Today’s a new day! Let’s face our fears with bold courage. Let’s fully embrace life, whether young or old. Let’s stand tall, let our light be bright, shining through the darkest moments. Let’s live with strength, never yielding. Let courage conquer and truth reveal. ~OC
Dear…,
Today’s a new day!
Dear……,
I want you to know, first and foremost, how special you are. Those are not words to make you feel better. Whether you realize it or not, your life matters.
I want you to know how you light up the world with your smile when you show it off. So please, show it off more. You use more of your face muscles when you smile, so stretch it out so wide that it hurts and remember when you grow old and see wrinkles around your mouth that you got them from smiling.
I know people are trying to reach out to you to tell you that everything is going to be alright and that they’re there for you. Please – and I cannot stress this enough – do not push them away or shut them out. You may not want to hear it, but those family members, friends, and coworkers are there for you and would do anything to help.
So, give them a chance even when you don’t think they’ll understand your pain. You’ll never know if you do not let them in. You’re feeling alone right now. So alone that you don’t think anyone can see all the pain you’re going through.
I want you to know I see you, okay? I can see the pain written all over your face because I know the look of someone trying so hard to pretend like they’re alright when they’re crumbling on the inside. You’re not alone, you have people in your life, and even people you didn’t see coming, who are more than willing to reach out and be there for you.
I know you feel like you cannot get through this current storm. I know it seems like your world is crumbling all around and you cannot find the strength to get back up. Your days are spent isolated in your house, and you cannot eat, sleep or find the strength to move from the comfort and safety of your bed. You have lost the ambition to go outside and breathe in the fresh air. Can I share a little truth with you? I have been where you’re at. I did a pretty good job hiding it, so most people even those closest to me didn’t even notice it. Some days I was barely holding on.
So, I encourage you to hang in there. You’re important to this world and have so much talent and so many amazing ideas to give. You have a light inside you that lights up the world. So keep holding on.
Please, continue to take one day at a time. Keep leaning into the loving arms and promises of God. It’s so easy to want all the answers right this moment, but this life is not a 30 minute tv show. I would love to give you a quick fix, but that could possibly rob you of some amazing lessons God is trying to teach you in this moment. But I can promise you this. We will get through this together. Keep holding on. ~OC
Here For You
Today’s a new day!
When the nights are long and sleep is a distant memory and your days are full of dark cloudy memories, I will be here for you
When the world feels like it’s moving a million miles an hour and you want to jump off, I will be here for you
When the world seems to have forgotten you and moved on, I will be here for you
When the doctors give you little hope your friends can’t be found, I will be here for you
When you feel alone in this broken and dark world, I will be here for you
When the rest of the world calls you crazy because you go against the grain, I will be here for you
When you decide to question everything you been taught and your friends and church question your faith, I will be here for you
When your lifestyle doesn’t align with those of your family and friends, I will be here for you
When you decide to speak up and be bold, I will be here for you
When the rest of the world misses out on your beauty and promise, I will be here for you
When you need to laugh or cry, I will be here for you
When the world thinks your ideals are but a pipe dream, I will be here for you
When your journey takes you down a winding and uncertain road, I will be here for you
When you need a second or hundredth chance, I will be here for you
You never have to walk this journey alone, I will walk with you anyway you need me to
I never want to miss a chance to show you, I will always be here for you
It’s gonna be okay, I will be here for you
I’ll be here, I’ll be here
Anyway you need
I’ll be here for you
~OC
Love Through Our Differences
Today’s a new day! Well, it’s finally here. After months of political ads, speeches, debates and political rallies, it’s finally Election Day. In a few hours, or possibly a few weeks we will have a new president. But sadly, this election and the last few elections have divided America. Everyone has their opinions and sometimes are not open to other points of view.
In our current political climate, it seems almost impossible for anyone to cross party aisles. And if our elected officials cannot bring themselves to be open-minded to opposing views, what hope is there for the rest of us? Navigating a relationship with a family member or friend who has different political views than you do isn’t easy. But it can be done. It will take some hard work and open minds, but we can walk away from the 2024 election still loving our family and friends. Here are a few steps we can take to make sure our relationships are intact after today’s vote.
Be Curious: Ask questions. Take the time to find out about why someone thinks the way they do and share your experiences. We do not need to be condescending when sharing our political points of view. Do not make people feel stupid if they have questions. Instead, encourage them to continue asking questions. This is how we get to know each other. Our differences should be something we celebrate. Not demonize.
Listen: It’s easy to tell yourself you are open-minded. But when your family member or friend has an entirely different political viewpoint you may find yourself wanting to defend your beliefs instead of listening to theirs. It’s important to resist that impulse. If you’re taking the time to sit down and discuss a certain topic, both of you need to be really present in the conversation. Distractions should be kept to a minimum as you engage in conversation.
So how do you and your loved ones actively listen to each other? One way to do this is by reiterating the point you just heard them make by saying “This is what I heard you say, am I correct?”. This allows your family member/friend to confirm this or correct themselves if it didn’t come across in the way they hoped it would. In return, your family/friend should offer you the same courtesy. The whole point of a discussion is to see how someone arrived at their opinion; Arguing over why their opinion is wrong is not.
Monitor Your Reaction: When you are having a spirited conversation about political differences that you know both you and your family/friend are passionate about, there are ways to ensure that the discussion will not get heated. Before jumping in, take some time to organize your thoughts. By allowing yourself to take a breath you lessen the risk of saying something angry and disrespectful. If there is a point when voices are being raised or volatility is starting to take over, that’s your cue to take a timeout and return to the discussion when you are both level-headed enough to continue. Even a simple “Hey, this is important and I want to talk about it, but I’m feeling pretty upset right now. Maybe we can talk tomorrow?” can make a huge difference.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T: It’s more than a Aretha Franklin song. There is nothing wrong with questioning your beliefs. Although, to be honest, it can be terrifying when it happens.
We allow ourselves to be open to new ideas when we question what we originally thought we knew. Though, keep in mind, your family/friend should never force their beliefs on you. A supportive family member or friend would never try to influence your opinions. Instead, they would tell you this is how they see an issue and that how you process that information is up to you.
There you go. Not every relationship can survive political differences. Sadly, that’s just part of life. However, if you find yourself in a conversation with a family member or friend with different political beliefs or opinions than you, open and honest communication is going to be more important than ever. Do not be afraid to talk to each other about your opinions and ask questions if you want to know more. The key is to always be respectful of each other’s thoughts and feelings. After all, love has no political affiliations. ~OC
Decency and Character
Today’s a new day! Good morning family, friends and anyone else who decides to read this blog post. This morning I want to discuss two words…Decency and Character. Both mean something to me.
During my career, I had the honor of interviewing many people for positions with the different organizations I worked for. Of course, I always looked at the applicants resume and qualifications for the open job position. But during the interview I looked for someone with character and decency. Not always the easiest thing to do in a short period of time, but I wanted to hire someone who would be a great worker, but more importantly I wanted to hire someone that would bring a positive impact to the team. A person with character and decency.
I believed then and I still believe decency and character matter. When we hire someone don’t we hope they will be a decent person? Someone we can trust. A person of high character.
Decency and Character matter to me as a human being and as a Christian.
I believe decency and character matters to you. We take note of the person who pays their debts. We appreciate the physician who takes time to listen. We appreciate the teacher who takes time for the struggling student, when the employee refuses to gossip about their co-worker, when the losing team congratulates the winning team, we can characterize their behavior with two words… Decency and Character.
We appreciate decency and character. We applaud those who carry themselves with decency and character. Parents teach their children the importance of decency and character. We seek to develop both. Decency and Character matter, right?
Then why isn’t decency and character a factor in the presidential race?
A former President, who is running again for the highest office in the land would not pass my decency or character interview. I would send him packing.
I do not personally know Donald Trump, but shutter at his antics. He ridiculed a war hero and has continuously mocked those in the military. He constantly makes fun of people and loves to pass out nasty nicknames. He has called his political opponents stupid and losers. He has shared a political opponent should have nine guns pointed at her. He has proudly shared these comments online and at his rallies.
Such insensitivities wouldn’t even be acceptable in a middle school student body election. But for the Oval Office? And to do so while brandishing a Bible and boasting of his Christian faith? I’m bewildered, both by his behavior and the public’s support of it.
I believe the explanation for his success is this: he has tapped into the anger of many American people. As one man interviewed stated, “We are voting with our middle finger.” Sounds more like a comment for a middle school fight than a presidential election. We can look back at Cain and Abel and see how anger has brought out the worst in people.
I continue to pray for the return of decency and character to the United States. I pray the American people will vote against hate on Tuesday November 5th. I pray the majority of Americans will remember the key role of the president is to be the face of America. When he/she speaks, he/she speaks for us. Whether we agree or disagree with the policies of the president, we hope that they behave in a way that is consistent with the status of the office of the President.
As far as I can remember, I never regretted turning away a applicant who did not show character or decency. The people I chose to hire were not perfect, but they were decent people. That was all I could ask.
It seems that we should ask the same on November 5th. ~OC
I Choose
Today’s a new day! As I continue to run this crazy beautiful health journey, I will strive to live out the following:
I will choose to stay in touch with friends
I will choose every day to be a better person
I will choose to be happy
I will choose to share hope and love
I will choose to look for the good in people
I will choose to forgive and share grace
I will choose to speak out against injustice
I will choose to encourage others
I will choose to have the courage to express my thoughts and feelings
I will choose to have the courage to truly live out the life I was created to live, not the life others except from me.
I will choose to begin and end every day with praise, prayer and thanksgiving. ~OC
Prayers Up!
When it gets deep in the night
Where time seems to stand still
I can hear my heart beat and my thoughts screaming and that’s not always a good thing
It’s going to be one of those nights
Where sleep is a distant dream
Sometimes the voices get loud
And the hallucinations seem so real, I have to remind myself they’re not legit, just a short circuit in my brain
But through it all, I stand tall
Not allowing all those voices and thoughts to become real
I will keep standing tall
Lifting up my prayers
to the One who created it all
I will keep fighting, refusing to fall
choosing to embrace faith over it all
I will focus on the prize
Not all the junk, this disease
tries to steal from my mind
I keep fighting, gettin off the canvas
I keep running towards the One who
clears the cobwebs and reminds me
I am His precious child
I will keep standing tall
Lifting up my prayers
to the One who created it all
I will keep fighting, refusing to fall
choosing to embrace faith over it all
I will continue to fight through the
night, all the negative thoughts
that keep me from counting sheep
and getting a good night sleep
I will keep standing tall
Lifting up my prayers
to the One who created it all
I will keep fighting, refusing to fall
choosing to embrace faith over it all
The giants who try to bring me
down at night, are no match for
the One who used a boy named David to bring down one of the biggest
giants of all
I will keep standing tall
Lifting up my prayers
to the One who created it all
I will keep fighting, refusing to fall
choosing to embrace faith over it all
It’s time to be Brave
It’s time to keep Overcoming
It’s time to be Fearless
I am ready to Battle
Refusing to back down
I will keep standing tall
Lifting up my prayers
to the One who created it all
I will keep fighting, refusing to fall
choosing to embrace faith over it all
I am focused on the mission
Not going to backdown
Not going to run away
Going to walk with the King
I will keep standing tall
Lifting up my prayers
to the One who created it all
I will keep fighting, refusing to fall
choosing to embrace faith over it all
As the night slowly creeps on
I will press into the promises
of my King, thankful they get me
through another night, time to be
fearless and pray through it all
I will keep standing tall
Lifting up my prayers
to the One who created it all
I will keep fighting, refusing to fall
choosing to embrace faith over it all
As the night moves on and
My thoughts begin to wonder
the adrenaline starts flowing
and God’s angels get moving
the morning light will soon come shining
So, I will keep standing tall
Lifting up my prayers
to the One who created it all
I will keep fighting, refusing to fall
choosing to embrace faith over it all. ~OC
Character Matters
Today’s a new day! Dear Christian Community, this is your boy “OC”. I need to confess something. I am getting pretty worn out defending us. As Christians, we claim to stand for truth. We shout a loud amen on Sunday mornings when our pastors speak about truth and character. We love to refer to stories in the Bible about character. But if some Christian’s continue to believe and spread lies about the 2020 election, migrants eating pets, and hurricane relief, all for the sake of “winning,” an election the Christian community can never expect to be taken seriously as “truth tellers” again. So please put your desire for political power aside and be truthful. Character and truth still matter, even if it doesn’t fit your agenda. ~OC
“Evangelicals”
Today’s a new day! We see the word “evangelical” all over social media and the news these days. But what does this word really mean? The word “Evangelical” comes from the Greek word “euanggelion” which means “Gospel” or “Good News.” The aim of Christians, including myself, is to spread the Good News of love, forgiveness and salvation in the name of Jesus Christ.
Sadly today, the word “evangelical” has taken on a negative meaning to many around the world, because people recognized as “evangelical” have supported a man for president who clearly does not represent the teachings of Jesus Christ. This man is known for his lies about winning the last election, when he was shown many times that he did not win. He is known for his lack of respect and demeaning language for others, both opponents and previous supporters.
The most dangerous aspect of this man’s words is his threats to take revenge on his opponents and concentrate power in himself. He is certainly not the kind of person we want as an example for young people or anyone to follow as leader of our beautiful and imperfect nation. It is very difficult to think of him as a person who represents America to the world. I am very familiar with the argument that God chooses imperfect leaders to aid God’s people, like Cyrus of Persia, who released the Israelites from captivity. This is used as an excuse for supporting the former president who lacks integrity and poses a great threat to American democracy. He shows his love of power by his admiration of autocrats and supposed “strong men.”
Christians may vote for whomever they like, but it certainly does not reflect well on “Evangelicals” that they have become a key part of the voting block for the former President. This man has been described as a defender of Christianity, just as many authority figures and rulers in the past have been. The connection of Christianity to governmental power has been one of the historical hindrances to the spread of the Gospel. In contrast, the founder of Christianity, Jesus Christ, walked away from claiming such power and did not urge his followers to seek such power.
Christians who carry the label “evangelical” discredit their witness to the world by their association with the former president with his great desire for personal power and his revengeful attitude. This may appeal to some “evangelicals” who feel disdain for today’s society, for those in the media, for those in science, in higher education, and especially by those they consider liberal Christians in churches. These “Evangelicals” like that the former president talks down those he considers an enemy. The main purpose of Christians in relation to those seeking office in the government should be to create and support a government that cares for the disadvantaged and marginal people in the nation and gives opportunities to the poor to receive a helping hand, so they can work through the tough times and have a better life. Sadly, so many “evangelicals” have spoken out against any programs or laws that would extend a helping hand. These “Evangelicals” have supported this guy in his isolationism as he opposes aiding our allies in maintaining their democracies.
In the end, any message conveyed to the world, including the message of Christians, whether known as Evangelicals or not, must stand on its inherent power to change lives, not on the backing of any political power. The challenge for us carriers of this good news is to show its genuine spiritual transformative power by demonstrating that power in our own imperfect and flawed lives to benefit all people, communities and the world, especially those in need of lifting out of misery to a life of peace and joy. Our democracy gives freedom to all faiths to proclaim and demonstrate their messages. In today’s world, the challenge is to make the message truly Good News for all. ~OC
What Are You Feeding?
Today’s a new day! Want to know something interesting? Fear and Faith require the same thing in order to exist, uncertainty. Without the uncertainties of life we cannot have either. Our Fears and Faith only grow in “the soil of the unknown”. While we cannot get rid of all life’s unknowns, we can decide whether we “feed our faith” or “feed our fears.” Our choice. ~OC
The Blessed Overcomer 