“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling…the nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts…He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear…‘Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!'” Psalm 46:1-10, partial
The past few months have been filled with so many emotions as tragedy after tragedy has struck our country. This past week, it hit home, literally. Most of you know, but some may not; last week two police officers were killed in the line of duty in Hattiesburg, MS. Hattiesburg is about 45 minutes from where my parents live, is a city I lived in for about 2 years, and is where my best friend lives. The local police department is also one that my best friend’s husband and my dear friend patrolled for until a couple of years ago. This horrible span of events has had my mind in a million different directions.
The first funeral of the two was conducted yesterday and social media has been flooded with videos, pictures, testimonies, and condolences. My heart breaks. For the family, friends, and fellow law enforcement who have lost not one, but two loved ones. I mourn for the direction our country is headed. I am afraid of what my children will have to endure and witness as they grow here. I wonder what life will be like for the 2 children of Officer Deen. I wish I could hug the neck of Officer Tate’s mother. I want to somehow place all of our law enforcement in a bullet proof bubble and make them invincible.
As you can tell, this tragedy and the effects it has have consumed my thoughts this week. When you take into account what happened in Hattiesburg and add it to what has happened in Ferguson and Baltimore and numerous other places, you can’t help but to feel anxious about what’s to come.
God has shown me so much through these recent events. And each time, He comforts me with one simple statement. “Be still, and know that I am God.”
If you know me, you know that being “still” (or quiet, or calm, or collected) is not my forte. I worry. A lot. I need to know what’s going to happen and when and start preparing how I will deal with it. (Not exactly World Race material) So being told to be still has been difficult.
But I’ve learned how much God can teach me if I do just that.
I have found a new pride for the city of Hattiesburg, especially after watching horrendous riots and crime flow across our TV screens from other parts of the country. Today, people lined the highway as Officer Deen’s body was transported. People waved American flags and stood shoulder to shoulder with one another, despite race or gender or any other defining factors. People prayed for the families that were mourning the loss of a loved one. Men, women, and children saluted someone who risked their life for the safety of their own. Parents of a fallen son publicly forgave the ones who took their baby boy’s life. “Beloved, let us love one another…” 1 John 4:7
I have found that regardless of how cliche it sounds, we truly have to take advantage of every minute we are given with our loved ones. I am sure that as Officer Tate and Officer Deen got dressed for work last week, they nor their families ever thought it would be the last time they would get to say “I love you” or hug one another’s neck. “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4:14
I have found that we forget that while we lay in bed at night we are being protected by people that we often don’t think twice about. We have the freedom to attend church on Sunday because of people we have never even met. We spend our days going through our mundane tasks while wives/husbands and mothers and children worry about their loved one who is out protecting strangers from evil. We take for granted the authority that God has put in front of us and shake our fists when we get a speeding ticket and forget that sometimes, while we rest, others lives are being taken while working to keep us safe and sound in our homes. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
I have found (and this is something I am trying to remind myself every single second of every single day) that those people who are worrying about a loved one, or who are mourning the loss of one, or have faced tragedy recently are everywhere around us. I pray that somehow, someway God can provide their families and friends with a peace that passes all understanding. I am reminded that the lady who was rude in the drive thru, or the man who didn’t speak to me as much as I thought he should at the bank, or the child who is misbehaving in the grocery store are all facing a difficult battle that I have no idea about. I had to have someone die on a cross for me to see eternity, so who am I to think they owe me anything? I am realizing how much I need to be praying for those I cross paths with more and expecting to be catered to less. Our nation, our community, our neighbor, and our closest friends are all hurting in ways we don’t know. We need to be on our knees now more than ever. “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him.” Psalm 145:18
I have found that sometimes, even as Christians, we get so caught up in the hype and frustration, that we forget we are called to respond differently. If we find ourselves agreeing with the world’s view, we are in a very dangerous place. Remember that even when things get down right nasty and unfair, we are called to be set apart. We live in a time when Jesus is so desperately needed but so rarely found. That’s why we are here. We are to be the light in this dark world. Even when we are beat down, broken, and disgusted. Jesus was spit upon and beaten, and still found time to save the sinner on the cross next to Him. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2
I have found that even when things are hard, and times are tough, and our world continues to descend into a downward spiral, that God is not surprised. He is not shaken. He is not afraid. He is mourning. And He hurts. And I can’t imagine how His heart breaks. But He is still God. He is still on the throne. And He has a lesson to teach through every trial and triumph. If we can be still long enough, He wants to show us His love through every situation.
Please continue to pray for the family, friends, and fellow servicemen and women who are mourning the loss of two loved ones. I can’t imagine the pain they feel, but I am thankful to know a God who can comfort in even the most tragic of situations.
And THANK YOU, to those who serve our country and put their life on the line everyday to ensure that I can live a life that I take for granted. Thank you to the parents, spouses, and children who spend sleepless nights worrying about their loved ones who are out protecting us everyday. You are not forgotten. We see you, and we appreciate you.
