Tag: respect

A Milestone

Good Morning! Today I hit a milestone. Earlier this morning, I wrote my 1,000 post. Well, I guess this is 1,001. I could never have imagined writing a thousand post when I started this blog back on June 28, 2018 with the help of my amazing bride Laura and wonderful sister in love Faith. I could never have imagined that I would write and have a book published based on my blog entries.

Over the past six years, I have always tried to write what I believe God put on my heart. The majority of my blogposts have been written from a hospital room on 4 South at Good Samaritan Medical Center. My post have been about my experiences and my observations of the world as I have run this crazy beautiful health journey. A lot of the post were written long before I even started my blog. That’s why it’s a good idea to journal.

I know over the years, my writings have caused a lot of conversations. Some good. Some not so good. But they have started much needed conversations. That’s what a writer is supposed to do. Stir up conversation.

Over the years, many people have shared my blog gave them the courage to start writing their own story. Some have even published their own books. That means a lot to me.

So I will continue sharing my thoughts. I am not sure how many more post I have in me, but I will keep writing until the day comes to put a period on my journey. Thankfully that’s not today. ~OC

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What Do You See?

Today’s a new day!

What do you see in the world around you? Broken hearts, broken souls, or even lives that seem lost forever?  Some say they will never change or they aren’t worth it.

So here’s my question… If we see these things and don’t reach out with compassion and love to help their situation, are we saying they don’t matter?

Maybe we are saying it’s not my problem, or someone else will handle it. Seeing the world today makes me wonder, are we truly seeing all these things but our hearts are blind to caring for others through compassion, sharing God’s love and reaching out to see what we may do to ease the pain?

Now for those of you thinking, I understand some folks don’t want or can’t expect help.  But what about the ones who want help but don’t reach out because of judgement?  How about sharing with them that God never wants our perfect plans, He wants us the imperfect us. 

He wants my heart open to give someone hope and to show them love and joy through Him.  God’s heart beats for the broken.  If we cling to the Spirit of God, we will begin to see it is not by sight, nor by might, but by the Spirit of God.

Open your heart to those hurting and lost; show them how God loves them today, yesterday and in the days to come. He will stop at nothing to hear our broken cries. 

So I ask you to close your eyes right now, so your heart can see again.

Proverbs 4:23 tells us: Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

I pray your day is filled with amazing moments and God’s blessings. ~OC

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Thoughts on Project 2025

Today’s a new day! I have always felt blessed to have been born and raised in America. Even with all the challenges our nation faces, I am thankful for all the beautiful opportunities. To enjoy the freedoms granted by our constitution’s amendments.

But as I sit and watch all the political ads, rallies and negative rhetoric, I have been struck by the division between our own sense of what it means to be a U.S. citizen and what we’re experiencing in this current election cycle.

By now most of us have heard of Project 2025, a presidential transition project for the next conservative president.

As I have read through Project 2025, I have seen how this project seeks to infuse the federal government with “Christian values,” but the policies it proposes do not reflect the values proclaimed by Jesus Christ.

Side note, before you share any thoughts negative or positive, make sure you have actually read this document.

Project 2025 outlines the efforts of various conservative organizations working together under the leadership of the Heritage Foundation to deconstruct the current administration by assembling a collection of candidates to be considered for hire in the next administration and providing online training for those individuals.

Project 2025 is a 180-day roadmap for the former president to hit the ground running if elected in November. The plan basically outlines four priorities:

*Restore the American family. There definition of the American family.

*Handcuff the bureaucracy. Once again, there definition of bureaucracy.

*Defend the nation by removing the U.S. from international organizations, sealing its borders, and increasing reliance on fossil fuels.

*And Finally, Project 2025 prioritizes the pursuit of happiness, which is startlingly interpreted as follows: “Our Constitution grants each of us the liberty to do not what we want, but what we ought. This pursuit of the good life is found primarily in family – marriage, children, Thanksgiving dinners, and the like.”

Knowing that Project 2025 and its supporters are hoping to “reshape our republic” in this fashion, I cannot sit around and not speak up and help educate. It breaks my heart to think about what our country and our freedoms will look like should this project be implemented. The recent denial from the former president about not knowing anything about Project 2025, does not change my concern over the project and the future of our country. America will never look the same if Project 2025 is implemented.

My concerns are not just about Project 2025, but I am angered by the attempt to co-opt Christianity in support of such radical policies. The kind of Christianity that is being described and embraced in the pages of this project are no where close to the words and actions of Jesus that we read about in the Bible.

I am saddened that so many Christians are less concerned about upholding the dignity of and providing for the needs of those who are most vulnerable in their society – widows, orphans, the imprisoned, the lgbtq+ community, women, those who are dealing with health issues, those who are disabled and those who are poor.

The earliest Christians banded together to share their resources with one another and give to those who were in need. Moreover, Christians throughout history have transcended national allegiances based on their faith, as their faith draws them toward mutual understanding and peaceful relationship with the whole of the human family.

It is true that Christianity has been co-opted throughout the centuries by various political rulers who have used it as a tool to accomplish their purposes (slavery, Jim Crow and dictatorships come to mind). And although some Christian leaders used their religion to achieve political power and prestige, there has always been a strong Christian community that resisted the co-opting of their faith for political purposes, resisted the temptation to join their faith to greed of all kinds, and resisted the joining of their faith with nationalism.

Today, I urge every Christian and all those interested in history not to allow Christianity to be co-opted by a political manifesto that wants to remove our freedom to be ourselves, with all of our differences; that wants to restrict so many freedoms; that wants to allow white supremacy to continue to poison our country’s citizens and communities; that wants to eliminate policies that grant basic dignities to poor people; and that cares only for economic gain to the detriment of our planet and our people.

I am urging everyone to reject Project 2025. I believe our future depends on it and our faith demands it. ~OC

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Be Kind

Today’s a new day! BE KIND, OR BE QUIET.

This is a Kindergarten rule, you guys. It’s the most basic of the basics. Either choose your words with kindness, or keep your mouth shut and just listen.
Fear and anger and hate are already running high, friends. There is no room for more.

And honestly, there should be no room for any of it. Not within the body of Christ. As Christians, our hope does not lie in the law of the land. Our hope lies in Jesus, his crucifixion and his resurrection. This is a hope that is firm and secure, an anchor for our souls. Is not this the hope that we should be sharing with everyone we come in contact with? Regardless of religious, social, economic or political differences.

Instead of arguing with one another, I suggest we focus our efforts on something that actually furthers the Gospel of Christ.

*We love our neighbor by baking cookies, inviting them over for a meal, or stopping to talk with them in the yard, and get to know them better.

*We serve our communities by offering our time and our gifts.

*We listen, we watch, we pray, and then we reach out in kindness and love.

*We immerse ourselves in the Word of God so that we can grow in knowledge and discernment.

*We treat all people with love and respect.

*We remember that life is not all about us.

*And for goodness sakes be kind. Or just keep our sweet mouths shut.

And all God’s people said…Amen. ~OC

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Purpose

Today’s a new day! We all need purpose; it tells us who we are and how we’re to live. Purpose propels us, gives our lives meaning, and shapes our decisions. Living with purpose is important. As a young man, I longed to know what my purpose was, who God created me to be. So, I read the books, did the Bible studies, men’s events and the different retreats. Unfortunately, I wasn’t learning very much about who I was created to be. Instead, I was absorbing a lot about what I was supposed to do.

Have you ever felt that? That our purpose depends upon doing more or trying harder? Have you ever felt like you had to exhaust yourself to do all the right things and check all the right boxes to succeed at being a godly person? If you have, the good news is you’re not alone. The better news is there’s hope.

God’s purpose for us is not to work hard trying to measure up. It’s not to burn ourselves out trying to do more in hopes that one day we’ll have done enough. God doesn’t have a checklist for us, and we don’t have to earn more of his love. Our purpose is not even about us at all; it’s about Him. God created us to be image-bearers of himself, and that is the highest purpose of them all.

To be made in the image of God means that he created us with infinite value, dignity, and worth. It means we are his reflections on this earth. He made us to represent him, to display his character, and to fill the earth with his glory; he created us to be imitators of him. But here’s the important part: being made in the image of God is not something we do or earn or even have to work at. It is simply what God has declared to be best.

I don’t know about you, but I have spent so much of my life trying to do enough. But the truth is, our purpose isn’t about what we do-it’s about who God is. Before we did anything, before we earned it in any way, apart from any abilities or actions, God created us as his images on the earth. And though sin damaged our ability to bear his image, in Christ, we are being restored. In him, we can live as the images of God he created us to be. We are exceedingly valuable, not because of what we can bring or contribute, but simply because God has declared that we are. Walk in that truth today. ~OC

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Dear God,

Today’s a new day! Dear God, It’s time for us to stop pretending that everything is okay. Hurting people need to see they’re not alone. That there is Hope.

This very moment, someone’s pain is breaking through their mask. Someone is on the brink again, facing a choice, perhaps for the millionth time. To open the door of hope or to give up.

My prayer is that we will see them in moments when they feel the farthest from a helping hand. During these tough moments, let the hurting see you dear God. Lord, give them courage and hope, Lord, to trust You with the secrets of their heart.

Dear God, even in the moments of isolation, help the hurting hear the sound of Your gentle knock at the door of their hearts. Show them that this is precisely where You will enter, if only they would open up their hearts to you.

Broken and weary are strange qualifications for Your chosen ones; still Your loving invitation still stands: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

The Cross broke Your body, and our sins break Your heart daily, yet You still call us into a relationship with You. More than that, Jesus, You did what it took to make that possible. Thank You. ~OC

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Our Choice

Today’s a new day! We can choose to stand up for truth and justice or we can continue to walk in the excuses of “It’s always been that way.” Our choice. ~OC

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Sometimes You Have to Speak Out

Hello! My name is Todd OC Shoemaker, I am a Missionary, Traveling Prayer Warrior and Storyteller. I use this blog to share about my health journey and thoughts that God puts on my heart. I write as a Christian, Husband and someone who cares deeply for America.

There is a time in each person’s life where you have to stand up and speak your truth. That can be difficult when you know there will be negative blowback from some family and friends. From a whole community. But I feel it’s time to take that risk. I want to share the following as America prepares for an election in November.

I do not believe that pastors and churches should endorse political candidates or political parties. I do not believe Voter Guides should be handed out by churches. I am happy that I attend a diverse church, full of people from all walks of life and political backgrounds. I believe people are smart enough to make their own decisions.

I am a registered Independent. I was a registered Republican until the party took a drastic turn in 2016. Neither party fully represents my Christian beliefs. Not even close. Both promise a lot, but rarely deliver. I tend to vote based on the issues and not the candidates.

All that to say, there is an issue I have decided I need to say something about. And that issue is former President Donald Trump. I oppose his election as President, and believe that his election could be harmful for America. I realize in the Christian community, I am probably in the minority. But I believe I must share the following.

I do not believe that Donald Trump has the best interest of our country in mind. He has shown on many occasions, that he cares more for himself than he does about America. His actions and language are dangerous. Do you realize that when he made the comment, “I could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and not lose votes”, he was speaking at a Christian College in Iowa? The crowd laughed and clapped, and some in the audience shouted out love for the former president.

I find it hard to believe that people who claim to love Jesus, could support someone who holds and proclaims racist, sexist, and violent views. These are in direct contrast to the words and life of Jesus.

I believe that the former president has taken the name of Jesus in vain on multiple occasions. He continues to misuse the Christian faith by claiming to be “a great Christian” while not feeling the need to seek God’s forgiveness. And the sad part is so many pastors, Christian leaders and some in the Christian community continue to cheer him on and make excuses for him.

I also happen to disagree with the former President on some actual issues, but that isn’t the point. I disagree with all the candidates on various issues. My opposition to Mr. Trump is not about his political party or beliefs; this is about his character. Character should matter. Especially in the Church.

I did not vote for Mr. Trump in 2016 or 2020 and will not vote for him in November. I truly believe a second term under the former President would only cause more harm and division.

This is my choice, and I am not telling anyone who to vote for. This is still America and everyone is free to make their own decisions and follow their conscience.

I will continue to pray for this country and its leaders on both sides of the aisle. Once again, my name is Todd “OC” Shoemaker and I approve this message. ~OC

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Love is Choosing…

Today’s a new day! In John 13:35, we read the following words: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Yesterday, someone I know attacked me in a private message for sharing a post about how we should love and respect women in power. It was a post to encourage everyone to show love and respect to women. This friend decided my post was somehow a political statement and decided to lash out and end our friendship.

I chose not to respond to this friend’s message. Instead, I chose to pray for this person and anyone else who might have such hate in their hearts. I decided to show love and forgiveness.

Love should never be a debate. But sometimes we, even as Christians, can get so caught up in being right, that we forget what really matters. This is sadly evident on social media. It saddens me when I think of the ways so many people treat each other on these platforms. So many sides, so many opinions, yelling back and forth at each other, each claiming they are right. It breaks my heart seeing all the angry post and unkind comments.

Is all this hate worth it?

The only thing that matters in the end is not whether the other person was wrong or right, but that we showed them love, that we showed them who God is. Because the truth is, as Christians we have a freedom and a hope that is life changing. In the light of eternity, we do not have to prove ourselves right on every issue; instead, we can live our lives marked by love. We can never argue people into believing the Gospel, but God’s love can draw them to the Gospel.

Think about this: Jesus died for that gay or transgender person, Jesus died for that corrupt politician, Jesus died for the person who wrote that post that made you so angry or sad. Jesus died for them, because He loves them.

Now, don’t get me wrong, loving someone doesn’t mean you agree with everything they say, or that you just accept everything as right. Sometimes, loving someone means having tough, but constructive conversations. This can be difficult. But it’s all about how we express ourselves in our words and actions.

Instead of shaming someone for what they think, we can respectfully disagree. Instead of letting our anger or fear get the better of us on social media, stick to what you believe while letting others know that they are loved. Showing love in the middle of a disagreement can be a beautiful gift.

Let love be the attitude you show towards others. I may not agree with you, but I love you despite that, because God loves me despite all of my flaws.

If we make the choice to live a life of love, people will notice, and they will wonder why we are so different. Especially now, during these times of so much hate and division. We need to step up and let our light shine more than ever.

What is love? In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 love is described this way:

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all thing.”

What a beautiful picture of love. Patient, kind, not self-seeking. Ask yourself this: What do you want to be known for in this life? How do you want to live your life?

As we run this journey called life, will we mess up? Say the wrong thing. Post the wrong thing. Absolutely! But God never expects perfection from us. No, He only asks us to take one small step, one act of love, and trust that He will continue to grow us.

How do we grow in love?

First, and most important, we pray. If we ask God to grow us in any area of our lives, He is faithful to answer. Not always in a way we might choose, but in a way that’s best for us.

We can share love and hope in every area of our lives. Even on social media. We can choose to post encouraging messages on our pages. We can choose to scroll past the debates that stir up anger in us. We can choose not to get involved in the madness.

As we read 1 Corinthian 13:1-3, we see how love should be behind all of our actions:

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.”

As we continue to grow and walk out this journey called life, we can choose to do the following:

Love is choosing to respect and serve others…

Love is choosing not to judge others…

Love is choosing to be a bright light in a dark world…

Love is choosing to stand up against hate and racism…

Love is choosing to embrace diversity…

Love is choosing to admit when we’re wrong…

Love is God’s heart for each of us…

I believe that love has the power to change both our hearts, and this broken world. I will always choose love. ~OC

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Old Friends

Today’s a new day! I woke up this morning, walked out on our balcony that overlooks my old high school (Twin Lakes High School / Palm Beach High School). It made me think a minute about some old friends.

Back in the day, I missed my friends on Summer Break. I loved a break from school. Loved getting to visit out of town family and playing sports all day. But a few weeks into the break, I would start missing my friends from school that did not live close by. Kinda felt like I wasn’t my whole self without them. No cell phones or social media back in the day. So between school and after school activities we would basically go from spending all day every day together to zero contact over the summer. Ouch. What was I gonna do call my friends on the phone that was attached to the wall several times a day and check in? Yes! That’s what a lot of us did back in the day. We made the effort to stay in touch. I fondly remember talking to some friends for hours on the phone.

As I reflect back on my high school years, I couldn’t wait for school to start back to see all of my friends. Yes, I was that person. Life was always better with friends around. I am thankful that God created me to be a person who really wants to connect with others. I can do the surface conversations, but I truly love having meaningful conversations. Always have. Of course being a teenage guy, that was not the norm. That’s probably why I have always had more female friends than guy friends. As I recall, there was not a lot of meaningful conversations with a lot of my guy friends back then. No real sentiments would be shared. I do not think we hugged back then. We would just be together, probably swap stories and just catch up. I am thankful for the few guys that were willing to open up and be real.

I look at my friends as family. I am blessed to still have friends from elementary school. I hope I have never taken my friendships for granted. But sadly, I probably have. For that I apologize. True friends are a beautiful gift. Especially when you’re young. Part of who we are today is because of the friends we had back in our younger days. Of course that could be a little scary. Haha!

As I continue walking through this crazy beautiful health journey, friendships mean a lot more to me these days. Every day is becoming more of a struggle for me at this time, but my days are brightened when I hear from a friend or a friend drops by. Especially when a childhood friend connects with me.

We were all created for relationships. Especially friendships. I believe in the old saying, you cannot pick your family, but thankfully you can choose your friends. My life has been blessed with amazing friendships. I am thankful for those friends who have chosen to walk with me through life. Especially those friends who have stayed by my side during this crazy beautiful health journey. You will never realize the difference you have made in my life. Thank you!

So today, take time to remember the beautiful friendships you have experienced over the years. Never take one for granted. Take time today, to reach out to a friend. You may just brighten their day. ~OC

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