Tag: Unity

Discipleship, Relationships Over Numbers

Today’s a new day! 

Over the past few years, I’ve had countless conversations with fellow Christians after church services, over coffee, in Bible studies, and during everyday life.

Different churches.

Different denominations.

Different backgrounds.

Yet one theme continues to surface again and again.

“I love my church…but I still feel alone.”

Those words have stayed with me.

These conversations haven’t come from people who are angry with the Church. Quite the opposite. They faithfully attend, faithfully give, faithfully serve, and genuinely love Jesus.

Yet many quietly admit they feel disconnected.

One friend shared, “I’ve been attending for three years, and I still don’t feel like anyone really knows me.”

Another said, “I know hundreds of faces, but I don’t have anyone I can call when life falls apart.”

Someone else confessed, “I leave encouraged by the sermon, but I still feel spiritually isolated.”

As I listened, I realized these weren’t isolated stories.

I was hearing the same longing over and over.

People aren’t asking for bigger buildings.

They’re asking for deeper relationships.

They’re not looking for more programs.

They’re longing for genuine discipleship.

It made me wonder if, in many churches, we’ve unintentionally traded disciple numbers for attendance numbers.

Attendance matters. Every person who walks through the doors is someone Christ loves deeply. Churches should celebrate every new visitor and every opportunity to share the Gospel.

But attendance has never been the ultimate mission.

Jesus didn’t say, “Go and gather crowds.”

He said, “Go and make disciples.”

Discipleship is personal.

It requires time.

It requires listening.

It requires walking through life’s joys and hardships together.

It means knowing someone’s name, hearing their story, praying over their struggles, and encouraging them to keep following Christ.

That kind of ministry can’t always happen during a Sunday morning service.

It happens in living rooms.

Around dinner tables.

In small groups.

Over coffee.

In hospital waiting rooms.

During phone calls.

Through tears.

Through prayer.

Through simply showing up for one another.

Many of the Christians I’ve spoken with aren’t criticizing their churches.

They’re grieving what they feel is missing.

They long to belong to a spiritual family, not simply attend a weekly gathering.

They want someone to notice when they’re absent.

Someone to ask how they’re doing—and genuinely wait for the answer.

Someone to help them grow in their faith.

The beautiful truth is that many churches are already pursuing this vision with humility and faithfulness. Pastors, elders, deacons, small-group leaders, and volunteers invest countless hours loving and discipling others, often without recognition.

But every church can continue asking an important question:

Are we creating disciples, or are we simply creating attendees?

Imagine what could happen if every mature believer intentionally invested in one younger believer.

Imagine if every newcomer was invited into authentic relationships instead of remaining anonymous.

Imagine if every church member saw themselves not just as someone who attends church but as someone who helps build Christ’s family.

The Church has always been at its strongest when believers walk together.

The world is filled with loneliness.

The Church should be filled with belonging.

My prayer is not that churches become less focused on reaching people.

My prayer is that we become equally passionate about walking with them after they arrive.

Because attendance may introduce someone to the Church.

But discipleship helps them become more like Jesus.

A church can fill every seat in the sanctuary and still leave people feeling alone. But when believers intentionally disciple one another, no one has to walk their journey of faith in isolation.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for the gift of Your Church. Help us to be more than people who gather once a week. Make us a family that loves deeply, serves faithfully, and walks alongside one another through every season of life. Give us eyes to notice those who feel unseen, hearts that welcome the lonely, and a renewed commitment to making disciples as Jesus commanded. May our churches be known not only for full sanctuaries but for lives transformed through authentic relationships centered on You. It’s in the mighty and precious name of Jesus we pray. ~OC

0

Hope Is A Choice

Today’s a new day! ~OC

Every morning when we wake up, we are faced with countless decisions. Some decisions are small and insignificant, while others can shape the direction of our entire day. One of the most important choices we make each morning is whether we will walk the road of hope or the road of despair.

Despair is easy. It often arrives uninvited, reminding us of yesterday’s failures, today’s struggles, and tomorrow’s uncertainties. Despair tells us that our circumstances will never change. It whispers that our prayers are unanswered and our battles are too great. If we continue down that road, we eventually find ourselves stuck, discouraged, and unable to see the opportunities God has placed before us.

Hope, however, is different. Hope is a choice. Hope is not denying reality or pretending that difficulties do not exist. Christian hope is the confident expectation that God is at work even when we cannot see it. It is trusting that God remains faithful regardless of our circumstances.

The Apostle Paul understood this truth. He wrote:

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4)

Notice the progression. Suffering is not the end of the story. God uses our trials to produce perseverance. Perseverance shapes our character. Character develops hope. What the enemy intends to use to discourage us, God uses to strengthen us.

Hope opens our eyes to possibilities that despair can never see. Hope reminds us that God is still writing our story. Hope allows us to see opportunities hidden within challenges. Hope gives us the courage to take one more step, pray one more prayer, and trust God one more day.

For many of us, the temptation to choose despair is real. We face health challenges, financial pressures, broken relationships, disappointments, and uncertainties. Yet every day God invites us to choose hope. He reminds us that His promises are still true, His love is still constant, and His grace is still sufficient.

Today, you have a choice.

You can walk down the road of despair, focusing on everything that is wrong and everything that could go wrong. Or you can walk down the road of hope, trusting that God is working all things together for His glory and your good.

One road leads to discouragement and stagnation.

The other leads to faith, growth, purpose, and opportunities beyond what you can imagine.

Choose hope.

Not because life is easy.

Not because the road is smooth.

But because God is faithful.

And when God is leading the way, hope is always the right choice.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, help us choose hope today. When challenges arise and despair tries to take hold, remind us of Your faithfulness. Strengthen our perseverance, build our character, and fill our hearts with the hope that comes from trusting You. Help us to see opportunities instead of obstacles and to walk confidently in the plans You have for our lives. It’s in the powerful name of Jesus’ we pray. Amen.

0

Dear Christian Pastor…

Dear Christian Pastor,

This is not written in anger, but in deep concern and sincere prayer.

One day, every one of us will stand before Jesus Christ. Every pastor, every church leader, every teacher, every believer. On that day, political influence, election victories, cultural popularity, and earthly power will mean nothing compared to our faithfulness to the Gospel.

A question has been weighing heavily on my heart:

How will you defend yourself when you stand before Jesus and try to justify choosing political power over the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

How will you explain that you encouraged the flock God entrusted to your care to place more hope in a flag than in the Cross?

How will you explain teaching people to trust more in a political party than in the words of the Savior?

The Church was never called to be the public relations department of any political movement. The Church was called to be the Body of Christ. We were commissioned to preach the Gospel, make disciples, love our neighbors, care for the poor, defend the vulnerable, and point people to Jesus.

Scripture never tells us that the hope of humanity is found in a political platform. It tells us that our hope is found in Christ alone.

Political parties come and go.

Nations rise and fall.

Presidents are elected and eventually leave office.

But Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Some pastors have spent more time discussing political talking points than preaching the Sermon on the Mount. Some have become more passionate about defending politicians than defending the teachings of Jesus. Others have blurred the line between faith and politics so completely that many people can no longer tell the difference.

That should grieve all of us.

When unbelievers look at the Church, do they see Jesus?

Do they see His love?

His compassion?

His mercy?

His truth?

Or do they simply see another political organization competing for power?

The Gospel is too precious to be sacrificed on the altar of political influence.

Jesus never instructed His followers to conquer Rome. He instructed them to love their enemies, preach repentance, serve others, and carry their cross.

The early Church transformed the world without political power because they were filled with the Holy Spirit. They changed hearts before they changed cultures. They focused on the Kingdom of God rather than the kingdoms of men.

The Church today would do well to remember that lesson.

This is not a call to ignore politics. Christians should engage society, vote according to their convictions, and stand for truth. But our primary allegiance must always belong to Jesus Christ.

When politics becomes our identity, we have lost our way.

When a party becomes untouchable, we have lost our way.

When loyalty to a politician exceeds loyalty to Scripture, we have lost our way.

Pastor, there is still time.

There is still time to turn back.

There is still time to preach the whole counsel of God.

There is still time to boldly proclaim the Gospel without fear or compromise.

There is still time to remind people that their citizenship is first in Heaven.

There is still time to point your congregation back to Jesus instead of pointing them toward earthly saviors.

My prayer is not for your embarrassment, but for your repentance.

My prayer is not for your defeat, but for your renewal.

My prayer is that you would once again fall deeply in love with Jesus and His Word, and that your congregation would see Him more clearly because of your leadership.

The world does not need more political activists behind pulpits.

The world desperately needs shepherds who will faithfully preach Christ crucified, Christ risen, and Christ returning.

May we all remember that when we stand before Jesus, the only opinion that will matter is His.

And my prayer is that every pastor, every leader, and every believer will hear these words:

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Until that day, may we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and faithfully proclaim His Gospel above all else. ~OC

0

Say His Name: Kohen Wiley

Say his name.

Kohen Wiley.

A one-year-old child whose life was taken far too soon.

In the coming days, some people will undoubtedly try to turn the death of Kohen Wiley into a political argument. They will attempt to fit this tragedy into their preferred narrative, use it to score points, or frame it through the lens of ideology. But this is far bigger than politics.

The murder of Kohen Wiley is a heartbreaking reflection of the state of humanity in America in 2026.

A child is gone.

A family is shattered.

A community is grieving.

And no amount of political spin can change those facts.

The reported circumstances surrounding this tragedy make it even more difficult to comprehend. The murder of a child over diapers is beyond unacceptable. It is a horrifying reminder of how broken this world can be and how desperately we need compassion, accountability, and justice.

Those responsible for the death of Kohen Wiley must be held accountable.

Justice cannot bring this precious child back, but justice matters. It matters to the family. It matters to the community. It matters because every human life has value, and the life of a child is no exception.

As Christians, we believe every person is created in the image of God. We believe children are a gift from the Lord. We believe that Jesus welcomed children into His presence and warned against causing harm to the innocent.

Today, our hearts should not be focused on arguments. They should be focused on grief, prayer, and support for those who are suffering.

My prayers go out to the family and friends of Kohen Wiley. I pray that God surrounds them with His comfort in the darkest moments of their lives. I pray He gives them strength for the difficult days ahead. I pray that He places caring people around them who will walk with them through this unimaginable loss.

There is another truth that every leader, elected official, community organizer, pastor, and public servant should understand:

Grief and anger are neighbors.

When institutions fail to acknowledge grief, anger moves in.

Not because people are impatient.

Not because people are unreasonable.

But because people are human.

Because love and loss are inseparable.

A family cannot place its sorrow on hold while officials try to figure things out. A community cannot pause its heartbreak until a press conference is scheduled or a report is completed.

The community is not reacting to paperwork.

The community is responding to the loss of an innocent one-year-old child.

That pain is real.

That grief is real.

And it deserves to be acknowledged with compassion and urgency.

My prayer is that this family finds healing. My prayer is that this community finds healing. My prayer is that justice is served and that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

Most of all, I pray that Kohen Wiley receives justice beyond the grave from a God who sees every tear, knows every sorrow, and never overlooks the suffering of the innocent.

May we refuse to let his story be reduced to a headline.

May we refuse to let his name be forgotten.

Remember the family.

Remember the community.

Remember the loss.

And most importantly remember the name.

Kohen Wiley. ~OC

0

Hope And Class In A Culture Of Insults

Today’s a new day! 

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

My thoughts on the matter are actually very simple.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The world has enough anger.

The world has enough division.

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

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

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

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

0

Walking Our Neighborhoods: Spreading Hope

Today’s a new day!

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

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

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

As Christians, we know where true hope is found.

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

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

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

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

You may never know their names, but God does.

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

Prayer changes things.

Prayer changes hearts.

Prayer changes communities.

Prayer changes us.

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

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

Our communities do not need more division. 

They need unity.

They do not need more fear. They need hope.

They do not need more hate. They need love.

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

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

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

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

Let’s unite our communities through prayer.

Let’s love our neighbors intentionally.

Let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus

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

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

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

0

Either Way I Win

In 2019, after almost eighteen years of major health battles and being told on multiple occasions that I only had hours left to live, I experienced a beautiful miracle from God.

At that point in 2019, doctors believed I only had weeks remaining. The situation looked impossible. The circumstances seemed hopeless. Yet Jesus stepped into the middle of the story and reminded me that He always has the final say.

It was a true miracle.

Since that miracle, however, my journey has not been without additional challenges. I have endured multiple serious battles with COVID and also suffered a stroke. Today, my health journey has entered its twenty-fourth year.

Over those years, countless people have prayed for my complete healing. I am deeply grateful for every prayer, every encouraging message, every act of kindness, and every person who has stood beside me during difficult seasons. Those prayers have meant more than I could ever adequately express.

But as I have prayed about my health and spent time talking with Jesus, I have found myself reflecting on this journey from a different perspective.

I think about the many patients I have met over the years.

I think about the hospital rooms.

I think about the waiting rooms.

I think about the difficult conversations.

I think about the opportunities God has given me to pray with people, encourage people, and remind people that they are not alone.

Some Christians have viewed my health journey as something negative. They have looked at the diagnoses, the treatments, the setbacks, and the ongoing battles and wondered why God has not completely removed them.

But I have never viewed my journey that way.

I have always seen it as an opportunity.

An opportunity to share the love of Jesus.

An opportunity to share the hope of Jesus.

An opportunity to remind hurting people that God is still faithful even when life is difficult.

As I think about this, I am reminded of others whom God has used powerfully despite significant challenges.

I think about the Apostle Paul, who prayed for the “removal of his thorn in the flesh”, yet God told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul went on to impact the world with the Gospel despite his ongoing struggles. 

I think about Joni Eareckson Tada, whose life and testimony have inspired millions around the world.

I think about Nick Vujicic, who was born without arms and legs yet continues to share the Gospel with millions across the globe.

I think about Billy Graham, who faithfully preached Christ throughout seasons of physical weakness and aging.

I think about Eric LeGrand, whose courage and faith have encouraged countless people through adversity.

None of these individuals allowed their struggles to define them. Instead, they allowed God to use them right where they were. 

Their stories remind us that God’s power is not limited by our circumstances.

Throughout my own health journey, God has repeatedly shown me that my willingness to continue sharing the love and hope of Jesus during difficult seasons has encouraged others who are walking through storms of their own.

Sometimes we assume that our greatest ministry will happen after God removes our struggle.

But what if God wants to use us in the middle of the struggle?

What if the very battle we are asking Him to remove is the place where He is doing some of His greatest work?

What if our pain becomes a platform for His glory?

What if our scars become evidence of His faithfulness?

I still believe Jesus heals.

I still believe miracles happen.

After all, I am living proof that they do.

And maybe Jesus will choose to perform another miracle in my life on this side of Heaven.

Maybe He will completely restore every area of my health.

I certainly welcome the prayers everyone continues to pray for my healing.

But perhaps God is using this season exactly as it is.

Perhaps there are people I can reach because of this journey that I could never reach otherwise.

Perhaps there are conversations that happen because of these challenges that would never happen without them.

Perhaps Jesus has me planted exactly where He wants me.

So if God leads you, please continue praying for my healing.

But also pray that Jesus continues to use me.

Pray that I remain faithful.

Pray that I continue to encourage others.

Pray that I continue sharing His love and hope wherever He opens a door.

Because whether I receive another miracle here on earth or whether God continues to use me in the middle of this battle, my victory is already secure in Christ.

If He heals me completely here on earth, I win.

If He uses my story to bring hope to others, I win.

If He uses my struggles to point people toward Jesus, I win.

And one day, whether through healing here or perfect healing in Heaven, I will stand in the presence of my Savior completely restored.

Either way, I win.

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

And that is a victory no illness can ever take away. ~OC

0

Wake Up, Christian: Why I Write About Tough Topics

One of the questions I get asked quite often is this:

“Why do you write about such tough topics?”

Sometimes the question is phrased a little differently:

“Why don’t you just stick to the nice,

encouraging, less controversial subjects?”

My answer is usually very simple:

Because that is what God has placed on my heart at that moment.

I don’t sit down and ask myself, “How can I make people uncomfortable today?” I sit down and ask, “Lord, what do You want me to say?”

Sometimes He leads me to write about hope, healing, miracles, and encouragement. Other times He leads me to write about difficult issues that many people would rather avoid.

The truth is, I believe too many Christians have become comfortable.

Far too many believers want to walk through life with blinders on, roast marshmallows, eat s’mores, and pretend everything in the world is just fine.

But it isn’t.

Look around.

People are hurting.

Families are broken.

Addictions are destroying lives.

Human trafficking continues to victimize millions.

Abuse is often ignored.

Depression and anxiety are everywhere.

Suicide rates remain alarming.

Loneliness is growing.

The world is facing some very real and very difficult challenges.

As followers of Christ, we cannot afford to pretend these issues don’t exist.

Jesus never ignored pain.

Jesus never looked away from suffering.

Jesus never avoided difficult conversations.

He stepped directly into the brokenness of humanity and brought truth, hope, healing, and redemption.

As Christians, we are called to be a bright light in a dark world. Sometimes that means encouraging people. Sometimes it means comforting people. Sometimes it means speaking difficult truths and confronting evil when we see it.

The world doesn’t need a thirty-minute sitcom version of Christianity.

The world doesn’t need believers who pretend life is perfect.

The world doesn’t need another polished sermon that makes us feel good on Sunday but leaves us spiritually empty by Monday morning.

What the world desperately needs is genuine Christianity.

People want authenticity.

They want to see believers who are honest about their struggles.

They want to see Christians who admit they don’t have it all together.

They want to see followers of Jesus who are willing to show their scars, their failures, their lessons learned, and how God carried them through.

They want to see faith that is real.

The Gospel was never meant to simply make us comfortable.

It was meant to transform us.

Growth rarely happens when we stay comfortable.

Growth happens when God challenges us.

Growth happens when we wrestle with hard truths.

Growth happens when the Holy Spirit convicts our hearts and calls us to something greater.

That is why I will continue sharing messages that challenge people.

Not because I enjoy controversy.

Not because I think I have all the answers.

But because I believe God often uses uncomfortable moments to produce spiritual growth.

If a message makes us stop and think, examine our hearts, or see the world through God’s eyes, then perhaps that discomfort is exactly what we need.

Now, don’t worry—I won’t write only about difficult subjects.

I’ll still sprinkle in plenty of encouraging posts about faith, hope, healing, miracles, worship, and God’s goodness.

After all, encouragement is important too.

But I will not shy away from the hard conversations when God places them on my heart.

The Church doesn’t need less truth.

The Church doesn’t need less courage.

The Church doesn’t need less conviction.

The Church needs believers who are awake, engaged, and willing to shine the light of Christ wherever darkness exists.

So my encouragement today is simple:

Wake up.

Look around.

Pray.

Pay attention.

Love people.

Speak truth.

Show grace.

Confront evil.

Offer hope.

And above all else, point people to Jesus.

Because this world doesn’t need comfortable Christianity.

It needs Christians who are willing to follow Jesus wherever He leads—even when the conversation gets difficult. ~OC

0

America Needs A Better Gospel Than Christian Nationalism

Today’s a new day!

In recent years, many Christians have wrestled with an important question: What happens when faith becomes too closely tied to politics?

As followers of Jesus, we should love our country, pray for our leaders, and seek the good of our communities. Scripture encourages us to be engaged citizens and to pursue justice, mercy, and righteousness. But there is a difference between loving our nation and confusing our nation with the Kingdom of God.

America needs a better gospel than Christian Nationalism.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ was never about elevating one nation above all others. It was never about political power, cultural dominance, or winning elections. The Gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ came to save sinners, reconcile humanity to God, and establish a Kingdom that transcends every border, language, ethnicity, and political system.

Jesus was not crucified because He sought political office. He was crucified because He proclaimed a Kingdom that challenged the powers of this world. His message was not “Take control.” His message was “Follow Me.”

Throughout Scripture, we see that God’s love extends to all people. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s redemptive plan includes every tribe, every tongue, and every nation. The Church is not called to represent one earthly kingdom. The Church is called to represent Christ.

When Christians place their ultimate hope in political movements, parties, or national identity, they risk exchanging the Gospel for something far smaller. Political victories may come and go. Nations rise and fall. But the Kingdom of God endures forever.

Christian Nationalism often asks, “How can we make America Christian again?” The Gospel asks a different question: “How can we help people know and follow Jesus?”

One focuses on power. The other focuses on transformation.

One seeks cultural control. The other seeks changed hearts.

One can create insiders and outsiders. The Gospel invites everyone to the foot of the Cross.

The Church’s mission has never been to conquer a nation. It has always been to make disciples. Our calling is to love our neighbors, care for the poor, defend the vulnerable, welcome the stranger, forgive our enemies, and proclaim the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

America does not need a gospel wrapped in a flag.

America needs the Gospel of Jesus.

The Gospel that calls us to humility rather than pride.

The Gospel that teaches us to love rather than hate.

The Gospel that values truth over tribalism.

The Gospel that reminds us our citizenship is ultimately in Heaven.

The Church is at its best when it looks less like a political movement and more like Jesus. The world does not need Christians who merely win arguments. It needs Christians who reflect the character of Christ.

May we never trade the Cross for political influence.

May we never confuse patriotism with discipleship.

And may we remember that our greatest hope has never been found in a nation, a party, or a politician.

Our hope is found in Jesus Christ alone. ~OC

0

Hope Isles: A New Beginning Chapter Three

The evening air was cool as James sat on the curb across from the old Wilson house.

The young woman clutched the handle of her suitcase.

Neither spoke for several moments.

Finally, James broke the silence.

“My name is James.”

A faint smile crossed her face.

“I know.”

“Then I suppose it’s only fair that I learn your name.”

She looked down at the ground.

“Sarah.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Sarah.”

She nodded.

“You too.”

James could see exhaustion in her eyes.

Not the kind that came from a long day.

The kind that came from carrying heavy burdens for a long time.

“You said Pastor Timothy sent you?”

“Yes.”

“He knows your situation?”

Sarah swallowed hard.

“Some of it.”

James nodded gently.

“You don’t have to tell me anything tonight.”

The tension in her shoulders eased.

For the first time since he’d arrived, she looked slightly relieved.

A few minutes later, James opened the front door.

The old house creaked as they stepped inside.

Sarah stopped in the foyer.

Her eyes widened.

“It’s beautiful.”

“It needs work.”

“It still feels like home.”

The words lingered in the air.

James smiled.

“I hope so.”

He carried her suitcase upstairs.

Stopping at one of the freshly cleaned bedrooms, he opened the door.

A simple bed.

A dresser.

A lamp.

A small Bible on the nightstand.

Nothing fancy.

But it was clean and comfortable.

Sarah stepped into the room slowly.

Almost as if she couldn’t believe it was real.

“You can stay here as long as you need.”

Her eyes immediately filled with tears.

“I don’t know how to thank you.”

“You don’t have to.”

“But you don’t even know me.”

James leaned against the doorway.

“Everybody needs someone to believe in them before they’ve earned it.”

Sarah wiped her eyes.

“Not many people think that way.”

“Someone once did it for me.”

She looked at him curiously.

But James didn’t elaborate.

Not yet.

The next morning, news traveled through Hope Isles at its usual speed.

Which was to say…

Very fast.

By breakfast, half the town knew someone had moved into the Wilson house.

By lunch, everyone knew.

At the Sit Awhile Diner, June was pouring coffee when Joe arrived.

“You heard?” he asked.

June laughed.

“I’ve heard six versions already.”

Joe slid into a booth.

“They say James has a woman living at the house.”

June raised an eyebrow.

“They also said last month that Mayor Jenkins was secretly buying a circus.”

Joe nodded.

“Fair point.”

At that moment, Pastor Timothy entered.

June pointed a coffee pot at him.

“Well?”

“Well what?”

“Settle the rumors.”

Pastor Timothy smiled knowingly.

“Sarah needed help.”

Joe nodded slowly.

“And James helped.”

“Yes.”

June folded her arms.

“That’s all?”

“That’s all.”

The pastor took a sip of coffee.

Then added,

“Sometimes the truth is much less interesting than the gossip.”

Meanwhile, Sarah sat on the Wilson house porch.

For the first time in months, she felt safe.

James was in the front yard planting flowers.

She watched him work.

Eventually she spoke.

“You don’t ask many questions.”

James looked up.

“I ask when people are ready to answer.”

Sarah was quiet.

Then she said,

“I left home.”

James nodded.

“I figured.”

“My dad and I haven’t spoken in almost a year.”

James listened.

“He wanted me to become someone I’m not.”

Sarah stared at the porch railing.

“When I finally left, I thought I’d be okay.”

“What happened?”

“I ran out of money.”

The words came out barely above a whisper.

“And then?”

“I got scared.”

James sat down on the porch steps.

“Thank you for telling me.”

She looked surprised.

“That’s all you’re going to say?”

“For now.”

Sarah laughed softly.

“Most people would’ve given advice by now.”

“I’ve learned advice works better after listening.”

Later that afternoon, James rode his bicycle into town.

As he passed the harbor, he noticed an elderly 

man struggling to carry fishing supplies from his truck.

Without hesitation, James stopped.

“Need a hand?”

The old fisherman grinned.

“Depends.”

“On what?”

“Whether you’re strong enough.”

James laughed.

“Only one way to find out.”

Together they carried the supplies.

When they finished, the fisherman stuck out his hand.

“The name’s Walter.”

James shook it.

“Nice to meet you.”

Walter studied him for a moment.

“So you’re the young fellow everybody keeps talking about.”

“I was hoping that would stop.”

Walter chuckled.

“In Hope Isles?”

“Good point.”

The old fisherman pointed toward town.

“People aren’t talking because you’re new.”

“They’re not?”

“No.”

“Then why?”

Walter smiled.

“Because kindness stands out these days.”

That evening, as the sun sank below the horizon, James sat alone on the porch.

The house behind him felt different now.

Less empty.

More alive.

One room was occupied.

One life was beginning to heal.

As he watched the last rays of sunlight disappear, he heard a voice behind him.

“James?”

It was Sarah.

“Yes?”

She stepped onto the porch.

“I haven’t prayed in a long time.”

James nodded.

“Okay.”

She hesitated.

Then quietly asked,

“Would you pray with me?”

A smile spread across his face.

“Absolutely.”

As the stars began appearing over Hope Isles, the two bowed their heads together on the porch of the old Wilson house.

Neither of them noticed the figure standing across the street, watching from the shadows.

A man.

Older.

Unfamiliar.

And judging by the expression on his face…

He wasn’t there by accident.

To Be Continued…

0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑