Tag: Peace

When We Suffer

I have been asked many times why I have dealt with so much physical suffering in my life? I am not 100% sure, but I know God has taught me many lessons during my health journey. Beautiful lessons I would never trade. Here are a few lessons I have learned about suffering during my medical journey.

Suffering prepares us to help others. I have been blessed with the opportunity to walk with many people during their health journey.

Suffering helps us grow in our walk with God. My relationship with God has grown so much during my health journey.

Suffering can bring relationships closer. My wife Laura and I have watched our marriage grow during my health journey. I am a better husband.

Suffering conforms us into God’s image. When people are suffering, the encouraging words from someone who has dealt with suffering can bring beautiful hope.

Remember, if we seek God through His word and prayer, we will find Him. God understands our pain because he too suffered. ~OC

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Living In Hope

Hope guides us through the tough days. Through the storms. Our hope comes from our faith and trust in God. Our hope grows deeper as our relationship in God strengthens.


Hope is often found as we walk through health issues. As we deal with life and death issues, we lean more on the love and hope of God. During these storms we experience the hope of wisdom, the hope peace and the hope of healing. Remember, that healing can come in many forms. Only in the arms and grace of God can we find a firm foundation.

Take your burdens to God and leave them at the cross. He is our Savior and only hope. God’s love and care for us is everlasting. ~OC

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Hello Old Friends

In 2007, I was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s and in March 2009, I was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis. There is no cure for either of these diseases. Actually less than 30 people in the world have been diagnosed with both.

In November 2019, I experienced an incredible healing regarding these two illnesses. For over a year, I did not deal with symptoms of Parkinson’s or Myasthenia Gravis. Then In 2021, Covid wrecked my body. After Covid I began showing signs of Parkinson’s and Myasthenia Gravis. My medical team shared Covid caused these diseases to return. Thank you Covid.

I will not allow these new challenges to steal my hope or joy. I truly believe God is going to use these new challenge to help me share His love with more people. These old friends will not beat me. Staying Focused. Finishing Strong. ~OC

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Angels Among Us

In an earlier post, I shared about the four angels God assigned me. Here is a little update.

On September 15, 2022, I suffered a stroke. I spent some time in the hospital after having the stroke. Every night as I rested in my hospital room, there were four angels surrounding my room. Those angels were protecting me as I dealt with this new medical experience. I was completely filled with peace. There was no fear, as I dealt with the unknown of having a stroke. Those angels gave me strength in the middle of the night. I thought back to that early morning walk in August, when God prepared me for a new journey. I never thought that new journey would include a stroke, but I am excited to see how God uses this new adventure. I will stay focused and finish strong. ~OC

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Skydiving

In September of 2007, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. I thought to myself I needed to mark this moment. So what should I do? I had always wanted to go skydiving. Why would anyone want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane? I got that question a lot. But I always thought it would be a great experience. So, after my Parkinson’s diagnosis, I decided I was going to jump out of a perfectly good plane. On a cool November morning, I filled out some paperwork, watched a video and prepared myself to jump out of a perfectly fine airplane. I was doing fine until I got on the plane and started getting further away from land. I started thinking is this really a good idea? Could I really jump out of a plane? I thought to myself I survived cancer, major surgery, a new diagnosis of Parkinson’s and countless hospital visits. Should I really be jumping out of a plane? I knew this was only fear trying to keep me from this incredible experience. I knew I would regret it if I tapped out and stayed on the plane. No, I was not going to allow fear to keep me from this opportunity. So at 14,000 feet up in the air, strapped to my instructor I decided to jump out. Before we jumped out, the instructor asked if I wanted to just jump out or did I want to do some flips on the way down? If I was going to do this, I was going to do some flips on the way down. What a fantastic view and experience. I loved every minute of this adventure. We landed safely and my wife had a big smile on her face. I think there was some relief mixed in with that smile. Embrace the adventures! ~OC

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Miracles

Today’s a new day! Some of God’s greatest miracles often come from what we consider insignificant. ~OC

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Wake Up Church

Today’s a new day. If you truly want to find out what a church believes, you do not even need to attend the church. Just check out the social media pages of some pastors and their spouses. As I have scrolled through my social media pages, I have been saddened to see so many pastors and their spouses more concerned about politics than the gospel. So concerned about their political views, they are willing to attack other believers who do not think like/act like/speak like they do. Evangelicals need a wake up call, need to become more compassionate and humble, focused on the gospel. Believers and churches need to stop getting caught up in out right lies and conspiracy theories. Faith community, you can fill every public office with a conservative right-wing candidate and this nation will still be a mess, because the only hope is Jesus. It’s about a heart change, not a Republican, Democrat or Independent change. Wake Up Church. Jesus is love, grace and forgiveness. ~OC

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Walking Another Journey

I have always tried to be open and honest about my health journey. God has given me a story of hope and encouragement to share with the world. He has given each of us a story to share. Here is my current story.

As some of you know, I walked an almost 18 year health journey. I faced death on many occasions. At one point I weighed 112 pounds, was living off a feeding tube and had to use a voice amplifier to speak. On November 3, 2019, with just two weeks to live, I walked into a tent and was healed during an old fashioned prayer and healing service. My life changed completely in a minute. I went from The Man Who Refused to Die, to the Dead Man Running sharing my story around the country. A documentary was even made about incredible journey (www.deadmanrunningmovie.com). Life was good. Then February 7, 2021 happened and my life changed again.

I woke up on Super Bowl Sunday February 7, 2021 excited. You see, my Tampa Bay Buccaneers were playing in the Super Bowl. I have been a Bucs fan since the NFL announced Tampa was getting a team in 1974. The Bucs started playing two years later in 1976. Anyone who truly calls themselves a Buccaneers fan knows there have been a lot of ups and downs over the years. But on Sunday February 7, 2021, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would win the Super Bowl. I would only see a few minutes of the game. Life was about to throw me another curveball.

I woke up that Sunday morning a little tired, but nothing major. I went to church that morning feeling excited about the day. After church, I came home and took a small nap. Had to get my rest before cheering for my Bucs. I did not wake up rested. No, I woke up trenched in sweat and a 103.7 fever. So I ended up sleeping through most of the Super Bowl. The next day Monday February 8th, I would be admitted into the hospital with Covid and deal with a 104.4 fever for four straight days. Little did I know that over a year later, I would be still dealing with issues from Covid and be classified as a Long Hauler.

Which brings me to September 2022. I am currently hospitalized and dealing with an uncertain future. I was brought to the hospital a few days ago with stroke life symptoms. Thankfully, the doctors do not believe I had a stroke. So what caused those symptoms? We may never know. Thank you Covid. These days eating and even drinking have become difficult. At this time, I am taking in less than 500 calories a day. My body is being attacked on multiple fronts. A lot of tough decisions will need to be made over the next few days and weeks. Once again, thank you Covid.

With all that said, I am still clinging to the promises of Jesus. I am reaching out, just trying to touch his robe. I still believe in the beautiful miracles of Jesus. None of this is a surprise to the King of Kings. He is still using my beautiful crazy journey to tell a story of hope, love and encouragement. I am at peace.

A little side note. Jesus did not take away my miracle from November 3, 2019. My current health issues are not caused from sin in my life. I do not have some type of evil spirit in my life. The only spirit I have in my body is the Holy Spirit. I share this because these things have been said to me as I am walking this new health journey. I also know other people walking through their own journey that have heard these cruel words. Please do not believe these lies. Remember, Lazarus was raised from the dead, but today he is walking with Jesus in Heaven. So for those walking through a storm, do not walk in these lies. Walk in the beautiful victory, hope, love and peace of Jesus. Stay Focused. Finish Strong. ~OC

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At The Table

Today’s a new day! Let me say this loud and clear. God is not affiliated with any political party. If that statement surprises you, you might need to check your heart. Once again, God is not a Republican or a Democrat. He should never be used as a prop or weapon in political arguments. Sadly, God is often dragged into the political arena. His primary concern is not who’s in the White House or any political position. Obviously, Jesus cares for the needs of America, but he also cares for the needs of every country. Whether they love Him or not. It breaks God’s heart, when his people worship a political party or political figure. That seems to be a major issue among so many Christians today. If you call yourself a Christian, God should be the King of your life. Period!

Please hear me, I am not saying you cannot support your candidate, political party or country. That is your right. Please go vote. But your allegiance cannot be to a political candidate, flag or country. As a Christian, your allegiance should be to God. There will be moments in our lives where what seems to be in the best interest of America, or your political party will go against what God says is true. In those pivotal moments, you will have to choose who’s first in your life. Who reigns over your life?

This is not me pointing my finger at anyone or casting judgement. These are the types of questions we need to asking ourselves. These are the type of discussions we need to be having with each other. Even if we have disagreements. This is an invitation for all of us to sit down at the table. ~OC

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Stop and Think

Today’s a new day! Truth really matters. Especially for those who claim to be Christians. As Christians we should strive to be the most honest people on earth. But unfortunately some don’t. As I scroll through social media, I sadly see Christians posting one untruth after another. Are these Christians not doing research on the articles before posting them as truth? Are they more concerned about getting likes than they are about truth? Are they more concerned about their own agenda than the gospel? I will let you answer those questions.

In this age of social media overload, everyone needs to be careful about what we post on social media. But as Christians, we have to be extra careful about what we post on social media and the conversations we engage in. As Christians, we need to be living lives of high character. Sadly that is not what I am seeing from so many followers of Jesus. No, I am seeing some Christians intentionally posting fake stories that have an agenda. They seem to want to disrupt and undermine truth because it does not line up with their agenda. This is especially concerning when those in ministry are the ones posting fake stories. It makes me wonder what they are teaching from the pulpit. As Christians, truth must always be our priority. Anything else is a slap in the face to Jesus. We cannot use the excuse we didn’t know the story was fake. No, we just didn’t do any research. Our post and conversations should be filled with love and truth. Even when the truth doesn’t fit our agenda. The truth should always trump our agenda. Our character should be more important than getting a lot of clicks.

When you see a story that catches your attention, please do the following before posting on your social media pages:

  1. Actually do some research. Is it true?
  2. If you find it’s not true, don’t post it. That should be easy.
  3. Even if you do your research and find out the story is true, is it worth posting? Will posting the story bring glory to God?
  4. When unsure if you should post a article on social media, just post a cute video of puppies. Everyone loves puppies.

I believe being careful about what we post is important for everyone, but this post was geared towards my brothers and sisters in Christ. Why? Because what Christians post on social media and share in conversation, either build people up or tear them down. The souls of people are in the balance. Please read that sentence again. As Christians we should be more concerned about people and less concerned about pushing an agenda. As believers we should be standing on the truth of Jesus. Without that truth, we are standing on shaky ground.

So the next time you want to post something on social media, remember it’s okay to post nothing and keep your integrity intact. ~OC

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