Tag: respect

Hope Isles: A New Beginning Chapter Nine: The Road He Didn’t Want To Take

For two days after Rebecca Turner’s visit, James was quieter than usual.

Hope House still moved with life—Sarah working shifts at the diner, Ethan learning the rhythm of the barn workshop, June dropping off pies she pretended weren’t intentional acts of kindness.

But James moved through it all like someone standing slightly outside his own life.

On the third morning, Pastor Timothy knocked on the open kitchen door.

James was sitting at the table with the photograph again.

Same image.

Same boy.

Same father.

Different weight every time he looked at it.

“Mind if I sit?” the pastor asked.

James nodded.

Timothy took the chair across from him and didn’t speak right away. He just looked at the photo.

“That him?” he finally asked.

“My father,” James said.

A pause.

“You’re thinking about going.”

It wasn’t a question.

James exhaled slowly.

“I don’t want to.”

“But you are.”

James didn’t answer immediately. Outside, a blue jay landed on the porch railing, tilted its head, and flew off again like it had lost interest.

“I don’t know what I’ll find there,” James said.

“Sometimes that’s not the point,” Timothy replied.

James looked up.

“What is the point?”

The pastor leaned back slightly.

“Obedience. Healing. Closure. Sometimes all three… sometimes none of those words fit.”

James gave a faint, tired laugh.

“That doesn’t help much.”

Timothy nodded.

“It’s not supposed to.”

By that afternoon, Hope Isles already knew.

They always did.

At the Sit Awhile Diner, June slid a plate of food across the counter to Joe the mailman.

“You think he’s really going?” Joe asked.

June didn’t pretend not to understand.

“James? Yes.”

Joe frowned.

“That doesn’t feel like a good idea.”

June glanced toward the window where Main Street stretched quiet and still.

“Sometimes the right thing doesn’t feel good at all.”

Ethan found James in the barn later that day.

He was sanding the rocking chair again. 

Even though it didn’t need it anymore.

“You’ve been doing that for an hour,” Ethan said.

James kept sanding.

“Habits are hard to break.”

Ethan stepped closer.

“Sarah said you might leave for a while.”

That made James stop.

He finally set the sandpaper down.

“Yeah.”

Ethan nodded slowly, processing it.

“So… what happens here?”

James looked around the barn.

At the unfinished projects.

At the tools.

At the life slowly being rebuilt out of broken things.

“You keep going,” James said.

Ethan frowned.

“That’s it?”

“That’s always it.”

Ethan hesitated.

“You coming back?”

James didn’t answer quickly enough.

And Ethan noticed.

That night, Sarah sat with James on the porch steps.

The crickets were loud, filling the silence between them.

“You don’t have to go,” she said.

James stared at the dark road ahead.

“I know.”

A pause.

“But I think I’m supposed to.”

Sarah studied him.

“You’re scared.”

He almost smiled.

“I’d be worried if I wasn’t.”

She leaned back on her hands.

“Is it forgiveness you’re afraid of… or what happens if you can’t do it?”

That question hit deeper than either of them expected.

James didn’t answer right away.

Finally—

“Both.”

Sarah nodded slowly.

“That’s honest.”

He glanced at her.

“You think I should go?”

“I think,” she said carefully, “that sometimes God doesn’t heal things by removing us from them.”

A quiet stretch of silence.

Then she added:

“But by walking us through them.”

The next morning, James packed a small bag.

No dramatic farewell.

No announcement.

Just movement.

Simple.

Intentional.

Real.

At the front gate, Ethan stood waiting.

“You’re really going,” he said.

James nodded.

Ethan looked down at the ground.

“Don’t come back different,” he muttered.

James gave a small, knowing smile.

“I already am.”

That made Ethan look up.

And for the first time, James placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Keep building,” he said.

Ethan swallowed hard.

“I will.”

June stood at the diner doorway as James passed by.

“You better not make a habit of disappearing,” she called out.

James smiled.

“I’ll try not to.”

Joe lifted a hand in farewell from the mail truck.

“Don’t let your bicycle miss you too much!”

“I’ll tell it you said hello,” James replied.

At the church steps, Pastor Timothy met him last.

They didn’t speak for a moment.

Then Timothy said, “Remember who you are.”

James nodded.

“And who I am?”

The pastor smiled faintly.

“A man God isn’t finished with yet.”

James exhaled, almost like a weight had loosened slightly.

“Turner in a quiet rental car, the town slowly faded behind them.

The diner.

The church steeple.

The harbor.

Hope House.

All of it.

Sarah stood on the porch long after the car disappeared.

Ethan stood beside her.

“You think he’ll be okay?” Ethan asked.

Sarah didn’t answer right away.

Then—

“I think he’s finally walking toward something he’s avoided his whole life.”

Ethan frowned.

“Which is?”

Sarah watched the empty road.

“His own healing.”

And miles away, James looked out the window as Hope Isles disappeared from view.

For the first time in a long time, he wasn’t sure what waited ahead.

Only that he couldn’t stay where he was.

Because some journeys aren’t about leaving a place.

They’re about returning to the parts of yourself you buried long ago.

And Hope Isles…


was no longer just a town behind him.

It had become the place that taught him how to begin again.

To Be Continued…

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Why As A White Man In America, I Celebrate Juneteenth

Today’s a new day! ~OC

Why, as a white man in America, do I choose to celebrate Juneteenth. Every year when Juneteenth arrives, I see some people asking why they should celebrate a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in America. As a white man, I have a simple answer: because freedom is worth celebrating.

Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, the day when enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued. It is a day that reminds us of both the painful chapters of our nation’s history and the triumph of freedom over oppression.

As a Christian, I believe every person is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). That means every life has value, dignity, and worth. Slavery violated that God-given dignity. It treated human beings as property rather than as precious creations of the Lord. Because of that, the ending of slavery is something every follower of Christ should celebrate.

I do not celebrate Juneteenth because of guilt. I celebrate Juneteenth because of gratitude.

I am grateful for the men and women who stood against injustice. I am grateful for those who courageously fought for freedom. I am grateful that our nation moved closer to the biblical truth that every person is equal before God.

Juneteenth also reminds me that freedom is one of God’s greatest gifts. Throughout Scripture, we see God delivering people from bondage. He freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. He sent Jesus to set captives free. The Gospel itself is a story of liberation—freedom from sin, shame, and death through Jesus Christ.

When I celebrate Juneteenth, I am celebrating more than a historical event. I am celebrating the principle that no human being should live in chains. I am celebrating the truth that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. I am celebrating the progress that has been made while recognizing there is always room to grow in loving our neighbors better.

As believers, we should never be afraid to acknowledge painful moments in history. Doing so does not weaken our faith or our love for our country. Instead, it helps us appreciate how far we have come and inspires us to continue pursuing justice, mercy, and compassion.

The Church should be a place where people from every background come together as one family in Christ. Scripture tells us that in Heaven there will be people from every tribe, tongue, and nation worshiping before the throne of God. That beautiful picture should encourage us to celebrate the diversity of God’s creation here on earth.

As a white man in America, I celebrate Juneteenth because freedom is worth celebrating.

I celebrate because God’s heart is for justice.

I celebrate because every person bears His image.

I celebrate because Jesus came to set people free.

And I celebrate because when one group of people experiences greater freedom, it is something that benefits all of us.

May Juneteenth remind us of the value of every human life, the importance of learning from history, and the hope that is found in Jesus Christ—the One who offers true freedom to all who call upon His name.

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” — John 8:36

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Either Way I Win

In 2019, after almost eighteen years of major health battles and being told on multiple occasions that I only had hours left to live, I experienced a beautiful miracle from God.

At that point in 2019, doctors believed I only had weeks remaining. The situation looked impossible. The circumstances seemed hopeless. Yet Jesus stepped into the middle of the story and reminded me that He always has the final say.

It was a true miracle.

Since that miracle, however, my journey has not been without additional challenges. I have endured multiple serious battles with COVID and also suffered a stroke. Today, my health journey has entered its twenty-fourth year.

Over those years, countless people have prayed for my complete healing. I am deeply grateful for every prayer, every encouraging message, every act of kindness, and every person who has stood beside me during difficult seasons. Those prayers have meant more than I could ever adequately express.

But as I have prayed about my health and spent time talking with Jesus, I have found myself reflecting on this journey from a different perspective.

I think about the many patients I have met over the years.

I think about the hospital rooms.

I think about the waiting rooms.

I think about the difficult conversations.

I think about the opportunities God has given me to pray with people, encourage people, and remind people that they are not alone.

Some Christians have viewed my health journey as something negative. They have looked at the diagnoses, the treatments, the setbacks, and the ongoing battles and wondered why God has not completely removed them.

But I have never viewed my journey that way.

I have always seen it as an opportunity.

An opportunity to share the love of Jesus.

An opportunity to share the hope of Jesus.

An opportunity to remind hurting people that God is still faithful even when life is difficult.

As I think about this, I am reminded of others whom God has used powerfully despite significant challenges.

I think about the Apostle Paul, who prayed for the “removal of his thorn in the flesh”, yet God told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul went on to impact the world with the Gospel despite his ongoing struggles. 

I think about Joni Eareckson Tada, whose life and testimony have inspired millions around the world.

I think about Nick Vujicic, who was born without arms and legs yet continues to share the Gospel with millions across the globe.

I think about Billy Graham, who faithfully preached Christ throughout seasons of physical weakness and aging.

I think about Eric LeGrand, whose courage and faith have encouraged countless people through adversity.

None of these individuals allowed their struggles to define them. Instead, they allowed God to use them right where they were. 

Their stories remind us that God’s power is not limited by our circumstances.

Throughout my own health journey, God has repeatedly shown me that my willingness to continue sharing the love and hope of Jesus during difficult seasons has encouraged others who are walking through storms of their own.

Sometimes we assume that our greatest ministry will happen after God removes our struggle.

But what if God wants to use us in the middle of the struggle?

What if the very battle we are asking Him to remove is the place where He is doing some of His greatest work?

What if our pain becomes a platform for His glory?

What if our scars become evidence of His faithfulness?

I still believe Jesus heals.

I still believe miracles happen.

After all, I am living proof that they do.

And maybe Jesus will choose to perform another miracle in my life on this side of Heaven.

Maybe He will completely restore every area of my health.

I certainly welcome the prayers everyone continues to pray for my healing.

But perhaps God is using this season exactly as it is.

Perhaps there are people I can reach because of this journey that I could never reach otherwise.

Perhaps there are conversations that happen because of these challenges that would never happen without them.

Perhaps Jesus has me planted exactly where He wants me.

So if God leads you, please continue praying for my healing.

But also pray that Jesus continues to use me.

Pray that I remain faithful.

Pray that I continue to encourage others.

Pray that I continue sharing His love and hope wherever He opens a door.

Because whether I receive another miracle here on earth or whether God continues to use me in the middle of this battle, my victory is already secure in Christ.

If He heals me completely here on earth, I win.

If He uses my story to bring hope to others, I win.

If He uses my struggles to point people toward Jesus, I win.

And one day, whether through healing here or perfect healing in Heaven, I will stand in the presence of my Savior completely restored.

Either way, I win.

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

And that is a victory no illness can ever take away. ~OC

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Wake Up, Christian: Why I Write About Tough Topics

One of the questions I get asked quite often is this:

“Why do you write about such tough topics?”

Sometimes the question is phrased a little differently:

“Why don’t you just stick to the nice,

encouraging, less controversial subjects?”

My answer is usually very simple:

Because that is what God has placed on my heart at that moment.

I don’t sit down and ask myself, “How can I make people uncomfortable today?” I sit down and ask, “Lord, what do You want me to say?”

Sometimes He leads me to write about hope, healing, miracles, and encouragement. Other times He leads me to write about difficult issues that many people would rather avoid.

The truth is, I believe too many Christians have become comfortable.

Far too many believers want to walk through life with blinders on, roast marshmallows, eat s’mores, and pretend everything in the world is just fine.

But it isn’t.

Look around.

People are hurting.

Families are broken.

Addictions are destroying lives.

Human trafficking continues to victimize millions.

Abuse is often ignored.

Depression and anxiety are everywhere.

Suicide rates remain alarming.

Loneliness is growing.

The world is facing some very real and very difficult challenges.

As followers of Christ, we cannot afford to pretend these issues don’t exist.

Jesus never ignored pain.

Jesus never looked away from suffering.

Jesus never avoided difficult conversations.

He stepped directly into the brokenness of humanity and brought truth, hope, healing, and redemption.

As Christians, we are called to be a bright light in a dark world. Sometimes that means encouraging people. Sometimes it means comforting people. Sometimes it means speaking difficult truths and confronting evil when we see it.

The world doesn’t need a thirty-minute sitcom version of Christianity.

The world doesn’t need believers who pretend life is perfect.

The world doesn’t need another polished sermon that makes us feel good on Sunday but leaves us spiritually empty by Monday morning.

What the world desperately needs is genuine Christianity.

People want authenticity.

They want to see believers who are honest about their struggles.

They want to see Christians who admit they don’t have it all together.

They want to see followers of Jesus who are willing to show their scars, their failures, their lessons learned, and how God carried them through.

They want to see faith that is real.

The Gospel was never meant to simply make us comfortable.

It was meant to transform us.

Growth rarely happens when we stay comfortable.

Growth happens when God challenges us.

Growth happens when we wrestle with hard truths.

Growth happens when the Holy Spirit convicts our hearts and calls us to something greater.

That is why I will continue sharing messages that challenge people.

Not because I enjoy controversy.

Not because I think I have all the answers.

But because I believe God often uses uncomfortable moments to produce spiritual growth.

If a message makes us stop and think, examine our hearts, or see the world through God’s eyes, then perhaps that discomfort is exactly what we need.

Now, don’t worry—I won’t write only about difficult subjects.

I’ll still sprinkle in plenty of encouraging posts about faith, hope, healing, miracles, worship, and God’s goodness.

After all, encouragement is important too.

But I will not shy away from the hard conversations when God places them on my heart.

The Church doesn’t need less truth.

The Church doesn’t need less courage.

The Church doesn’t need less conviction.

The Church needs believers who are awake, engaged, and willing to shine the light of Christ wherever darkness exists.

So my encouragement today is simple:

Wake up.

Look around.

Pray.

Pay attention.

Love people.

Speak truth.

Show grace.

Confront evil.

Offer hope.

And above all else, point people to Jesus.

Because this world doesn’t need comfortable Christianity.

It needs Christians who are willing to follow Jesus wherever He leads—even when the conversation gets difficult. ~OC

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Two Questions Every Christian Should Ask Themselves

Today’s a new day! 

There are two questions that have been on my heart recently, and honestly, they are questions I need to ask myself as much as anyone else.

Question #1: When someone looks at your life, would they want to be like you?

Not because we’re perfect.

Not because we have all the answers.

Not because we’ve never failed.

But when people see our lives, do they see something different? Do they see the peace of Christ in the middle of chaos? Do they see grace when others are harsh? Do they see hope when circumstances seem hopeless? Do they see a faith that remains steady when life gets difficult?

The Apostle Paul boldly wrote, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

That is a challenging statement. Could we honestly say the same?

When people watch how we treat our spouses, our children, our neighbors, the cashier at the grocery store, or even those who disagree with us, are they seeing Jesus reflected in us?

The truth is that our lives may be the only Bible some people ever encounter. Every conversation, every action, every response to adversity is an opportunity to point people toward Christ—or away from Him.

None of us get it right all the time. I certainly don’t. But our goal should be to live in such a way that others are drawn not to us, but to the Savior living within us.

Question #2: Do you have a passion to praise and serve Jesus?

Christianity was never meant to be a once-a-week activity.

It was never meant to be a religious checkbox.

It was never meant to be a routine without relationship.

Jesus gave everything for us. He carried our sins to the Cross, conquered death through His resurrection, and offers us eternal life. How can we not respond with passionate praise and wholehearted service?

Praise isn’t just singing songs on Sunday morning. Praise is thanking God when life is good. Praise is trusting Him when life is hard. Praise is lifting His name when the diagnosis comes, when the bills pile up, when the storm refuses to leave.

Service isn’t just what happens inside church walls. Service happens when we encourage someone who is hurting. It happens when we pray for others. It happens when we meet needs, show compassion, and become the hands and feet of Jesus in a broken world.

The question isn’t whether we attend church.

The question is whether our hearts burn with a love for Jesus.

Do we wake up looking for opportunities to honor Him?

Do we seek ways to serve others in His name?

Do we long to know Him more deeply today than we did yesterday?

A Personal Reflection:

As I ask these questions of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, I must also ask them of myself.

When people look at my life, do they see Jesus?

Am I living in a way that inspires others to draw closer to Him?

Do I still have a passion to praise Him through every season?

Do I still have a desire to serve Him with whatever time, talents, and opportunities He has given me?

These aren’t questions meant to bring condemnation. They are questions meant to bring reflection and renewal.

Perhaps today is a good day for all of us to pause and ask God to search our hearts.

May our lives be a testimony of His goodness.

May our words point people toward His truth.

May our actions reflect His love.

And may we never lose our passion to praise and serve the One who gave everything for us.

Lord, let my life be a reflection of You. Help me live in such a way that others see Jesus in me. Rekindle my passion to praise You, serve You, and follow You faithfully every day. Amen. ~OC

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America Needs A Better Gospel Than Christian Nationalism

Today’s a new day!

In recent years, many Christians have wrestled with an important question: What happens when faith becomes too closely tied to politics?

As followers of Jesus, we should love our country, pray for our leaders, and seek the good of our communities. Scripture encourages us to be engaged citizens and to pursue justice, mercy, and righteousness. But there is a difference between loving our nation and confusing our nation with the Kingdom of God.

America needs a better gospel than Christian Nationalism.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ was never about elevating one nation above all others. It was never about political power, cultural dominance, or winning elections. The Gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ came to save sinners, reconcile humanity to God, and establish a Kingdom that transcends every border, language, ethnicity, and political system.

Jesus was not crucified because He sought political office. He was crucified because He proclaimed a Kingdom that challenged the powers of this world. His message was not “Take control.” His message was “Follow Me.”

Throughout Scripture, we see that God’s love extends to all people. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s redemptive plan includes every tribe, every tongue, and every nation. The Church is not called to represent one earthly kingdom. The Church is called to represent Christ.

When Christians place their ultimate hope in political movements, parties, or national identity, they risk exchanging the Gospel for something far smaller. Political victories may come and go. Nations rise and fall. But the Kingdom of God endures forever.

Christian Nationalism often asks, “How can we make America Christian again?” The Gospel asks a different question: “How can we help people know and follow Jesus?”

One focuses on power. The other focuses on transformation.

One seeks cultural control. The other seeks changed hearts.

One can create insiders and outsiders. The Gospel invites everyone to the foot of the Cross.

The Church’s mission has never been to conquer a nation. It has always been to make disciples. Our calling is to love our neighbors, care for the poor, defend the vulnerable, welcome the stranger, forgive our enemies, and proclaim the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

America does not need a gospel wrapped in a flag.

America needs the Gospel of Jesus.

The Gospel that calls us to humility rather than pride.

The Gospel that teaches us to love rather than hate.

The Gospel that values truth over tribalism.

The Gospel that reminds us our citizenship is ultimately in Heaven.

The Church is at its best when it looks less like a political movement and more like Jesus. The world does not need Christians who merely win arguments. It needs Christians who reflect the character of Christ.

May we never trade the Cross for political influence.

May we never confuse patriotism with discipleship.

And may we remember that our greatest hope has never been found in a nation, a party, or a politician.

Our hope is found in Jesus Christ alone. ~OC

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What The World Needs Now is Hope, Kindness And Love

Today’s a new day!

If there is one thing our world desperately needs today, it is not more division, anger, or outrage. What the world needs now is hope, kindness, and love.

Every day we are surrounded by voices telling us why we should fear one another, distrust one another, or separate ourselves from those who think differently than we do. Social media, politics, news headlines, and endless debates often magnify our differences while minimizing our shared humanity.

But what if we chose a different path?

What if we looked beyond political labels, denominational differences, cultural backgrounds, economic status, and personal opinions? What if we took a moment to see one another not as opponents, but as fellow travelers on this journey called life?

The truth is that we have far more in common than we often realize.

We all know what it feels like to hurt. We all understand disappointment, loss, and grief. We all celebrate moments of joy, laughter, and victory. We all long to be accepted, valued, and loved. We all hope for a better future for ourselves, our families, and our communities.

When we focus only on what separates us, we build walls.

When we focus on what we share, we build bridges.

Hope reminds us that tomorrow can be better than today. It gives us the courage to keep moving forward when circumstances seem overwhelming. Hope shines brightest in the darkest moments and reminds us that difficult seasons do not last forever.

Kindness may seem simple, but it is one of the most powerful forces in the world. A kind word can change someone’s day. A helping hand can restore someone’s faith in humanity. A listening ear can make a hurting person feel seen and valued. Kindness costs little, yet its impact can be immeasurable.

And love remains the greatest gift we can offer one another. Love chooses compassion over judgment. Love seeks understanding before criticism. Love recognizes the dignity and worth of every human being. Love has the power to heal wounds that hatred and division only deepen.

Imagine what our communities would look like if we intentionally chose hope over despair, kindness over cruelty, and love over division.

Imagine if we spent less time arguing and more time listening.

Imagine if we spent less time pointing fingers and more time extending helping hands.

Imagine if we remembered that behind every opinion is a person, behind every disagreement is a story, and behind every face is someone who simply wants to know they matter.

The world does not need more reasons to hate.

The world does not need more reasons to divide.

The world needs people willing to be carriers of hope, dispensers of kindness, and ambassadors of love.

Each of us has the opportunity to be that person today.

A smile. A prayer. A phone call. A word of encouragement. A simple act of generosity. These small actions may seem insignificant, but together they create a ripple effect that can transform lives.

Let’s look past our differences and see all that we have in common.

Let’s choose grace over hostility.

Let’s choose unity over division.

Let’s choose hope, kindness, and love.

Because the world could use a little more of all three. ~OC

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When The White House Chooses The Main Event

On Sunday night, the White House lawn will host a UFC event as part of America’s 250th Birthday Celebration. 

For some, it will be entertainment.

For others, it will be a symbol of strength, toughness, and American culture.

For me, it represents something entirely different.

The White House has long been called “The People’s House.” Throughout American history, its grounds have hosted events that brought families together, celebrated achievement, honored service, and showcased the best of our nation.

The annual Easter Egg Roll has welcomed children and families to the South Lawn since  1878 under President Rutherford B. Hayes.

Presidents have hosted Independence Day celebrations filled with music, fireworks, and community.

President Lyndon Johnson transformed the lawn into an outdoor arts venue during the Festival of the Arts.

President Gerald Ford hosted Queen Elizabeth  for an elegant state dinner beneath a tent on the South Lawn.

The grounds have welcomed world leaders, served as the landing place for Marine One, and stood as a symbol of American leadership.

President Jimmy Carter even installed a temporary ice rink so Olympic champion Peggy Fleming could perform for guests.

President George W. Bush hosted T-ball games featuring children of active-duty military personnel.

Families.

Children.

Artists.

Athletes.

Public servants.

Moments that reflected dignity and community.

Now, the White House lawn welcomes the UFC.

That reality should cause us to ask an important question:

What are we choosing to celebrate?

The UFC has certainly become a massive business success. Millions watch its events. Millions more wager on the outcomes. The organization has produced many talented athletes who have worked hard to reach the highest levels of their sport.

But the UFC has also been surrounded by years of controversy involving domestic violence allegations, arrests, abuse accusations, and troubling behavior from some of its biggest stars.

The organization’s founder and CEO was caught on video striking his wife. Public outrage followed. Yet many quickly moved on.

Several fighters over the years have faced allegations or arrests involving domestic violence and abuse.

Yet tonight, this organization is being elevated to center stage on one of the most recognizable pieces of property in America.

As Christians, we should not merely ask whether something is popular.

We should ask whether it is worthy of celebration.

Popularity and righteousness are not the same thing.

The crowds that shouted “Hosanna” on Sunday shouted “Crucify Him” on Friday.

The Bible repeatedly reminds us that the values of God’s Kingdom often stand in direct opposition to the values of the world.

Jesus taught us to honor the peacemakers.

Jesus taught us to protect the vulnerable.

Jesus taught us that true greatness is found in humility and service.

Jesus never taught us to idolize aggression, celebrity, power, or wealth.

I already know many people will disagree with me.

Many will watch.

Many will cheer.

Many will place bets.

Many will celebrate the spectacle.

That is their choice.

But as for me, I cannot help but feel sadness that a place which has hosted children hunting Easter eggs, military families playing T-ball, artists sharing their gifts, and leaders gathering in diplomacy is now being used to showcase an organization whose history includes so many troubling examples of violence beyond the octagon.

Perhaps that says something about where our culture is today.

Perhaps it says something about what we reward.

Perhaps it says something about what we have become willing to overlook.

As Christians, our calling is not to blindly follow the crowd or celebrate whatever is trending.

Our calling is to seek God’s Kingdom first.

To honor what is good.

To defend what is right.

To stand for truth even when it is unpopular.

America’s 250th birthday should be an 

opportunity to celebrate the highest ideals of our nation: faith, family, service, sacrifice, character, and human dignity.

Instead, Sunday’s main event leaves me asking whether we have confused entertainment with virtue.

And that is a fight I have no interest in watching. ~OC

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Jesus Is Not Owned By A Political Party

Today’s a new day!

In a world where politics dominates headlines, social media feeds, and even many church conversations, it is important for Christians to remember a simple but powerful truth:

Jesus is not owned by a political party.

He is not a Republican.
He is not a Democrat.
He is not an Independent.

Jesus is King.

Throughout history, people have tried to place Jesus into their own political, cultural, and ideological boxes. They want Him to endorse their platform, validate their opinions, and support their agendas. Yet when we read the Gospels, we discover that Jesus consistently transcended the political divisions of His day.

The religious leaders wanted Him to conform to their expectations.

The zealots wanted Him to overthrow Rome.

The Romans wanted Him to stay quiet.

But Jesus came proclaiming something far greater than a political movement. He came proclaiming the Kingdom of God.

His mission was not to win elections.

His mission was to save souls.

Jesus cared about truth, justice, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, and reconciliation. He challenged hypocrisy wherever He found it. He confronted sin regardless of who committed it. He welcomed tax collectors and fishermen, rich and poor, Jews and Gentiles, saints and sinners.

His invitation was never based on political affiliation.

His invitation was based on grace.

Some Christians today spend more time defending politicians than they do sharing the Gospel. We can become so consumed by political battles that we forget our primary calling is to love God and love our neighbors.

The early church transformed the world without political power.

They changed lives through radical love.

They cared for the poor.

They served the sick.

They welcomed the outcasts.

They proclaimed Christ crucified and risen.

The world did not need another political movement then, and it does not need one now. The world needs Jesus.

This does not mean Christians should ignore public issues or avoid civic responsibility. We should care deeply about justice, human dignity, and the well-being of our communities. But our ultimate hope cannot rest in any candidate, platform, or political party.

Political leaders come and go.

Administrations rise and fall.

Kingdoms are built and kingdoms collapse.

But Jesus Christ remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.

When we place our faith in politics, disappointment is inevitable.

When we place our faith in Christ, hope is eternal.

As followers of Jesus, we must resist the temptation to make politics our identity. Our identity is found in Christ alone. We belong first and foremost to His Kingdom.

The Cross does not lean left.

The Cross does not lean right.

The Cross stands above every earthly system, calling all people to repentance, faith, and redemption.

May we never confuse loyalty to a political party with loyalty to Jesus.

May we never allow politics to divide us from our brothers and sisters in Christ.

And may we remember that before we are voters, citizens, or members of any political movement, we are disciples of Jesus Christ.

Because Jesus is not owned by a political party.

He is the Savior of the world. ~OC

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When We Care More About Position Than Protection

Today’s a new day!

I know many people may disagree with what I am about to say, and that’s okay. Healthy disagreement is part of life and part of the Church. But I stand firmly by these words.

I care far more about the victims of abuse in our churches than I do about whether a woman teaches a Bible study, preaches a sermon, or stands behind a pulpit in a Southern Baptist Church—or any other church.

For years, countless hours, meetings, conferences, articles, and social media debates have focused on the role of women in ministry. Entire denominations have wrestled with the question. Churches have split over it. Christians have passionately argued both sides.

Yet while some believers are consumed with debates about who is allowed to speak from the platform, children, teenagers, and vulnerable adults have suffered abuse in churches that were supposed to be safe places.

That should break our hearts.

When Jesus walked this earth, He consistently placed people above power, compassion above control, and protection of the vulnerable above religious posturing. He reserved some of His strongest words for religious leaders who burdened others while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

I cannot help but wonder what Jesus thinks when churches spend more energy debating who can preach or teach than they spend ensuring children are protected.

I cannot help but wonder what He thinks when victims are ignored, silenced, questioned, or blamed while church leaders focus on preserving reputations and institutions.

The Church should be the safest place on earth for a child.

The safest place for a survivor.

The safest place for the wounded.

The safest place for those seeking healing.

And yet, too often, it has not been.

This is not a statement against theology. 

Theology matters. Scripture matters. Church governance matters. But if our theological discussions become more important than protecting people made in the image of God, something has gone terribly wrong.

If Christians are more concerned about a woman’s role in ministry than they are about children being abused, they have missed something essential in the teachings of Jesus.

If we can passionately argue about positions while remaining silent about victims, we need to examine our priorities.

If we are quicker to defend institutions than to defend the brokenhearted, we need to return to the heart of Christ.

Jesus welcomed children.

Jesus protected the vulnerable.

Jesus stood with the hurting.

Jesus confronted religious leaders who had lost sight of what mattered most.

The Church should do the same.

The world is watching how we respond. More importantly, survivors are watching.

They don’t need another debate.

They need safety.

They need accountability.

They need justice.

They need compassion.

They need to know that the Church values their well-being more than its reputation.

My prayer is that Christians of every denomination would become known not merely for what we believe, but for how fiercely we protect the vulnerable, how seriously we take abuse allegations, how compassionately we care for survivors, and how faithfully we reflect the heart of Jesus.

Because at the end of the day, protecting the vulnerable is not a political issue.

It is not a denominational issue.

It is not a conservative issue or a progressive issue.

It is a Jesus issue. ~OC

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