Today’s a new day! Love, Respect and Compassion should never have boarders. ~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
Beautiful Interruptions
Today’s a new day! I wrote the following early this morning.
I pray Jesus keeps your eyes, ears and hearts open to experiencing some beautiful interruptions today. Do not allow the distractions of this world keep you from these amazing opportunities and blessings. Do not miss the really important things in life. Have a great day! ~OC
Our Calling Card
Today’s a new day! I believe love is our calling card.
Some may be surprised or shocked by this statement, but look around at some portions of the Church today. You don’t have to go far on the internet to see pastors preaching with such anger and hatred, what comes across is ugly and lacking in power. There are others who are doctrinally sound but so intellectually focused that the Gospel that they preach is cold, detached and forbidding. They have the truth of the Bible but without the love of God, it is creating a really confusing picture. Some have lost sight of God’s love so they have completely lost the message brought to us by Jesus Himself. For God so loved the world He sent His one and only Son.
God is love. Jesus is God and therefore is love. He was sent into this world as a common man because God deeply loved the world. Jesus said that the greatest commandments are to love God and love our neighbors. Jesus said that the world will know us as disciples by our love. Not by our biblical knowledge which is important, but love is essential to who God is and who we’re supposed to be as Believers. Without love, Christianity is nothing. We can never lose sight of love and still live the life that Jesus has for us in Him. God is love. A life without love is a life without God prominently in it.
So if you have gotten so far down a path that looks like Christianity but is not filled with love, you must turn around. Make that turn this very moment. If we are working really hard for the church but are doing it in anger and resentment, turn around this very minute. If we are so busy with serving or complaining that we have no time to love the people we are supposed to be serving…just stop. Treat this moment like a red light or stop sign. It profits us nothing and creates a jarring and unpleasing sound if we are trying to live the Christian life without love. We should only be serving and loving others when we are able to say for certain that it is the love of Jesus compelling us and the love of the Holy Spirit working through us. Of course we will all have moments where it is hard to love and serve others. Face it, we are all human and will make mistakes along the journey. So please do not beat yourself up. Just stop and seek God. Allow Him to redirect you to get back on the path He has laid out for you.
No matter what it looks like to our eyes, if we do not have love we are nothing. Why? Because if there is no love then Jesus is not with us. He is love and brings love wherever He goes. I hope and pray we all want to do something for the Body of Christ. Right? So make the choice to love and love generously. And being generous, doesn’t always mean our finances. Loving generously includes are time, talents and gifts.
Let the following words sink in:
And if I were to have the gift of prophecy with a profound understanding of God’s hidden secrets, and if I possessed unending supernatural knowledge, and if I had the greatest gift of faith that could move mountains, but have never learned to love, then I am nothing. And if I were to be so generous as to give away everything I owned to feed the poor, and to offer my body to be burned as a martyr, without the pure motive of love, I would gain nothing of value. ~1 Corinthians 13:2-3
So today, make the choice to love. It could be life changing for you and someone around you. ~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
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
Happiness Giver
Today’s a new day! I believe we all want our lives to be focused on things that matter. Deep down we all understand that constantly pursuing our own happiness leaves us with little fulfillment in life. And we also know that when we help others, we experience happiness in a real way. Serving others just makes us feel good.
We thrive in community and I believe part of our happiness is directly related to the strength of our relationships. That’s why serving others and giving with joy is one of the secrets of experiencing true happiness in this life.
At the end of our lives do we really want to be known for our book collection (I really enjoy books) or how great we were at sports or the arts? No, I think we will want to be remembered for how we served others and for being a happiness giver.
That’s why now is the time to break through our fears and think about how we can use our gifts, talents and skills to help serve others in our communities and beyond. ~OC
Dear Dementia,
Today’s a new day! As most of you know, I was diagnosed with Young Onset Dementia caused by Parkinson’s last September (2024). As I have walked through the past few months, I have thought about this diagnosis and what it means for my future. So I thought I would write a letter to dementia. Hopefully it makes sense.
Dear Dementia, I often wonder if you were a person, what would I say to you? So often dementia tries to fill me with anger, sadness and frustration. But thankfully, I am able to fight off those emotions most days. But some days all those emotions get the best of me.
I think I’ll start with I am a little frustrated with you dementia. I dislike that you’ve made sharing my thoughts and having conversations a little tougher these days. I am a little frustrated that being social has become a bit more difficult for me. Since I am in the early stages of dementia, I have learned a few tricks to hide my struggles from people. But I cannot hide those struggles from myself and that makes me frustrated at times.
I am frustrated that you try and fill my days with grief, loneliness and sadness. I am saddened that some friends find it too difficult to call or visit because they do not know what to say. I am frustrated that you’re trying to take away my memories too, with you being all consuming; you sometimes make it hard to remember how things were before you.
But dementia despite all the frustration sadness and grief, I still choose to live with hope and embrace every moment of life. My bride and I still talk about future plans and trips. We will not allow you to become our identity. We celebrate those days I feel like my old self. Almost like the fog has been lifted. I embrace those days because they will not always be around. I embrace simple moments with family and friends a little more these days. I am thankful for those friends who still choose to treat me like me. Please keep doing that. Even on those days, I might not totally seem like the old me.
I am thankful that God continues to walk this journey with me. He is bigger than dementia and all the other health issues trying to take me out. They may get the best of me some days, but they will not get the victory. No, that belongs to God and I will continue to hold onto that truth.
Dear Dementia, in some ways you have taught me the true value of unconditional love, and I will use that to defeat you. I will never give up on loving my life, loving those in my life and never ever give up on beating you. You’ve brought pain and suffering to so many people’s lives, snuck in and attacked the most vulnerable. But by working with medical researchers and families affected by your cruel actions we will learn new ways to defeat you. One day I will be part of ending you, as you will never be able to take away the unconditional love that fills me up and guides me along this crazy beautiful health journey. ~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
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Today’s a new day! On March 7, 1965, in Selma, Alabama, approximately 600 peace loving advocates set out to march to Alabama’s capital, Montgomery, to demand voting rights for Black Americans in the face of unfair, discriminatory laws and practices.
Sixty years ago, black voters faced numerous obstacles when trying to register to vote, including literacy tests, poll taxes, intimidation and brutal violence. Civil rights leaders organized this march to demand an equal opportunity to participate in American democracy.
As the marchers peacefully crossed Selma’s Edmund Pettus Bridge, local police, vigilante groups and state troopers violently attacked them.
Many marchers were hospitalized as a result of these brutal attacks, which was televised nationwide and became known as “Bloody Sunday.” In addition, the events leading up to this day and the weeks after resulted in the deaths of three civil rights advocates.
The brutality of Bloody Sunday highlighted the urgent need for change and galvanized support for the Civil Rights Movement across the country. Two weeks later, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and 3,200 civil rights protesters completed the 54-mile march from Selma to Montgomery.
Thanks to the efforts of those brave freedom fighters, historically disenfranchised Americans were able to fully participate in the democratic process for the first time.
Sadly sixty years later, there is still a lot of work to do across America to protect and expand the freedom to vote. The fight is not over. We, the Freedom Fighters of today must continue to speak up and fight for justice.
So on this 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, let’s remember the legacy of all those who fought for a truly inclusive democracy and pledge ourselves to supporting the continuing fight for the freedom to vote and for equal rights for all Americans. ~OC
The Blessed Overcomer 