Truth, Hope and Love

Today’s a new day! The world is hurting. Violence, Hate and Disease seem to be running rampant. People are scared. People are frustrated. People are looking for something real. People are looking for hope. People are looking at Christians.

As Christians, we have a tremendous opportunity to share real love and hope to a hurting world. Will you step out of your comfort zone and help share the true hope and love of Jesus with a hurting world or will you let this amazing opportunity pass, as you sit on your hands and complain about the church doors being closed? ~OC

Faith

Today’s a new day! The enemy uses storms to destroy your faith. God uses storms to build your faith. ~OC

Pray

Good afternoon family & friends. I received this from one of my nurses. Please continue to pray for all the healthcare workers, hospital/nursing home staff, first responders, patients and families. ~OC

Todd.. I’m working covid unit and the patients are so lonely. They get no visitors and are mostly to weak to even talk on phone.. the families aren’t allowed to visit.. I’m encouraging families to send care packages.. fresh fruit.. pictures of them and family members to remind them to fight depression .. they need encouragement.. I wish I could spend more time with them…

Running to the King

I lace my shoes up, I hit the road
I’m ready to run
I’m not running from something, but to someone
That someone is Jesus, who keeps me running during this crazy beautiful journey
A journey that led me through storms and rough seas
A journey filled with pain
A journey that’s always trying to beat me down and steal my joy
But the enemy can’t steal my joy, can’t keep me down
I keep running I keep fighting
I keep holding on to the promises of God
In the Word every day
Lifting my prayers up to the King
I keep running, I keep fighting
Running to the King
I might bend but I won’t break
I will keep running to the King
I keep running I keep fighting
I will keep my eyes on the prize
I might bend but I won’t break
I keep running, I keep fighting
I will finish the race strong

Running to the King ~OC

Adopt A School

As school districts debate on whether they should open up in the Fall or not, I would encourage everyone to adopt a school to pray for in your area. You could take one day a week, to drive by the school and pray for the students, teachers, administrators, staff and parents. This will be another tough and unique school year for everyone. They could all use our prayers. ~OC

Love Over Differences

The last few weeks, several Christian friends shared it was hard for them to pray for people they do not like. That could be a politician, athlete, entertainment or someone in the media. As I heard this several times, God gave me the following thought.

When Jesus met Judas Iscariot, he knew Judas would betray him. Did you catch that? Jesus knew this man who he called a friend, would betray him for thirty pieces of silver. Yet, Jesus still loved Judas. He even washed Judas feet at the last supper. That’s right! Jesus humbled himself and washed the feet of the man who would betray him. Jesus payed for Judas. Jesus loved Judas.

So will you choose to love and pray for that person who just rubs you the wrong way? Will you love and pray for that person who looks differently than you? Will you love and pray for that person who has a different opinion than you? Will you love and pray for that person who belongs to a different political party than you? Will you love and pray for that person who worships differently than you? I pray we will always choose love over our differences. ~OC

Dead Man Running

This time last year, doctors gave me a few months to live. Then my healing came on November 3, 2019.

At the start of 2020, I set a goal to run 500 miles this year. As of this morning, I have less than 200 to go. ~OC

They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. ~Isaiah 40:31

Lean In…And Get Uncomfortable

As I scroll through social media and watch the news, I see a lot of pain and injustice in the African American community. I see my brothers and sisters hurting. It breaks my heart. At times it can seem overwhelming. I asked myself, how in the world can I make a difference? Can anybody relate? Even though I cannot do everything, I can do something. So, I have decided I will continue to stand up and do everything I can to help end racism in America. I will continue to lean in..,and get uncomfortable.

I will continue have real conversations about racism in America, with people wanting to truly make a difference in this world. Not just talk about the issues, but take real action. I will surround myself with others who want to fight the sin of racism. I will continue to get educated. I will continue to listen to my brothers and sisters of color, as they share their experiences. I will lean in..,and get uncomfortable. I will continue to take the time to see the pain of my brothers and sisters of color. I will not pass them by with a “I’ll pray for you.” No, I will stop and pray for them in that moment. I will not allow my brothers and sisters to walk through this unjust world alone. I will lean in…and get uncomfortable. I will continue to have uncomfortable conversations with my white brothers and sisters who believe racism is not a major problem in America today (That is a whole other blog). I will proudly stand up and say #Black Lives Matter. I will continue to challenge my white brothers and sisters to step out of their comfort zones, and sit down with people of color and truly listen to their life experiences. I will encourage them to study African American history and visit African American museums. I will continue to confront racism when I see it. I will continue to speak out against injustices even when it’s not popular. I will lean in…and get uncomfortable. I encourage you to join me. ~OC

Today

Today’s a new day! Slow down today. Share a smile and kind word. Show grace when it would be easier to judge. Show love even if hate is thrown your way. Do not miss out on a beautiful interruption. Take time and embrace the moments you will experience today. I pray your day is filled with amazing moments and God’s blessings. ~OC

Keep Talking

Today’s a new day! Just because most of the media has jumped to other stories, do not stop having true and meaningful conversations about racism and injustice in America. It’s still real and still happening. Keep the conversations going. ~OC

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