind a lot of morning’s. I just want to be ready for whatever God has prepared for me. Even if that means never running another race or never being able to return to work, I will be obedient and thankful.
Have a wonderful and blessed day. ~OC
