Today’s a new day! When political power becomes more important than the Gospel of Jesus Christ for some pastors, churches, ministries and Christians you can no longer claim to be doing God’s work. No, you’re now doing the work of a politician or political party. ~OC
The Church
Today’s a new day! As I continue to walk out my faith, sometimes I get a little confused. The following is not a knock on the Church. I personally love the Church. The following is just some of my thoughts and concerns.
Growing up, the Church taught me to love my neighbors, to model the life of Jesus. To be kind and considerate, and to stand up for the bullied and marginalized.
The Church taught me to love people, consider others as more important than myself. “Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight.” We sang it together, lifting our hands and singing that chorus at the top of our lungs.
The Church taught me to love my enemies, to even do good to those who wish to do me harm.
The Church taught me to never hate anyone and to always find ways to love and encourage everyone I come in contact with.
The Church taught me it’s better to give than to receive, to be last instead of first.
The Church taught me that money doesn’t bring happiness and can sometimes even lead to evil, but taking care of the needs of others brings great joy and life to the soul.
The Church taught me that Jesus looks at what I do for the least-of-these as the true reflection of my faith and character.
The Church taught me to focus on my own sin instead of trying to police it in others.
The Church taught me to be accepting and forgiving.
I paid attention.
I took notes.
I took in every lesson.
And I did what I was taught.
But now, so many churches and Christians call me a liberal.
A snowflake.
You call me “woke” without even knowing the true meaning of the word.
You call me a backslider.
You call me a heretic.
You call me a confused believer.
You tell me my beliefs are probably the reason I am sick. Yes, I have been told that on many occasions.
When the Church passed out the “WWJD” (What Would Jesus Do) bracelets back in the day, I wore mine proudly.
I took the meaning to heart.
I thought the Church did too. Apparently not all churches.
Because sadly in 2025, it appears lines of division have been drawn in the sand. Sadly, so many in the Church have such disdain for nearly all the people I was taught to love. So many in the Church stand against nearly all the things I was taught to believe in. I am trying to see a way forward, but it is getting hard when I survey all the hurt, harm, and darkness that I see coming from so many Churches and Ministries in this season.
So dear Church, what am I supposed to do with all these questions and concerns?
I truly believe what I read in the scriptures. Especially those red letter parts.
And today, I still believe everything I have read in the scriptures. I lean into all of those truths. The words and promises of Jesus keep my faith strong, when it would be so much easier to throw my hands up and walk away from it all. But I will never allow anyone or anything to steal my faith in Jesus.
Which leaves me wondering, what happened to so many of the churches and ministries in America? So many seem to have lost their way.
Thankfully grace is brave. So I will make the choice to be brave and keep leaning into the beautiful truths of God. ~OC
Life With Chronic Illness
Today’s a new day! What do you do when you don’t get better?”
I became chronically sick twenty-three years ago, after being diagnosed with several types of crippling arthritis. It would be a year later after taking many experimental medications, that I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Then over the years, I would be be diagnosed with the following: Young Onset Parkinson’s, Myasthenia Gravis, Gastroparesis, Covid Long-Hauler, Complex Headaches, and recently Early Onset Dementia. Oh, and a stroke several years ago. It truly has been a crazy beautiful health journey.
I became a Christian when I was ten years old. I will be the first to admit, I did not always live the Christian life in my early teenage years. When I first became ill, some people in the Christian community began to weaponize their faith against me. They would say that I wasn’t faithful enough, or that I must have some type of unresolved sin in my life. Sadly all these years later, I still have some Christians screaming that in my ear on a weekly basis. At times over the years, I felt judged and disliked by many in the Christian community. That is never how Christianity, or any faith, should be. For me, it wasn’t just what conversations were being had—but also how.
The sad part is that the people who wanted me to not lose faith tried to make it harder to connect with God and other Christians. Some people over the years have made the excuses, “Well they mean well.” I truly do not believe that. I believe it actually shows their true heart. I am thankful that during this crazy beautiful health journey, God has surrounded me with some amazing people who have helped me through this difficult season. I am also thankful I have never lost my faith during this journey.
As I continue to run this crazy beautiful health journey, my goal is to not allow those negative voices to have any influence on my life. I also decided early on in my health journey to help others walking through their own health journey.
I share all this because I know that I’m not alone, and I want others to know that they aren’t either. When you’re feeling attacked, beaten up, remember that God loves and is with you. I am sorry if anyone has made you feel like that isn’t the case. What people believe is their choice, but no one has the right to weaponize their faith. That sort of human hurt harms those in the disabled/chronically ill community that may be struggling with their faith.
In Isaiah 54:10 we read, “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” Being chronically ill can very much feel as if everything is being shaken up and changed—at least that’s how I have felt at times over the years.
I no longer know what each day will feel like, physically, let alone have a clue about what I may be able to do in the future. But God’s love doesn’t change when we are in tough situations (or any situation.) He is still with us. He knows the truth of our situation and still loves us.
Some passages that resonated with me, and may be appreciated by those reading this post, are those about us being fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139: 13- 14), Psalm 86-15, and Ephesians 1:5-6. That is about YOU. You are loved beyond words. Think about John 3:16. That’s not just for the able bodied and minded, it’s for ALL of us.
If you can relate to anything I have written, the following are a few things that have helped me. Just remember this journey is different for everyone.
*Don’t bottle things up. I encourage everyone to find a trusted friend, pastor, counselor or support group to share your feelings with. It may be difficult at first, but I promise you’ll be glad you did.
*Take this current season of life slowly. Remember, life is a marathon not a sprint.
*Do not give up on the Christian community or the Church based on some misguided people. Remember, there are no perfect people or churches.
*Find out what works for you in your journey with health issues and your walk with God. One size doesn’t fit us all.
*Spend time in the Bible and listening to worship music. Both have helped bring peace and clarity to my life during my health journey.
* Remember, sometimes God does not give us quick answers to our prayer request. I encourage you to embrace the lessons God is trying to teach you during this difficult season. All of us whether healthy or chronically ill have a different journey. If chronic illness is currently part of journey, you are just as worthy as anyone else. Please embrace that truth today.
I hope and pray this post will encourage and challenge everyone who has taken the time to read it. Thank you! ~OC
Run Your Race!
Today’s a new day! Here is another “Lost Writings of OC.” This was written in 2018.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. ~Hebrews 12:1-3
My feet hit the ground in a slow, steady rhythm. I am not fast. But I like how stress rolls off me along with the sweat from my forehead, the way my favorite songs match the beat of my heart and the satisfaction of discovering I am capable of more than I first thought.
The sky is a beautiful blue, filled with sunshine and I am content…until I see another runner out of the corner of my eye with a smooth, speedy stride I can hardly fathom. And suddenly I feel like I am not doing anything right. Have you ever experienced those feelings?
You love the social media post or blog post you wrote until you see someone else’s got more likes for their post.
You think your life is just fine until everyone flocks around the new, cool kid in town.
We can so quickly shift from focusing on “the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 11:1) to comparing ourselves with someone else. And as every runner knows, where your eyes go your feet (and heart and life) will follow.
The cure to comparing is considering. We’re to fix our eyes on Jesus and “consider” all He went through for us (Hebrews 12:3). In other words, if we’re going to focus on a path besides our own then we’re to think about the one that led to the cross. Because that changes everything.
Instead of what we don’t have, it reminds us of all we have been given.
Instead of how we do not measure up, it reminds us of the limitless grace that’s ours.
Instead of self-pity, it gives us a reason to lift our hands and hearts in praise and worship.
So today, make the choice to run the race designed just for you. Embrace it and boldly live it out. ~OC
My Covid Story
On March 13, 2020, America shut down because of Covid. Five years later, Covid still plays a major part in my life. Here is my story.
For most, the year 2020 was one to forget. The Covid Pandemic turned most of the world upside down. We watched in horror as we witnessed so many people and families suffer tremendous suffering and lose. As my wife and I watched all this unfold, we were thankful that Covid19 had not touched us. Until it did.
On Super Bowl Sunday 2021, I woke up a little tired. It had been a long week so I did not think much of it. I took my temperature and thankfully it was normal. I headed off to church excited for the day. You see, I am a life long Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan and they were playing in the Super Bowl. After church, I headed home and took a little pregame nap. When I woke up everything had changed. I woke up with my shirt soaked in sweat. I took my temperature and it was at 103.6. I immediately went and had a Covid test. Of course this was on a Sunday, so my results would take a few days. I went home and basically slept through the Bucs winning the Super Bowl. Go Bucs!
On that Monday morning, I woke up feeling much worse. My temperature was now at 104.2. I also had a terrible headache, body aches, terrible cough and did not want to move. Later in the day, it was determined I needed to make my way to the ER. Once inside the ER, test revealed I did indeed have Covid and double pneumonia. I was headed to the Covid floor.
During my stay at the hospital, I received Blood Plasma, Steroids and Remdesivir. Being isolated on the Covid floor was tough. When I had been hospitalized in the past, I was used to having visitors and walking the halls. This hospital stay was filled with staff in protective covering and closed doors. Complete Isolation. After more than a week on the Covid floor, I was released. Time to recover from Covid and double pneumonia.
After being released from the hospital, I had to spend a week isolated away from my wonderful bride, since she continued to test negative for Covid. But unfortunately, my wife would soon experience the effects of Covid. Thankfully, her symptoms were a little milder and she does not suffer from any longtime effects. After finally arriving home, I waited to feel better. Surely I would feel better in a few days. But that was not the case. After two months my symptoms had not gotten much better. My CT Scan showed my lungs were still filled with Covid. I was still dealing with headaches, breathing issues, cough, no appetite, hoarse voice, fatigue and brain fog. Most of my days felt like the movie Groundhogs Day.
My medical team officially classified me as a Covid Long Hauler almost six months after my original diagnosis. Not a club anyone wants to be part of. Everything was wait and see. So, what do you do with that news? When you cannot rely on anything that was once reliable. When you have taken every step you know how to take-what then? You Hope. You Never Give Up.
My life is totally different than it was on that morning in February 2021. In 2025, I still stand up having no idea where I am going. Trying to process new information is still a challenge. Breathing continues to be a struggle. Constant fatigue. I could go on and on about the different symptoms I still deal with on a daily basis.
So as I continue to walk this journey, I still lean into Hope. I still do my research. I continue to try to encourage others walking through their own Long Hauler’s battle. I will continue to pray with great expectancy to wake up one morning with no Covid symptoms. That day when I am renewed physically. But until that day, I will live in Hope. ~OC
Overcoming the Storms
Good Morning! Here is another “Lost Writings from OC.” This was written in May 2019.
Today’s a new day! As we walk through this journey called life, we will experience different storms. As I have walked through my own crazy beautiful health journey, I have learned a thing or two about overcoming the challenges of life. Here are a few of those lessons.
1. Spend time in God’s Word daily.
The Psalms offer great comfort for storms. Consider reading one Psalm per day the next time you face a storm.
2. Keep worshiping God.
Keep a worship playlist going while you drive, work or exercise. I often have worship music playing in my hospital room.
You might feel tempted to neglect corporate worship with others as you navigate through the storms. If possible, try to stay plugged into your local church or life group. Keep worshiping with others. This can unleash your faith and give you strength.
3. Spend time with encouraging people who will point you to God and give you hope.
We were not meant to navigate life’s storms alone. One of the most powerful secrets for overcoming the storms of life is finding support from other people. You will be amazed at the people God might use to help you through your season of challenges.
4. Make time for life-giving activities.
We often neglect our hobbies and passions in difficult times. More than ever, you need time to decompress during life’s storms.
Carve out time to pursue your passions and hobbies. Make time to take a walk, or pursue your favorite activities. These creative diversions are essential for calming your limbic system and overcoming the storms of life.
5. Take care of your body.
As much as you can, aim to eat well, drink plenty of water, keep your body moving, and rest as much as you can.
6. Ask other people to pray for you.
Those prayers can help you overcome the battles surrounding you.
7. Keep talking to God.
He is with you. Talk to him all day. Ask for his help. He wants to carry you through your storm.
8. Find refuge in the shadow of the Lord’s wings.
Imagine a baby bird curled up in the shelter of its mother’s wings. There is no fear in this place.
Psalm 57:1 reads, “Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, For my soul takes refuge in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge until destruction passes by.”
Every time you feel battered by the storms of life, imagine the Lord’s arms holding you. As I continue to run this crazy beautiful health journey, I often imagine God holding me close. This can give you strength, peace, comfort, and courage.
Remind yourself that God is your hiding place. Ask him to care for you and comfort you. He wants to be your source of comfort.
9. Watch for God’s movement in your life.
Psalm 36:7 reads, “How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.”
Ask God to help you become more aware of his movement in your life. Instead of looking only at the storms surrounding you, look to the Lord. Watch for what he is doing. He is with you. He will not abandon you during the storms of life.
When life is tough, I often take a few moments before falling asleep at night to reflect on the ways God worked in my life throughout the day. I reflect on the entire day, from the moment I woke up until the moment I lay my head down. Often, during those times, God shows me where he was working. These moments encourage me and remind me that God is with me during every storm.
10. Soak in the truth about God’s love for you.
Overcoming the storms of life begins by recognizing that God is always good, and his love for us is unending. Resist the urge to take offense or believe that God does not love you. Instead, soak in the truth about God’s love for you daily.
You are the apple of God’s eye. You are his beloved child. He is a good Father, and he wants to care for you as you navigate through the storms of life.
I pray as you continue to walk through the storms of life, you will continue to lean into the amazing promises of God. ~OC
My Why
Good Morning! Here is another “Lost Writings from OC.” This was written in 2020.
Today’s a new day! Writing has been part of my crazy beautiful health journey. Writing has allowed me to see life in a different way and experience healing in many parts of my life. Writing has allowed me to experience the following:
God has put me on this earth to love and serve others. To encourage others. To hopefully inspire people to think about their own life journey.
God created me to truly experience life. To embrace the good…and bad moments of this journey. I am here to learn. Just a little advice, we should never stop learning.
I am here to overcome my physical limitations. I am here to transform inspiration into action.
I believe in living a peaceful life. Peace within myself. Peace with those I have disagreements with.
I no longer expect or demand to be understood. I understand myself. Most importantly, God understands me and still chooses to love me.
I am not alone when I connect with God and the amazing people He has put in my life. Those relationships fuel me.
I ache and grieve alongside the pain and suffering of others. I empathize with those who suffer.
I seek to overcome suffering by finding its meaning, purpose and lessons.
I no longer force my beliefs on others. I choose to show respect to those with different views, opinions and beliefs.
I choose not to be selfish. I love sharing and helping others. Serving others helps me experience God’s love in a meaningful and real way.
I choose to let God write my story, even though there are times I want to steal the pen.
I choose to be awake. To be present. I am called. I feel God’s presence within me. I can truly be me because He lives in me. ~OC
Dear Friend,
Today’s a new day! Here is another “Lost Writings of OC.” This was written in 2019. Sorry it’s a little long. ~OC
Dear Friends,
Several people have reached out to me who are dealing with their own crazy beautiful health journey. So I thought I would share some words that will hopefully bring some encouragement. In the last couple of weeks, my doctors have shared I probably only have months to live. I say this to you, not to discourage you, but to let you know that I am in the trenches with you. These words don’t come from distant memories but from present realities.
The following is a “Battle Plan” of how I am walking through this battle.
1. Recognizing that most of our battles are waged in the mind, I chose to focus on God who is all-powerful and compassionate. The Bible tells us that God’s Name is El Elyon, God Most High, and that nothing can come into our lives that is not first filtered through the fingers of God’s love. God knew before the foundation of the world that we would face different challenges in life and has already provided the resources we need to face them. God’s plan for us in every trial of every size is that we experience victory, never defeat.
2. I chose to view this illness as a gift. Granted, it’s like expecting a new ten-speed bike for Christmas and getting socks, but it is a gift. It is a time to draw near to God, to experience God more fully, to enjoy the simple joys of life, to focus on those things that are truly important. I will thank God every day for this particular gift of health issues.
3. Although my health issues wants to be an all-consuming issue in my life, I refuse to sink within myself. I will reach out to someone else each day with a text, phone call, word of encouragement, act of service or prayer.
4. I will not ignore my emotions (which are currently like a roller coaster on steroids) I will allow myself to experience all the emotions this health journey brings my way, but I will NOT be ruled by them.
5. I will share what is happening to me with others and enlist their support and prayers. I cannot do this alone, and I will not rob others of the blessing they can receive in ministering to me.
6. I will make both short-term and long-term goals in order to have something in the future to look forward to. For example, I plan on continuing to make beautiful memories with my bride through trips and other amazing adventures.
7. I will find some reason to laugh every day.
8. I will remind myself that, in some inexplicable way, the manner in which I conduct myself during this time of struggle does, indeed, impact the spiritual world. The book of Job tells us that humans sometimes get caught up in a cosmic battle between God and Satan, and my actions are key to that struggle. (Jesus Himself told His disciples upon their completion of a missionary journey that God had seen Satan fall from heaven as a result of their actions).
9. I will endeavor to keep my life as “normal” as possible. I will continue my every-day activities and responsibilities as long as I am physically able. This will afford me the comfort of the predictable and common aspects of life as well as helping me not to slide into introspection and self-pity.
Dear friend, who is walking through your own battle, I am praying for you. I am asking that you will be “sincere and blameless” (Philippians 1:10). The word “sincere” is a Greek word that grew out of a poor practice in the marketplace of the day. Everyone in the culture used pottery for many tasks like we use plastic today. It was important that the pots be well made. Most were, but there were some unscrupulous pottery makers who would find a pot with cracks in it. Rather than discarding it, they would fill the crack with wax to cover it up. This would work as long as the pot sold early in the day. But after a longer time of sitting out in the hot Middle Eastern sun, the wax would melt and the cracks would show. Paul prayed that the Philippians would avoid this by being sincere or “sun-tested.” May you, as you face the heat and pressures of this time, find yourself to be, by His grace, without wax.
Be You!
Today’s a new day! Be the person God created you to be. ~OC
Peace and Wisdom
Today’s a new day! As I continue to run this crazy beautiful health journey, I have chosen to live with eternal perspective. This “Lost Writings of OC” was written in March 2023.
During my health journey, I have found peace and wisdom in the Psalms. In them the steadfast love of God for His people is expressed during great trouble as well as great blessing. When our hearts begin to grasp the character of God as revealed in His Word, our faith and trust in His ways digs deeper into our souls. The benefits and delights of knowing and obeying God’s Word is the theme of Psalm 119. Here are a few “treasures” found in verses 68-93:
“You are good and do good… it is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes… Your hands have made and fashioned me… Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word… I know, O LORD [Yahweh, God’s personal name], that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me… let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight… In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth… you have established the earth, and it stands fast. By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants.”
As is God’s promise, my meditation upon these words brought instruction and great delight to my soul. I jotted down some observations in my journal:
God is good and His deeds are good. His hands have fashioned everything in my life. Here are some lessons learned during this health journey:
•Learn His statutes (teach me His ways)
•Place my hope firmly in Him, causing believers to rejoice
•Recognize His righteousness in me
•Confirm His faithfulness to me
•Reveal His mercy to me
•Invoke in me a vibrant delight in His word
•Use my life to keep His testimonies
Everything in creation has been established by God and is being sustained by God. All things are subject to God’s purpose and will. “All things are God’s servants.”
The benefit and delight I received from these verses is profound:
My health journey is God’s servant in my life. He is using it in ways He has revealed to me in these verses and in many more I have yet to understand. I can rest knowing that my health battle is under the control of God who is good and does good. ~OC
The Blessed Overcomer 