Tag: Trials

Beyond the Chaos

Today’s a new day! My heart breaks for America,

Turn on the news and all I see is chaos,

A country divided, fractured and torn.

I don’t care if you voted left, right, or somewhere in between,

If your heart’s not breaking for the hurt and pain we see,

You might need to check your pulse and see if you’re still alive.

We scream and we shout, we dig in our heels,

But the truth is, we’re dying, we’re losing our way.

We’re so busy building walls, we’re forgetting to build bridges,

We’re so busy pointing fingers, we’re forgetting to hold hands.

Dear God, please help America come together,

Put away our differences, and actually live

Like the United States of America.

Help us see the humanity in each other,

Help us hear the cries of the broken and the pain.

Help us love like You loved, with a love that’s radical and true,

A love that unites, a love that heals, a love that’s new.

We need a revival, a awakening,

A return to compassion, to empathy, to love.

We need to see each other, not as enemies, but as brothers and sisters,

United in our struggles, in our hopes, in our dreams.

Let’s rise up, let’s rise above,

The noise, the hate, the fear, the pride.

Let’s be the change, let’s be the love,

That America needs, that the world needs, that we all need today. ~OC

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The Unexpected Play

Today’s a new day! Over the years some brave and caring people have asked me “What’s it really like to live with multiple health issues that will eventually take you out.” (Insert laughter here)

After taking a moment to think about that question I shared, “It’s like your body came with a lifetime warranty, but when you read the small fine print, there is a little section that states “starts to expire once started.” My body has been under a recall for the past twenty-four years. When I call Customer Service, I am placed on hold, where a very nice voice keeps telling me to “get some rest.”

That’s just a little humor, but it’s also true in so many ways, when you’re dealing with multiple health issues that are breaking down your body. Walking through a medical journey, will test your faith, your patience and your Wi-Fi connection. You can either drown in self-pity or laugh at the absurdity of it all. I choose laughter. Because when you can’t move or think like you used to, joy has to do the heavy lifting.

See, the best medical team can study your chart, but only God knows your heart. The doctor ask, “How are we feeling today?” and I think, “You tell me — you’re the one with the fancy degrees.” But God looks past my diagnosis and says, “You’re still here. You’re still mine. You’re still fighting.”

When the nurse says, “This might sting a little,” I laugh because that’s life in a nutshell — a little sting, a little surprise, a little pain, and a whole lot of grace.

When I am in the hospital, which is often, you often hear or see a message reminding everyone to be quiet, because patients are resting. But I look around at all the beeping machines, the flashing lights, and people checking my blood pressure like I’m a contestant on The Price Is Right, and I think, “Dear God, if this is resting, heaven’s gonna be amazing.”

But seriously, I have learned something deeper through this crazy beautiful health journey called life: when your body slows down, your faith speeds up. When your strength fades, your laughter stretches further. And when life tries to crush your spirit, God uses joy as medicine for your soul.

In Proverbs 17:22 we read, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” That verse hits home for me. It’s God’s way of saying, “Keep your sense of humor, even in during the tough moments. Don’t let your spirit dry up.”

So what’s it like to truly live with the finish line always so close? It’s like sitting front-row at an audition you didn’t sign up for- but you still get to decide whether this play will be a drama or a comedy. For me, I have decided to sprinkle in a little Daniel Day-Lewis and a whole lot of Robin Williams. As I watch this play unfold, I remind myself and everyone around me that even when life isn’t very funny… you can still find the humor.

Because hope doesn’t always show up healed — sometimes it shows up laughing. ~OC

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Blinders

Today’s a new day! Jesus will not be used, not by false teachers or false ideology

He’s not a trophy to be won, not a prize to be claimed

He’s the Shepherd, searching for the lost, healing the broken

Not cheering on those in power, playing games with people’s lives

You’re trying to fit Him into your politics, your agenda

But He’s the one who’s calling, “Come to me, all you weary”

He’s not pleased with those who use His name

To justify their power, their pride, their prejudice

You’ve hitched your wagon to a politician, a political party

Thinking it’s winning, but it’s leading you astray

Your political agenda’s blinding you, can’t see the truth

God’s love is for everyone, not just those who fit your mold

Dear Pastors , you’re accountable for the lost souls, the ones who never see

The love of God, the light of Heaven

You think you’re winning, but at what cost?

When the broken are still hurting, and the lost are still lost

Time to take off your blinders, see God’s truth

He’s not a Republican or Democrat, He’s love

He’s not a winner of elections, He’s the King of hearts

He’s calling you to love, to serve, to give, not to side with an Elephant or Donkey 

Don’t let your politics, your ideology, be the filter

Through which you see God, through which you love others

Jesus is clear: love God, love your neighbor

Not a political statement, but a love revolution

So, Dear Christian, Dear Church, it’s time to wake up

Time to see the faces, the names, the stories

Of those you’ve left behind, those you’ve hurt

Jesus is weeping, “I was hungry, thirsty, naked, alone”

Will you answer, “Lord, I was blind, but now I see”?

Or will you keep chasing the wind, the power, the fame?

Choose love, choose God, choose the narrow way

Before it’s too late, before the curtain closes. ~OC

****To hear the spoken word go to my YouTube page at Todd E. Shoemaker Music

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Not So Different

Today’s a new day, as I continue to walk this crazy beautiful health journey, my body continues to decline and time is limited

but, a beautiful thing as happened along the way, 

These days, I truly see people for who they really are, 

just folks trying to make it in life like me,

Trying to live in peace, with hope and a chance to dream

In hospitals and waiting rooms, I meet strangers not by chance, but I believe by divine appointments, 

And though our stories differ, our hearts beat with the same dance

We’re all searching for hope, for healing and for peace

And in our shared humanity, our differences release

We’re not so different, you and me

We’re both just trying to live a life full of hopes and dreams, 

We’re all just trying to make our way

Through the noise, through the fray

But still we divide, we separate and we fight

Over opinions and beliefs, we draw lines in the sand,

We let our differences define us, we let them tear us apart

And in the process, we lose the beauty of the human heart

We forget that we’re all in this together, we’re all on the same team

We’re all just trying to live, to love, to dream

We’re all just trying to make a way, to find our place in this world

And in our shared struggles, our hearts can expand 

We’re not so different, you and me

We’re both just trying to live a life full of hopes and dreams,

We’re all just trying to make our way

Through the noise, through the fray

So let’s sit down, let’s talk, let’s share our stories and our fears

Let’s find common ground, let’s wipe away our tears

Let’s look beyond our differences, let’s see the humanity in each other’s eyes

And let’s remember that we’re all in this together, we’re all on the same side

We’re not Us versus Them, we’re just Us, trying to make our way

Through the ups and downs, through the darkness and the gray

We’re all just trying to live, to love, to be

And in our shared humanity, we can find unity.

My hope is that we can learn to see

Beyond the surface level, beyond you and me

My hope is that we can find a way

To come together, to seize the day

To put aside our differences, to lay down our pride

To look into each other’s eyes, and see the other side

To find the common ground, to find the love we share

And to live together, with hearts that truly care. ~OC

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True Revival

Today’s a new day! The last several weeks, I have seen many social media post and heard many conversations about how America is in a Revival moment. I hope and pray that is the case, but I am not sure that’s what we are seeing. I desire to experience more than just a moment of Revival. No, I want to see a life changing movement that changes hearts and lives in a radical way.

Since 2019, God has woken me up most mornings with these three words: Miracles, Healings and Revival. But to understand what true Revival actually means, I believe all we need to do is look at the Book of Jonah.

I write the following not as a blog post, but as a prayer for America and the world.

The book of Jonah illustrates for us how God can transform and save an entire city in one day that is entrenched in wickedness, violence, and depravity. Jonah, the prophet of God, is called to go preach against the great city Nineveh, and instead of fulfilling his mandate, he flees to Tarshish aboard a ship. God decides to get Jonah’s attention through a massive storm and Jonah is thrown overboard, but yet is saved by grace in the most unusual and fascinating way…a great whale. We read where Jonah learns that “Salvation is of the Lord” and then is thrown up on dry land and is commissioned to preach a second time to this wicked city Nineveh.

In Jonah Chapter 3, we see five distinguishing marks of true repentance, revival, and spiritual awakening that serve to encourage us as we share the gospel across America and the world and in our desire to see God pour out revival throughout our communities.

The first thing we see is that God is most pleased to use the powerful preaching of His Word to see hearts radically transformed and for people to totally surrender their lives before Him. Jonah’s message was very simple, “Yet forty more days, and Nineveh will be overthrown!” In other words, God would utterly annihilate them if they did not flee the wrath to come by repenting of their sins. In Hebrews 4:12-13 we read, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” In every great revival in the history of the world, the preaching of God’s Word has been central. Notice how these wicked, violent Ninevites responded in Jonah 3:5: “And the people of Nineveh believed God.” They trusted wholeheartedly in the Lord for salvation because the preached Word had done its amazing effect in their hearts.

Secondly, when genuine revival comes upon a people, it is wide-spread and comprehensive. We see in Jonah 3:5 :“They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them.” The entire city from the highest political leaders to the everyday citizen responded in repentance and faith toward the living God. When God pours out revival, it doesn’t just affect as small few, but impacts an entire community.

Thirdly, when God pours out revival, genuine repentance is evidenced by a heart transformation that is most demonstrated through mourning of sin and prayer. The message so “touched” the heart of the king, that he traded in his royal throne and stripped himself of all pride and position, and mourned in an ash heap. He grieved his personal sin and humbled himself before the Lord. In times of revival, sinners mourn their sin and cry out mightily to God in prayer. The king issues this command in Jonah 3:8, “and let them call out mightily to God.” I looked up the Hebrew word for “mightily” and it means with violent earnestness. Wow! When God grants revival, genuine repentance manifests itself in a wide spread prayer movement where people cry out earnestly to God and desire more of Him.

Fourthly, genuine repentance always bears fruit in that people turn from their sinful behavior. Notice that the king also says this in Jonah 3:8: “Let everyone turn from their evil way and from the violence that is in their hands.” Repentance means more than just feeling sorry for our sins and grieving over possibly getting caught. No, true repentance means that there is a genuine turning from our old ways of living and thinking, to completely trusting in Christ alone for our salvation and everything else in our lives. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 7:9-10: “As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.”

Lastly, in times of true revival, people come to the full awareness that they are totally dependent on the sovereign grace of God for salvation and cannot demand from Him anything. The king humbly and in brokenness declares in Jonah 3:9: “Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish.” The king doesn’t appeal to his rights as ruler, but totally understands the sovereign right of the living God to show mercy and compassion to whom He wants to show mercy and compassion. All we can do as sinners is to cast ourselves on the mercy of Jesus alone for our salvation.

As I close, I pray that God would pour out His Spirit of revival upon America and the world, where the Word of God is preached with boldness every Sunday in churches across the world. I pray that God would impact America and the world with spiritual transformation that is widespread and life changing. I pray that all of us would mourn the violence, hatred and division we see around us and cry out mightily to God in prayer that a powerful prayer movement would sweep across this dry land like a wildfire. I pray that we would all turn from our sinful ways and trust in the living God and that there would be true radical life change. I pray that God would pour out His mercy upon us in salvation through Jesus and that every single person in America and across the world would love and worship Christ the Lord. ~Amen

Thanks for taking the time to read this prayer. ~OC

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Christians and Tragedies

Today’s a new day! The past few weeks have been tough for many. So many tragedies happening around America and across the world. I have been saddened by so much hate being posted on social media regarding some of the evil acts of violence. I have been trying to process everything over the past week and did not want to post anything that would cause anymore pain. But today, I am ready to share.

As Christians, we should care when any life is taken through tragic circumstances. It should not matter if we agree or disagree with the person who has been targeted by hateful individuals. So below, is how I choose to respond to tragic events regardless of who the victim is:

  1. Compassion and Empathy: Show love and care for those affected, regardless of differences.
  2. Prayer and Support: Offer spiritual support through prayer and practical help.
  3. Justice and Advocacy: Work towards understanding and addressing the root causes of the tragedy.
  4. Forgiveness and Grace: Embody forgiveness, even when disagreeing with the person involved.
  5. Community and Unity: Come together with others to provide comfort and support.

Here are some biblical references that can help guide how Christians respond to tragedy:

  • Matthew 5:44 (loving enemies and praying for those who persecute)
  • Luke 6:27-36 (loving enemies and doing good to those who hate)
  • Romans 12:14-21 (blessing persecutors and not seeking revenge)

I believe these principles and scriptures can help Christians and nonbelievers navigate through the tough moments we face in life.

Also a word of advice for my brothers and sisters in Christ about responding to social media post. Always remember to handle every situations with kindness, understanding and allow your faith to be a blessing and not a distraction during these complex times. Let your light shine bright at all times.

Thanks for taking the time to read this post. Have a wonderful day. Blessings. ~OC

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2AM Thoughts

Today’s a new day! It’s 2am on this Tuesday morning. I have been unable to fall asleep. It’s just one of those crazy nights with Parkinson’s and Dementia. So I have walked around the house more times than I can remember. I have watched several YouTube videos to pass the time. Finally, I have decided to share my experience and thoughts with you. Writing is still something my brain allows me to do on occasion. Lately, God has filled my brain with many thoughts. I feel an urgency to write as much as possible before I can no longer do that. Tonight, my brain is extra active. That’s not always a good thing.

I have good days and bad days as I navigate through the multiple health issues that are slowly robbing me of so much. On a bad day, I cannot do anything at all. My energy levels are low and I feel fatigued. The only way I can describe it is that I feel like I have run a hundred marathons in a very short amount of time. I feel totally drained.

But I have lots of coping strategies. I choose to use those days to pray a lot more. I choose to reach out to friends even though I know, I will not hear back from the majority of them.

I think it’s important to have something that gives you a sense of purpose in life. I try to share my journey to help encourage others walking through their own life struggles. If I can help just one other person, that’s enough for me.

When most people think about neurological issues, especially dementia they think it’s all about memory loss. But I have cognitive issues also- trying to figure things out can be difficult and frustrating. Also too many voices at one time can be overwhelming. I get frustrated and anxious if I am struggling to follow the conversation. I also deal with a lot of rigidity and pain, which creates so many issues.

Over the years I have lost many friends as I have walked through this crazy beautiful health journey. I believe a lot of people have a difficult time talking to and relating to me. But I am still me. My story has just changed a little. A lot of times when Laura and I are around other people, they will address questions to her, not me. My prayer is that people would see the person, not the disease.

But I am blessed that a few friends have decided to stick around and not jump ship. I hold those friendships very close to my heart.

I choose to embrace each moment of life. I try to share my love and thoughts now. Not waiting for the perfect moment. Because the perfect moment is today. Laura and I do not wait for the perfect moment to buy that gift or take that trip. Now is the perfect time. Now is the perfect time to take care of future arrangements. Which we have done. I did not want Laura dealing with all of that on her own.

It also means we’ve had really indepth chats about what quality of life really looks like. Everyone has to figure that out for themselves and their loved ones.

Life looks different every day. What I could do yesterday, might be more difficult to accomplish today. I continue to live my life with my cup overflowing. I try not to beat myself up too much when I cannot do something anymore. Because there are still many things I can do. So today, I choose to embrace the now and what I can accomplish today. ~OC

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Don’t Back Down

Stand up for what’s right, don’t be swayed

By the voices that try to make you stray

Be brave, be strong, and hold your ground

Fight for justice, let truth be found

Raise your voice, let it be heard

Speak out against injustice, undeterred

Don’t let fear silence you, don’t back down

Stand firm, wear your heart in this town

Be a beacon of hope during the dark times

Shine your light, let it guide the way

For a brighter tomorrow, a better day

Stand up for what’s right, come what may

Your voice matters, your actions too

Make a difference, see it through

Stand up for what’s right, be bold

Create a world where love never grows old. ~OC

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Flashing Neon Sign

Today’s a new day! As with many neurological illnesses there is nothing noticeable about my condition. It’s not like a broken leg or arm where there is a cast which is obvious when seeing the person. But I cannot tell you how many times I have heard the same old words since my diagnosis last fall, Todd, you do not look like you have dementia.

I often wonder if it comes down to the fact that people feel uncomfortable talking to me about it, so they say the first thing that comes to mind. Which at times can come across as very insensitive and judgmental. Since my diagnosis of early onset dementia caused by my Parkinson’s, I have had several people tell me I do not look or act like someone with dementia. Or Todd, maybe you’re just dealing with an infection of some kind and just need to take some antibiotics. I would be overjoyed if that was actually the case. But I have some amazing doctors and they didn’t come up with this diagnosis lightly.

What does dementia look like? There is no cast or bandage to put on it. I guess I could wear a flashing neon sign that says, “HELLO, I HAVE EARLY ONSET DEMENTIA!” that lets people know of my latest diagnosis.

But seriously, I am walking through a very new and strange season of life, but I know I am not the only one. It simply gets frustrating when people decide to find a different diagnosis or make you doubt your current state of health because they do not like the diagnosis. It can be irritating and cruel when people doubt you and your medical team. Believe me, no one wants to sit in a doctor’s office and hear the words “You have early onset dementia.”

I do think that part of this attitude is because people have a hard time believing someone in their 50’s could have an “old person’s” disease. Also the topic of dementia is not an easy or fun subject to talk about. It can be easier to just ignore it or try to explain it away.

I also believe people have their own preconceived beliefs about dementia and I and many others suffering from this horrible disease do not fit in their picture of dementia.

So please do me a favor. Stop putting your personal beliefs or opinions on those suffering from a visually invisible disease or one that you don’t like. Life with dementia is already hard enough. Thanks for listening. ~OC

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The Race Called Life

Today’s a new day! During my running days, I was blessed to complete 350 marathons. Yes, you read that correctly. I can take no credit. It was all God pushing me through those marathons. People often ask me why I ran 350 marathons? I tell them I did not like the number 349.

It’s been a number of years since I was able to run based on my health issues. While I would have never considered myself a professional by any means, I like to think I learned a few things during my running days. Like how to stabilize my breathing (well, I did my best) and how to run at a steady pace. Once again I tried my best. Running is a lot like living the Christian life. We have many lessons to learn. I learned a lot of lessons during my running days that I have been able to apply to my Christian journey.

One of the first lessons you learn when you start running is that you need to have endurance. Whether you’re running a 5K or a 50 miler (yes, I did that), you need to train so that you can run at a steady pace and not get worn out quickly.

The Christian life requires endurance as well. Life can seem long and hard as Christians, especially in the midst of challenges. Many people have made the comparison that life is a marathon, not a sprint, and the same goes for the Christian life. As the writer of Hebrews says, “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised” (Hebrews 10:36).

When you’re running, especially long distances, you want to lay aside everything that could weigh you down so that you only have the essentials. Lightweight shoes and light breathable clothing. As a runner you need to find the perfect balance between bringing what is necessary and those things that would just weigh you down.

In the Christian life, we are called to lay aside what weighs us down—namely, sin and any idols in our lives. Hanging on to those idols can cause our faith to falter and stumble. Letting go of idols in our lives frees us to live a life that is dedicated to Jesus. As the writer of Hebrews says:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1–2)

As a runner, you come across trials and challenges. Whether that’s a heatwave, snowstorm, rainstorm, or injury, runners face challenges that impact their race. You can never predict these trials and instead you just have to take them as they come. But you cannot allow the obstacles in life to keep you from living the race God has designed just for you.

In the same way, as Christians we can face unexpected challenges and suffering. From a poor diagnosis, a lost relationship, a lost job or a broken family. This race called life can be difficult. But thankfully, we are being made perfect through the grace of God. As James writes in James 1:2-4, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing”

My prayer is that we will all run this race called life with endurance and receive the beautiful gift of eternal life. ~OC

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