Tag: Stand Up

Walk With a Limp

Today’s a new day! As I continue to walk out my faith journey, I have experienced wilderness moments on more than one occasion. Those moments when life just beats you up. During those seasons, I am always reminded that I am not God. During the tough seasons in life, I am thankful that God still wants to have regular face to face encounters with me. He wants to hear about my thoughts and concerns. God desires to hear from us and to speak to us. As I continue to walk this journey called life, I am often reminded that my thoughts and opinions cannot compare to the divine, sacred and loving wisdom of our amazing Savior.

As I continue to walk out my faith journey, I no longer walk straight. No, these days I walk with a limp. A beautiful reminder of everything God has brought me through. The struggles I have overcome. As I write this post, I am reminded of the quote by well-known Christian pastor and author, A.W. Tozer, who wrote, “Beware of any Christian who doesn’t walk with a limp.”

Dear Friends, our world does not need more people screaming from the rooftops and declaring that their opinions are the only ones that matter. No, we desperately need more limping Christians, who have walked through the wilderness and encountered God in a powerful and life changing way. We need more Christians walking with a limp, who are more passionate about helping those individuals who are currently walking through their own wilderness experience and who are less concerned about their own opinions.

I believe as we look at today’s headlines and the world around us, we need to stand up and speak out for what is right—to seek justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God. I also believe these days are ones to walk with a limp in humility, kindness, love and grace. I pray we will spend more time seeking God’s purpose for our lives and less time screaming that our opinions are the only ones that matter. Today, I pray we walk with a limp. ~OC

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A Call

Today’s a new day! As I watch tv or scroll through social media, I see so such suffering and injustice. And sadly, I see so many Christians adding to that suffering and injustice. It breaks my heart. More importantly, it breaks God’s heart. During those moments I reflect on the following verse:

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” ~Proverbs 31:8-9

As I reflect on those verses, I am thankful that God is different and He desires for those who call Him Father to be radically different.

God loves with a love far greater than any of us could truly ever imagine. He feels our pain and disappointments more deeply than we ever could. God will never force Himself on those who choose to live their lives without Him, even though He longs for those who are hurt and broken to take His hand. But He respects our choices.

But for those who choose to call on His name and call themselves Christians, God expects us to be a reflection of His character. To truly live out the words from Proverbs 31:8-9.

As I reflect on those words, am I truly living out those commands?

In a time where political power seems more important than the Gospel to so many American Christians, is the Christian community any different than the world so many of them like to judge?

As Christian, are we fighting against injustice? Are we speaking up for those with no voice? Are we taking the time to help the helpless? Are we truly seeking justice for those in need or just praying about it? Are we even attempting to be the hands and feet of Jesus?

As I pray and look around, I wonder why so many Christians appear to be just paying lip-service while ignoring the plight of those suffering in America and around the world. Why so many spend more time justifying ungodly prejudices against “others” than helping them. Why are so many American Christians so focused on what makes them comfortable and happy that they turn a blind eye to the suffering of those outside of their safe little bubble? Why are so many Christians walking through life ignoring the scriptures that command us to fight for justice and to love all of our neighbors?

Jesus shared the following warning in Matthew 7:21. “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.”

I hope and pray that you do not see this as an attack on American Christianity, but instead a wake up call for Christians in America to step up and actually live out their faith and the scriptures that call us to be loving and radically different.

As I close, I want to pose the following question to my Christian brothers and sisters: Are you breaking God’s heart by calling yourself His child, but refusing to live a life of serving those in need and fighting for justice?

I know I for one, can and must do better. ~OC

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Juneteenth

Today’s a new day! Today is also Juneteenth. I want to share a few thoughts about this day and its significance in American history.

My journey to remembering and celebrating Juneteenth occurred later in life due to a lack of knowledge, as I was educated at a time where most school systems did not adequately teach on African American history and culture. (That’s why we can never return to those days). I believe the history of African Americans and their contributions to American society have often been overlooked or marginalized in traditional education systems. Learning about Juneteenth and understanding its significance can be a powerful awakening to the complexities of American history and the ongoing struggle for racial equality.

‍As I have learned more about Juneteenth, it serves as a reminder of both the injustices of the past and the resilience and perseverance of African Americans in the face of adversity. Juneteenth is not just a celebration of freedom from slavery but also a call to action for social justice and equality for all people. By remembering and celebrating Juneteenth, people of all races can honor the struggles and achievements of African Americans and work together towards a more just society. The journey of learning and growth is valuable not only for personal understanding but also for fostering greater empathy and solidarity across all communities.

‍It is never too late to learn and embrace aspects of history that may have been previously overlooked or omitted. Today, my call to action for you, for me, for communities across America is to be open to truly learning our history. All of our history. This will hopefully allow us to contribute to the broader effort of recognizing and honoring the diverse experiences and contributions of all individuals and communities.

Happy Juneteenth! ~OC

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I Have Decided

Today’s a new day! Here is another “Lost Writings from OC.” This was written in back in 2023. I am saddened that we are still talking about this in 2025. I pray you will take the time to read and reflect on the following words.

Christian Nationalists are busy attempting to build communities of delusion. Their false doctrine is pure fantasy and far from the love and common sense of Jesus and his teachings. Christian Nationalism is not true Christianity. I think it’s time for true Christians to stand up against this false theology and bring common sense back to the Christian community. It’s time to bring back the true teachings of Jesus.

It’s time for truth and love to stand up. A moment for the real Christian community to realize that Jesus has been forsaken by the false teachings of Christian Nationalism. To see how this false doctrine teaches power over people, the rich over the poor and nationalism over global freedom.

Think about the following words from Jesus, “For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” ~Matthew 25:35-40

Those truly serving Jesus will say “Yes and amen! We want to love and serve everyone.” Christian Nationalist will say “No, that’s woke. They need to take care of themselves.” You see, Christian Nationalism is a bad tree. Remember, Jesus said a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.

It’s time for a radical vision and movement, where everyone is welcomed to the table. A time to say no to division and evangelical extremism. It’s time for the real Christian community to be defined by the openness of Jesus and his love and reverence for all. Something you will not find in the Christian Nationalism movement.

I encourage everyone who truly loves Jesus and His teachings, to let your conscience be decisive.

For me, I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back. ~OC

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I Have Decided

Today’s a new day! Here is another “Lost Writings from OC.” This was written in back in 2023. I am saddened that we are still talking about this in 2025. I pray you will take the time to read and reflect on the following words.

Christian Nationalists are busy attempting to build communities of delusion. Their false doctrine is pure fantasy and far from the love and common sense of Jesus and his teachings. Christian Nationalism is not true Christianity. I think it’s time for true Christians to stand up against this false theology and bring common sense back to the Christian community. It’s time to bring back the true teachings of Jesus.

It’s time for truth and love to stand up. A moment for the real Christian community to realize that Jesus has been forsaken by the false teachings of Christian Nationalism. To see how this false doctrine teaches power over people, the rich over the poor and nationalism over global freedom.

Think about the following words from Jesus, “For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” ~Matthew 25:35-40

Those truly serving Jesus will say “Yes and amen! We want to love and serve everyone.” Christian Nationalist will say “No, that’s woke. They need to take care of themselves.” You see, Christian Nationalism is a bad tree. Remember, Jesus said a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.

It’s time for a radical vision and movement, where everyone is welcomed to the table. A time to say no to division and evangelical extremism. It’s time for the real Christian community to be defined by the openness of Jesus and his love and reverence for all. Something you will not find in the Christian Nationalism movement.

I encourage everyone who truly loves Jesus and His teachings, to let your conscience be decisive.

For me, I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back. ~OC

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Let Love Win

Today’s a new day! Don’t you think fear has won often enough in your life? Don’t you think anger has won enough in this world?

What if, just for today, you did absolutely everything in your power to see that love wins for a change? What if your small acts of love spread from community to community and across the world? What if it creates an absolute tidal wave that circles and embraces the entire world?

What if one act of love and kindness from you was the very thing someone needed to restore their faith in humanity or try one more time to keep running their race? To not give up.

What if you are the spark the world is waiting on to shift from a fear-based mindset to a love-based mindset?

Let’s let love win today and see what happens!

Wherever you are on your journey, remember you are awesome! Show some love and kindness today. ~OC

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New Set of Clothing

Today’s a new day! As we walk into a new week, I want to share a little bit with you.

I encourage everyone this week to put on a new set of clothing. Instead of judgment, try on forgiveness… instead of hate, try on love… instead of retribution, try on grace… instead of war, try on peace… instead of following the crowd, why not lean into the promises of Jesus. Today’s world is so polarized and broken and it breaks my heart. The older I have gotten, the more I have come to realize what is important in life. What is important in life is how you live… to live with an attitude of love… to follow the words of the prophet Micah: do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God… and, of course to love God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength while also loving our neighbor (all of them, even those who are difficult to love) as ourself. Have a blessed Holy Week. ~OC

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Stand

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm. ~ Ephesians 6:13-14

Today’s a new day! Life can feel overwhelming at times. Can I get an amen? Life can be hard. The never-ending to-do lists, the health issues, financial issues, the friendship that ends out of the blue or the house that never seems to stay clean. Sometimes we feel like we cannot cope. We may not even be able to explain it. We just feel overwhelmed. We feel like we’re drowning.

I’m not sure what is currently happening in your life, what crisis you may be facing, but what I do know is we will all face challenges and heartaches we didn’t expect. In the midst of it all, we have a God who, just like a lifeguard, is ready to rescue us.

I can see Him looking at me, saying, “I’ve given you everything you need. Just stand.” Ephesians 6:13-14 declares, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm …” My heart is lifted up as I remember the following truths. Hopefully they can bring you some encouragement.

*No matter how unqualified we feel for the tasks set before us, with God we’re well-equipped.

*No matter how fast we seem to be sliding down the slippery slope of this thing called life, with God we are not in despair.

*No matter how overwhelming the situations of life feel, with God we are not drowning.

Friend, God has given us everything we need to stand victorious against the storms and uncertainties of this world. All we have to do is stand. Stand on His Word. Stand on His promise that declares we are “more than conquerors through him who loved us”(Romans 8:37). Stand on the command of Jesus to “take heart” because He has “overcome the world” (John 16:33). Stand on the truth that He will “fight for you against your enemies to give you victory” (Deuteronomy 20:4)

Today, let’s declare it with our mouths and believe it in our hearts. After you’ve done all you can, just stand!

Dear God, even though we can get easily overwhelmed by the things of this life, we thank You that You are always there, that You never leave nor forsake us. We pray that we will be reminded continuously that through the power of Your Word, we are well-equipped for this journey You have prepared for us. No matter what comes our way, may we stand on Your promises. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~OC

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Sunday Bloody Sunday

Today’s a new day! On March 7, 1965, in Selma, Alabama, approximately 600 peace loving advocates set out to march to Alabama’s capital, Montgomery, to demand voting rights for Black Americans in the face of unfair, discriminatory laws and practices.

Sixty years ago, black voters faced numerous obstacles when trying to register to vote, including literacy tests, poll taxes, intimidation and brutal violence. Civil rights leaders organized this march to demand an equal opportunity to participate in American democracy.  

As the marchers peacefully crossed Selma’s Edmund Pettus Bridge, local police, vigilante groups and state troopers violently attacked them.

Many marchers were hospitalized as a result of these brutal attacks, which was televised nationwide and became known as “Bloody Sunday.” In addition, the events leading up to this day and the weeks after resulted in the deaths of three civil rights advocates.

The brutality of Bloody Sunday highlighted the urgent need for change and galvanized support for the Civil Rights Movement across the country. Two weeks later, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and 3,200 civil rights protesters completed the 54-mile march from Selma to Montgomery.

Thanks to the efforts of those brave freedom fighters, historically disenfranchised Americans were able to fully participate in the democratic process for the first time.

Sadly sixty years later, there is still a lot of work to do across America to protect and expand the freedom to vote. The fight is not over. We, the Freedom Fighters of today must continue to speak up and fight for justice.

So on this 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, let’s remember the legacy of all those who fought for a truly inclusive democracy and pledge ourselves to supporting the continuing fight for the freedom to vote and for equal rights for all Americans. ~OC

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Not From God

Today’s a new day! This is not the America that so many men and women gave their lives for. But sadly, this is the type of hate that so many Americans voted for and support. I must remember that God is still in control. I know that can be hard to believe as we see everything that’s happening in our nation, but nothing we’re seeing right now is from God. This is all man made. Dear God, please help us. ~OC

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna190446

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