Tag: Politics

America

Today’s a new day! So many thoughts swirling around, as I see everything that is happening in America and around the world. I definitely do not recognize America at this moment.

I love the United States of America, but I do not think of it as a country that is united at this time. It’s not the America that most of us grew up in or that the rest of the world looked to for hope.

What does the world see when it looks at America in 2025? What do I see? What do you see?

How do the choices each of us make every day affect, influence, impact the future that is before us, the direction America is headed and the world that upcoming generations will inhabit?

What combination of events and attitudes and circumstances has brought us to this point in our history?

How did we get to this point, to this current version of America?

I have far, far more questions than answers as unprecedented events unfold in our nation and around the world. I still believe in America, in the sense that there are so many people I care about so very deeply that are standing up for ALL people who are currently living on American soil. My concern is at heart-wrenchingly-high levels for the well-being of everyone who calls America home this very hour and for those living in every part of this beautiful world.

How do we move past this era of woeful words of hatred and division, how do we work together for the better world that I do believe, that I have to believe is possible? How do we shape a brighter future for all, a future of connection, compassion and peace? Those are some billion dollar questions for sure.

I will continue to pray for brighter, more stable and peaceful days for America and the world. I hope you will join me in this prayer. ~OC

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Truth and Justice

I remember when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, so many people including Christians and churches in America were so supportive of Ukraine and everything the citizens of the country were going through. Many Americans and churches held fundraisers and welcomed the Ukrainian people into America who had to flee their homeland. Fast forward to yesterday and the comments from the current President and now so many of those same people are turning their backs on Ukraine. Sadly, this is just another example of how the actions of so many Christians and churches across America are causing a great multitude of believers and unbelievers to turn their backs on the church and faith. I can only imagine the tears filling God’s eyes as he watches all of this transpire. I personally will continue to pray for peace and healing over the people of Ukraine. I will also continue to pray for my fellow believers and churches in American that appear so willing to compromise so much for the sake of power.

Once again, these are my thoughts and opinions. Some may asked why I share the things I do on social media? Yes, they can be hard to read and many people would rather I just share positive and uplifting post. I hear many friends tell me to “Stay away from the negative and challenging post. Just stick with sharing your story and uplifting post.” But I am sharing my story. I believe in truth and justice. That is who I am. So when I see things that are unjust and wrong, I must speak up. I do not enjoy posting things like this on my pages, but I have to be honest with myself and I cannot ignore everything that’s going on around me. Even if that means being attacked or unfriended. So, I will continue to share when I feel God leading me to share my thoughts online. I hope you will to. Even if we have different opinions. Let Love Rule. ~OC

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Christianity in America 2025

I have made enemies by simply living my life. A friend texted me this week to tell me all my beliefs and opinions are wrong because they do not fall in line with the Christianity being ingested by so many believers today. So he can no longer call me friend.

We read the same Bible, but his beliefs are not what I see when I study God’s scriptures. But somehow, I am wrong because I choose to let people share their opinions and live their lives without judgement. But based on believing all people matter somehow I am wrong.

I do choose to believe all people matter, while my friend and so many Christians like him today, choose to put certain barriers on whose opinions, beliefs and lives matter. If you do not vote a certain way or worship a certain way, somehow you’re less than and can be cast aside like a worn out pair of shoes.

When did Christianity become a club for a few and stop welcoming everyone to the table? When did Christianity become more about a political party and less about the Gospel of Jesus Christ? So many questions, but few too many Christians willing to welcome a difference of opinion.

It’s 2025 and I am not sure most people know what Christianity in America really is today. Obviously my friend and so many other believers are living a form of Christianity that makes no sense to me.

But I will continue to lean into the true teachings of Jesus. I will strive to be His hands and feet. I will not allow this hijacked form of Christianity I see around me in 2025 be the Christianity that people experience when they think about me. I will continue to love and serve all people as Jesus loves them. Even if that means I lose a few friends along the way. ~OC

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Hope Over Division

Good Morning! The following is something I have been working on the last few days. Yes, it’s long, but I hope you will take the time to read it.

Today’s a new day! The last few days, I have had some friends decide their political beliefs were more important than the Gospel and our friendship. But sadly, this is nothing new.

Over the last few years, I have found it sad that some Christians just do not understand how someone who disagrees with their political beliefs could possibly be a Christian. So much division over something so trivial as politics.

But division among Christians is not new, and is not a surprise to God.

Conflict among God’s people is not isolated to one culture or even one generation. Conflict is inevitable. Opinions will differ. But if we are rooted in the gospel, we should be united in purpose.

As I have surveyed the landscape of America, I have found people from different socio-economic backgrounds, ethnicities, political persuasions, and church denominations pursuing Christ with passion and commitment. I have found people finding unity in Christ, not political parties or politicians.

I have also been blessed to see Christians discover the gift of unity, even in disagreements. Sadly, I have also experienced some Christians allowing differences to end friendships. It is a choice we have to make daily.

I believe when Christians are truly united in the Gospel, we will be united in purpose.

In my journey, I have found that people do not always realize that we can have the same faith and have very different life experiences. In today’s heated culture, we may wonder if Christians can disagree and still remain united. For generations, across all nations and cultures, Christians have asked the same question. Is it truly possible to approach complex issues without losing our love for one another? I believes the answer is yes. It might not be easy, but if we truly put God’s love first I believe we can experience God’s unifying power to overcome our differences.

I also believe these three lessons can help.

Do not confuse differences with division:

In Revelation 7:9, we read inspiring verses about a great multitude gathered in worship before Jesus: 

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.” 

In John’s vision, “every nation, tribe, people and language” praised the living God together. 

This beautiful picture gives us hope for eternity, but Christ-centered unity can feel distant today. When we struggle, I encourages everyone to not let our God-given differences evolve into manmade division. 

When we seek after God to help us guard against division, we can trust that He will work through our differences in His timing and in His way.

I do not look at nations, tribes, and tongues as something to divide us. Those are just characteristics, like someone being tall or short. We have made them into divisions, but God is the one who created those distinctions. It may be visible that people are different, but Revelation tells us we are not divided in the eyes of Christ. I truly believe God works uniquely within the Church through every time and culture. When division threatens God’s people today and leads to disagreement, we can pray for one another. Through individual prayer for others, even those we disagree with, God can soften our hearts and give us renewed patience.

Focus on what draws us together:

Through Revelation 7:10, we are challenged to focus on the One who draws us together:  

“And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

It is no surprise that the Bible talks about the diversity of the people while they stand before Jesus claiming Him as the one true God. There is a unity in what they are claiming. They are in agreement that all blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, and honor belong to Him. They are 100 percent focused on Jesus.

I believe this picture is a reminder that the One who unites His people is stronger than anything that drives us apart. When we seek God through His Word, He gives us a complete picture of His character. Through His Word we find wisdom, courage, and hope.

This picture of God’s people worshipping in unison should be a reminder to all of us to stay in a posture of humility. In today’s society, we are often encouraged to assume the worst about those who disagree with us. But there is room at the table for differences of opinion when Christ is our focus. We do not have to carry the burden of argument or debate. Instead, when we keep our eyes on Him and not others, we can pray, discuss, and enjoy being together.

When we look to Christ, we discover that Jesus gives us the wisdom and strength to navigate our differences without division.  

Put our faith in God’s promises, not people:

In Revelation 7:9-10, God reveals that He is worthy of our worship. The chapter closes with a beautiful picture of what we will experience in eternity under Christ’s authority: 

“For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water,’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes’” (Revelation 7:17). 

In today’s culture, we are tempted to place our faith in people, denominations, political parties or human solutions. But leaders come and go, and even Christians can disappoint us. Revelation 7:17 reminds us that the Lamb who chose to die for His people is the same Lamb who rules for eternity. Jesus, who stands worthy of our worship, bends low to wipe away our tears.  

That is a promise. Even though we do not know what’s going to happen, we can trust that God is enough. We are reminded in Revelation that when we struggle through disappointment on earth, we can trust God’s promises for the future. With that in mind, we can meet our brothers and sisters in Christ with grace as we trust the Lord to reveal truth in His time.

What God has revealed for the future is enough to give us hope for today.

I pray you will spend some time reflecting on these words today. Walk and live in peace and harmony with everyone. Even those you disagree with. ~OC

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Paying Attention

Today’s a new day! Since the inauguration of the current administration, many people are either alarmed or are at least paying attention at what has transpired.

We wonder how putting flawed inexperienced people in charge of our government agencies will make our lives better. We see one of the main issues that got him elected — inflation — take a back seat to revenge and retribution. We see the destruction of the rule of law and allowing a unelected out of control billionaire actually run the country.

One of my biggest fears is the loss of checks and balances in a president who appears to have no ethical compass. I wonder what our deceased men and women of the military, who gave their lives fighting for our freedom would think of our current gutless Congress who are willing to throw out our democracy and cower in fear of being primaried from our billionaire overlords.

I think the American people need to hold these compromised representatives accountable for the sake of this generation and generations to come. Thanks for listening. ~OC

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Project 2025…The Truth

Today’s a new day! For those that will question me on this post, did you read it? I did. Every page. This isn’t some liberal propaganda. This was written and produced by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Everything we see the current administration doing is from this playbook. This playbook is not in the best interest for all Americans. Of course you would know that if you actually read the book, but many will choose not to because of their political and religious beliefs. ~OC

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Just Imagine

Good Morning ! Here is another “Lost Writings from OC” from 2018. I believe it still has some meaning in 2025.

Today’s a new day! Indulge me for just a moment. If you were God and you were planning on coming to earth. What kind of role would you take on in society?

Would you be a wealthy CEO?

A powerful politician?

A celebrity with social media influence?

Or would you choose to become a poor child, on the run from violence and oppression?

I believe there is something profoundly significant about the fact that God’s own son walked this earth as an undocumented child refugee.

This was no accident.

It was part of the divine plan all along. Jesus could have been born and lived as a prince, a wealthy landowner or the Chief Priest. But instead He chose to become a refugee – forever linking himself with the most vulnerable people on earth:

Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. ~Matthew 2: 13-15

So, God’s heart is very much for the refugee. His own Son chose to become a refugee. To the point where Jesus proclaimed that, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me in.”

Whatever you do for refugees you do for Him.

Your posture towards the “caravan” of refugees is your heart’s posture towards Jesus.

God even calls them his “brothers” as a reminder that those who suffer should be considered as family members that you woud invite over for Thanksgiving or a BBQ (Matthew 25:40).

There are few themes repeated in Scripture more than the call to care for the orphan, the widow and the alien (or foreigner):

“So you, too, must show love to FOREIGNERS, for you yourselves were once FOREIGNERS in the land of Egypt.” Deuteronomy 10:19

“Cursed is he who distorts the justice due a FOREIGNER, orphan, and widow. And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’“ Deuteronomy 27:19

“Then I will draw near to you for judgment…against those who oppress the wage earner in his wages, the widow and the orphan, and those who turn aside the FOREIGNER and do not fear Me,” says the LORD of hosts. Malachi 3:5

So, how then should you and I respond, practically speaking, to what seems like an overwhelming refugee crisis?

There are four actions, I think, that would be Biblical, Christ-like responses to the humanitarian crisis that is currently unfolding. These are the ways I would want folks to respond if my own child or spouse were caught up in this refugee crisis:

SPIRITUALLY:

We must not lose hope.  We must not despair.  We must continue to to have Hope, because our world is not a closed system. God continues to infuse our world with hope, and Divine Love seeps through the cracks in our broken world.  Let’s continue to pray together for peace, for provision.  Let’s continue to petition and plead for, “On earth as it is in heaven….where there is no more pain or death or crying, and every tear is wiped away.”

1. Make them feel safe.

As refugees, they were forced to flee their country, leaving everything behind and running for safety with just the clothes on their backs. They’ve experienced much trauma. We should do whatever we can to make them feel welcome and safe.

2. Offer hospitality.

Perhaps the best thing you can do for refugees is to open your home to them. You can have them over for meals, or game night. You can invite them to social and family events so they can experience American culture at a Fourth of July cookout, a Thanksgiving dinner, or an Easter play.

3. Ask good questions.

When spending time with our new friends, we’ll have opportunities to ask them questions about their culture. We should be genuinely interested in them and their families. We can ask about their holidays and traditions, the things they do or don’t do, and why or why not. We might even try to learn some words in their language. Asking good questions shows them we care.

Christians should understand what it means to have someone care for you when you’re a stranger and foreigner. It’s what Jesus did for us.

4. Respect Over Fear

As we become friends with refugees, it’s imperative that we show love and respect. Not Fear.

Has Jesus not called us to love our neighbors, no matter the cost?

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear. (1 John 4:18)

Yes, this can be a difficult calling. Only love can overcome fear. And that is why I appeal to you on the basis of relationship and familial ties. What if that refugee child were your own flesh and blood? What if they were your own son or daughter? What mountain would you not climb? What politician would you not lobby? What price would you not pay to see them brought to safety.

Only the kind of love we usually reserve for family can overcome the fear and selfishness that teaches us to close our doors and turn away from the refugees plight. But Jesus calls us to a different way, the way of peace, radical welcome and laying down our lives for others.

Will you allow that love to compel you towards action today?

I pray you will take time to reflect on this post. How would God want you to treat the vulnerable? How can God use you during this crisis? ~OC

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Immigration and the Christian Response

Good Morning! More from the “Lost Writings of OC.” I originally wrote this back in 2017, but I feel it’s still relevant in 2025.

I do not know what it’s like to be a refugee. I have never had to flee America out of fear for my life because bombs or beheadings were a very real threat. I have never had to resettle in a foreign land and struggle to assimilate to an alien or hostile culture. I also do not know what it’s like to lose a loved one to an act of terrorism.

I do believe our political leaders must strive to protect innocent lives both by thwarting the plots of terrorists and by creating refuges for people trying to escape their reach. These are not mutually exclusive endeavors.

But how should the Christian Church and Community respond to the immigration crisis in America?

I believe the Christians community should have a special appreciation for the plight of the refugee. Our spiritual heritage is full of refugees: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Ruth, Daniel and Jesus were all displaced from their homeland at some point. The earliest Christians in Jerusalem faced persecution that led them to scatter. Throughout the Bible the people of God are described as being exiles, strangers, sojourners, aliens, citizens of a heavenly home. A certain sense of homelessness is part of the cost of discipleship.

The way of Jesus Christ is not closing doors to asylum-seeking refugees or building walls to keep out foreigners. The way of Jesus Christ is not about forsaking the well-being of others in order to protect one’s own livelihood. The way of Jesus Christ is the cross. It is the way of sacrificing one’s own well-being in the name of Iove, however uncomfortable or risky or countercultural that may be.

This is not to say we should be reckless or naive or go looking for martyrdom. Christ warned his disciples not to be unrealistic about their safety in the world; they would be like sheep among wolves, and therefore should be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Our compassion should be tempered by prudence and common sense.

Think about the immigration issue in terms of our witness in the world. The way we Christians respond to refugees presents a unique opportunity to show, in vivid relief, the sort of God we serve.

Ask yourself which reflects the character of Christ more: Refusing to take in a refugee because we are concerned at the possibility that we could be harmed by such charity; or taking in a refugee out of sacrificial love that says “you are welcome at my table even if it costs me something.” Simply because you are a human and bear the image of God, I value your life, show you hospitality, welcome you at my table, even if you are a potentially dangerous stranger.

I think it’s important that Christians push back against the fickle fear and political pendulum that turns the refugee into a concept rather than an image-of-God-bearing human being. Refugees are real people with real hopes and fears, just like you and I. In many cases they are our brothers and sisters in Christ.

The refugees of our world are beloved of God and should be by Christians too. We need to know them, help them, hear their stories. We can learn from them. Let’s not close our borders and our hearts to them out of fear or ignorance. Let’s love them as Jesus loves us: mercifully, generously and sacrificially.

I know this post will be met with various opinions and probably some criticism, but I felt the need to share what’s on my heart. I pray you will respect that these are my thoughts and opinions. Blessings. ~OC

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Be Your Own Best Healthcare Advocate

Today’s a new day! I have been what my bride calls a “Professional Patient” for almost twenty-three years now. During this journey, I have encountered health professionals who appeared to be more concerned about egos and status than they did my well-being. For some medical providers, I was just a name on a file who happened to have very good health insurance coverage. They knew more than me because they had the title of Doctor attached to their name. Being so foreign to how the world of healthcare worked, Laura and I just went along with whatever the doctors or medical professionals directed us to do. They’re the professionals. They know what’s best for me. Right? In the famous words of Lee Corso from GameDay on ESPN, “Not so fast my friend.”

As Laura and I began to navigate this new world called the healthcare system, we found out that the most important voices were our own. If we did not stand up for my medical needs, who else would? That’s when we realized we needed to become not only our own healthcare advocates, but we needed to help other patients walking through their own crazy beautiful health journey. We recognized being a “Professional Patient” was actually a full time job.

Over the years, we have had to privately and sometimes publicly voiced some of my medical concerns. Which is not naturally part of my DNA. Or so I thought. But this is my life and my health we are talking about. As Laura and I have weaved our way through the world of health challenges, here are some of the most important pieces of advice I believe I can offer for those walking through their own health journey.

* Do not wait to speak up and share your thoughts and concerns. You know your body better than anybody else. If something doesn’t feel right or sound right speak up. If your medical team truly cares for you they will welcome this dialogue.

*Do not be afraid to get a second or third opinion. This is your life. We only get one.

*Do not be afraid to change doctors or hospitals if needed. Find a medical team that you truly feel has your best interest at heart.

*Have a great support system that can speak up on your behalf when you are unable to.

*Never stop learning about new treatments and medications that pertain to your health issue. Do not hesitate to share that information with your medical team. Once again, if your medical team cares for your well-being they will welcome those conversations.

*Take the time if your health allows, to help someone else navigate through this overwhelming healthcare system .

*Remember, it’s called practicing medicine for a reason. Your doctor and medical staff are human. Mistakes can happen. Allow those to be a teaching moment for all parties involved. Be kind and respectful, but firm.

*Be patient with yourself and your medical team. The healthcare system can be messy, stressful and complicated. Do not be afraid to show a little grace to yourself and others.

I really hope this helps someone navigating through a maze called the healthcare system. Be Your Own Best Healthcare Advocate. ~OC

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My Tribute to President Carter

Today’s a new day! The world has lost a giant in President Jimmy Carter, the man whose impact endured far beyond his presidency. To call him a statesman is accurate but insufficient; he was a humanitarian, a leader of conscience, and a model of humility. I had the profound honor of sitting in on President Carter teaching Sunday School Class back in 2019. One of the highlights of my life. From that visit, I developed a beautiful and life changing relationship with the people of Plains, Georgia. The hometown of President and Mrs. Carter.

President Carter’s long and inspiring life reminds us that our lives are about impact, not image. It’s about making choices that prioritize others over self. From the peanut farms of Plains, Georgia to the corridors of the White House and places around the world, his journey was always one of service.

As we remember President Jimmy Carter, let us carry forward his legacy of humility and purpose. His life was a testament to the idea that, as human beings we are stewards of something greater than ourselves.

President Carter once said,

“My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have, to try to make a difference.”

Thank you, President James Earl Carter Jr, for showing us what leadership, humanity, and faith in action truly means. Your amazing legacy will continue to inspire the world. Rest in peace Mr. President. ~OC

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