Tag: Serve

Hope And Class In A Culture Of Insults

Today’s a new day! 

Several people have asked me what I think about the disgusting comments a UFC fighter recently made about former First Lady Michelle Obama. I know his name, but I have chosen not to give him any further publicity by repeating it here.

My thoughts on the matter are actually very simple.

Queens do not step off their thrones to deal with court jesters.

Strong men do not have to put down women to feel powerful.

In a world that seems increasingly driven by outrage, insults, and attention-seeking behavior, I believe we have a choice. We can join the noise, or we can rise above it.

Unfortunately, our culture often rewards the loudest voice, the harshest insult, and the most controversial statement. Social media has created an environment where some people believe that tearing others down is a pathway to relevance. But true character is revealed not by how loudly we criticize others, but by how respectfully we treat them.

Real strength is not found in mocking someone. Real strength is found in showing dignity. It is found in self-control. It is found in refusing to surrender our values simply because someone else abandoned theirs.

Whether we agree with someone’s politics, beliefs, or life choices should never determine whether we treat them with basic human decency. Respect is not a reward reserved only for those who think exactly like we do. Respect is a reflection of our own character.

As followers of Christ, we are called to something higher. Jesus never taught us to build ourselves up by humiliating others. He taught us to love our neighbors, bless those who curse us, and treat others the way we would want to be treated.

The world has enough anger.

The world has enough division.

The world has enough people trying to score points at someone else’s expense.

What our communities need are people who choose grace over outrage, wisdom over mockery, and hope over hate.

And as for me, I will continue to choose hope over bitterness, dignity over insults, and class over chaos.

Life is simply too short to live any other way. ~OC

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Walking Our Neighborhoods: Spreading Hope

Today’s a new day!

If we’re honest, we are living through some difficult times in America and around the world.

Many families are afraid to walk through their own neighborhoods. Some are wondering where their next meal will come from. Others are carrying burdens that few people know about—grief, sickness, financial struggles, broken relationships, depression, anxiety, and fear about the future.

We live in a world that seems increasingly divided. Political divisions, racial tensions, economic struggles, and constant bad news can leave people feeling exhausted and hopeless. Everywhere we look, people are searching for answers, searching for peace, and searching for hope.

As Christians, we know where true hope is found.

Our hope is not found in politicians, governments, bank accounts, social media, or the latest headlines. Our hope is found in Jesus Christ.

The world doesn’t need more arguments right now. It needs more prayer.

That is why I want to encourage every believer to do something simple but powerful: start walking your neighborhood and praying.

Take a walk down your street. Pray for the homes you pass. Pray for the families behind those doors. Pray for the single mom trying to make ends meet. Pray for the elderly couple dealing with health challenges. Pray for the teenager battling depression. Pray for the family facing financial hardship. Pray for the child who needs encouragement. Pray for the first responders, teachers, business owners, and community leaders.

You may never know their names, but God does.

Imagine what could happen if thousands of Christians across America began walking their neighborhoods and praying regularly. Imagine communities covered in prayer. Imagine people feeling seen, loved, and encouraged. Imagine churches stepping outside their walls and becoming the hands and feet of Jesus in practical ways.

Prayer changes things.

Prayer changes hearts.

Prayer changes communities.

Prayer changes us.

As we walk and pray, we begin to see people the way Jesus sees them. We become more compassionate. We become more aware of the needs around us. We become less focused on our differences and more focused on God’s love for every person.

Jesus told us that the greatest commandments are to love God and love our neighbors. One of the simplest ways to love our neighbors is to pray for them.

Our communities do not need more division. 

They need unity.

They do not need more fear. They need hope.

They do not need more hate. They need love.

They do not need more people pointing fingers. They need people willing to kneel in prayer.

The Church has an incredible opportunity in this moment. We can choose to be carriers of hope in a hopeless world. We can choose to be peacemakers in a divided culture. We can choose to bring light into places that seem dark.

So I encourage you today: lace up your shoes, step outside, and start walking. Pray over your neighborhood. Pray over your city. Pray over your schools. Pray over your businesses. Pray over your local churches. Pray over the people you encounter.

You may never fully see the impact of those prayers this side of Heaven, but God hears every single one.

Let’s unite our communities through prayer.

Let’s love our neighbors intentionally.

Let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus

And let’s bring hope to a world that desperately needs it.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2

Our neighborhoods may be changed one prayer at a time. ~OC

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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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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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SURRENDER

Here is a acronym I created for the word S.U.R.R.E.N.D.E.R.

S – Seek God first in all things
U – Understand that His ways are higher than ours
R – Rest in His promises during every season
R – Rely on His strength instead of your own
E – Embrace His grace and mercy each day
N – Nurture your faith through prayer and Scripture
D – Deny yourself and take up your cross daily
E – Encourage others with the love of Christ
R – Remain faithful until the end

Faith Journey Reflection:

SURRENDER is not giving up—it is giving everything over to God. It is seeking Him, trusting Him, relying on His strength, and remaining faithful as He leads us step by step on our journey of faith.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6 

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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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Hope Isles: A New Beginning Chapter 2-The First Open Door

The next morning, Hope Isles woke to the scent of fresh rain and the sound of seagulls circling above the harbor.

As usual, James was already awake.

He sat on the front porch of the Wilson house with a Bible, a notebook, and a cup of coffee.

The old porch swing creaked gently as he read.

Seven bedrooms.

Seven empty rooms.

Most people saw an oversized house.

James saw possibility.

He closed his Bible and looked at the handwritten note in his notebook.

“Lord, show me how this house can serve You.”

Just then, a pickup truck pulled into the driveway.

James stood.

Pastor Timothy climbed out.

“Hope I’m not too early.”

James smiled.

“I’ve been up for hours.”

The pastor looked around the property.

“You’ve done a lot of work already.”

Several flowerbeds had been cleared. The grass was freshly cut. The front porch had been cleaned.

“There is still plenty to do,” James replied.

Pastor Timothy glanced toward the large house.

“I have to admit, I’m curious.”

“So is the rest of the town.”

They both laughed.

Pastor Timothy grew serious.

“Yesterday you mentioned God having a purpose for every room.”

James nodded.

“I did.”

“Would you care to explain?”

James opened the front door.

“Come inside.”

The two men walked through the house.

Dust still lingered in some corners.

Boxes remained unpacked.

Yet there was a warmth to the place.

A sense that life was returning.

James led Pastor Timothy upstairs.

“This room,” he said, opening the first door, “will be a guest room.”

The pastor nodded.

“And this one?”

“A study.”

The next room.

“A prayer room.”

Another.

“A place for Bible studies.”

Pastor Timothy raised an eyebrow.

“You’ve thought about this.”

“For a long time.”

They continued down the hallway.

Finally, they entered the largest bedroom.

James stood silently for a moment.

Then he spoke.

“I don’t think God gave me this house just for me.”

“What do you mean?”

James looked out the window toward town.

“I think there are people who need a place to stay. A place to heal. A place to start over.”

The pastor didn’t answer immediately.

Instead, he folded his arms and considered the young man’s words.

After a moment he said,

“That’s a big vision.”

“So is God.”

Pastor Timothy smiled.

“Fair point.”

Later that afternoon, James rode his bicycle into town.

As expected, his first stop was the Sit Awhile Diner.

The bell jingled.

June looked up.

“Well, if it isn’t the bicycle guy.”

“I’m beginning to think that nickname is permanent.”

“It probably is.”

James laughed and took his usual booth.

June brought him sweet tea.

“Something interesting happened this morning.”

“Oh?”

“Mrs. Evelyn has been talking about you.”

James recognized the elderly woman whose breakfast he had paid for.

“Hopefully that’s a good thing.”

June grinned.

“In this town, any talking is good talking.”

Before James could respond, the diner door opened.

Joe the mailman stepped inside.

He looked troubled.

That immediately caught June’s attention.

Joe was usually cheerful.

“Everything okay?” she asked.

Joe sighed.

“My truck broke down again.”

June chuckled.

“That truck is older than half the town.”

“Still runs better than some people.”

James stood.

“Need help?”

Joe looked surprised.

“You know anything about engines?”

“A little.”

Joe shrugged.

“Can’t make it worse.”

“Let’s not test that theory.”

An hour later, James and Joe stood beside the mail truck behind the post office.

The hood was open.

Joe watched as James checked several connections.

“You’ve done this before.”

“More than once.”

A few minutes later, the engine roared to life.

Joe’s eyes widened.

“Well, I’ll be.”

James closed the hood.

“There you go.”

Joe stared.

“How much do I owe you?”

“Nothing.”

“Nothing?”

“Just helping a neighbor.”

Joe shook his head.

“You’re making the rest of us look bad.”

James laughed.

“I doubt that.”

That evening, as the sun began to set, James rode home.

When he reached Joy Lane, something unexpected caught his attention.

A young woman sat on the curb across from the Wilson house.

She looked tired.

Worried.

And completely out of place.

James parked his bicycle.

“Hello.”

The woman looked up quickly.

“Sorry,” she said. “I wasn’t trespassing.”

“I wasn’t accusing you.”

She hesitated.

Then asked,

“Are you James?”

“Yes.”

Her eyes filled with relief.

“Pastor Timothy said I might find you here.”

James sat down on the curb a few feet away.

“What can I do for you?”

The young woman looked down at the suitcase beside her.

For a moment she seemed unsure whether to speak.

Finally she whispered,

“I need a place to stay.”

James glanced toward the large house behind him.

Seven bedrooms.

Seven empty rooms.

And suddenly, one of them no longer seemed empty.

The prayer he had prayed that morning echoed in his heart.

“Lord, show me how this house can serve You.”

Perhaps the answer had just arrived carrying a suitcase.

To Be Continued…

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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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