"From Prison to Pulpit: The Divine Set Up Journey of Author Shawn O'Neill"

  • Warriors Arise: From the Wounds of a Father to the Call of One

    In “Warriors Arise: The Father Who Made a Difference,” Shawn O’Neill reflects on his struggles with fatherhood and personal pain. He emphasizes the importance of overcoming wounds and becoming a supportive father, inspired by biblical figures like Jairus. The message encourages men to embrace their journey, fight for their families, and recognize their worth despite…

    Shawn O’Neill

  • Igniting My Passion, Uncovering My Purpose: A Journey of Transformation

    There comes a moment in life when the questions become louder than the answers: What am I meant to do? Why am I here? For me, that moment ignited a journey of self-discovery and transformation. It wasn’t an instant revelation, but a gradual unfolding of passion and purpose that began when I stopped chasing what…

    Shawn O’Neill

  • Living His Mission – Kairos Moments

    Seizing Kairos Moments: From Light the Night to Menorah House God’s timing is always perfect. This week, I witnessed a divine alignment as Kerry and Kristin attended Light the Night, visited our West Boca Campus, and discovered a profound connection to the Menorah House ministry. Their story, woven with God’s purposes, mirrors the courage of…

    Shawn O’Neill

  • Kairos Moments: When Time Stands Still

    In life, we all face moments that feel like turning points—times when everything changes in an instant. The Greeks call these Kairos moments, divinely orchestrated points where God’s timing intersects with our lives, shaping our paths in ways we could never plan. From a jail cell encounter with God to an unexpected love story at…

    Shawn O’Neill

  • Dismantling the Prison Pipeline: Exposing the Plot of Third Grade Literacy Levels

    In the fight to dismantle the prison pipeline, early literacy stands as one of the most powerful tools. On Make a Difference Day, the Nehemiah Ministry joined hands with community partners to create two reading gardens at North Fork and Westside Heights Elementary Schools, providing young learners with a peaceful space to read, learn, and…

    Shawn O’Neill

  • Out of Control but Not Out of Hope: God’s Plan in the Pruning

    Out of Control but Not Out of Hope: God’s Plan in the Pruning explores the tension between life’s overwhelming moments and God’s intentional process of growth. Drawing from personal experiences—balancing the demands of doctoral studies, leading multiple ministries, and planting new campuses—the post reflects on how God uses seasons of pruning to shape us for…

    Shawn O’Neill

  • The Shift from My Efforts to His Grace: Understanding True Righteousness

    This week’s blog explores the transformative journey from relying on self-effort to embracing God’s grace, emphasizing that true righteousness is found through faith in Jesus Christ, not personal achievements or good deeds. It unpacks the concept of positional righteousness—what Christ has accomplished on our behalf—and lifestyle righteousness—how we live out that grace daily. The message…

    Shawn O’Neill

  • Why Plant Churches? A Journey of Faith, Hope, and Transformation

    In this blog post, I share my personal journey from prison to the pulpit, highlighting the importance of church planting as a way to fulfill the Great Commission. Drawing from the article “Why Plant Churches?” and my experience in the Avondale community in Pompano Beach, I reflect on the biblical mandate to plant churches, meet…

    Shawn O’Neill

  • The Power of Vulnerability – Embracing Authenticity to Heal and Connect

    The Power of Vulnerability – Embracing Authenticity to Heal and Connect In this blog post, we explore the significance of vulnerability and how it plays a crucial role in our healing and connection with others. Using the biblical story of Adam and Eve, we reflect on the natural human tendency to hide in times of…

    Shawn O’Neill

  • Running Toward Purpose: Lessons from Jonah’s Journey

    In this week’s reflection, I dive into the story of Jonah—a man who ran from God’s purpose and found himself in the belly of a fish. Like Jonah, we often resist when God calls us out of our comfort zones. But through his journey, we learn invaluable lessons about obedience, repentance, and the power of…

    Shawn O’Neill