This is why!

Some things just frustrate, even anger me.  Today is going to be a "Soap Box" day for me.


Not too long ago, we were gathered together with several family members.  Two of the young adults present began to rudely question my husband, who is a police officer.  In an accusing manner, they insinuated that police over step their boundaries, profile people, have no right to search and question the way that they do.  I wanted to stand up and defend my husband, but he insisted that it was a "perception" problem.  I understand.


We all perceive things differently, given the choices we've made for our lives.  I don't feel harrassed by the police.  Why?  Well, I don't speed, and I don't drive around without a license plate, or with my lights burnt out, or a cracked windshield, or a suspended license, I don't carry illegal substances, etc...  In addition, IF for some reason, I did get pulled over, I would be calm and respectful, as I am not trying to hide anything.  It is those who are feeling guilty that tend to become defensive and upset by the way law enforcement handle situtations.


My husband and I talk about his work, his day, each and every aspect of it.  I understand the caution that is needed in EVERY situation.  You may ask why an officer approaches your car so slowly when you get pulled over.  Why does he question you?  Why does he ask you to turn your car off?  Can you just do me a favor, and understand it is for his own safety and protection.  Every single thing a police officer encounters could possibly be a dangerous, even deadly, situation.  They cannot afford to relax or take any moment as "no big deal".


Five, sometimes six, days a week,  my husband puts on a bullet proof vest, a uniform, and secures a heavy gunbelt around his waist.  I have become quite use to seeing him this way, it's a normal way of life for us.  I hug him, kiss him, hand him his lunch and wave from the doorway.  I pray for him to be safe and be returned home to me.  However, I don't often think deeply of the reality of what that means.  He tells me that he is safer than most people out there, as he is armed.  However, I know that most people out there aren't always the target, and officers often are.


Just two days ago during a routine traffic stop in Tampa, two police officers were shot dead. 


A woman in her 9th month of pregnancy will never see her husband again, a child will never know his father.  Another woman is comforting her four sons, all under the age of 10, their hero will never come home again.  My heart breaks.


Why?  Why do they question?  Why are they cautious?  Why do they search?  This is why.  Because of sin.


So, to those brash, rude, young men who dared to question my husband the way they did.  It is for his safety.  I love him.  I want him to come home each day.  Why don't you straighten out your life, stop speeding, stop breaking the law, stop having a rebellious heart.  Open the pages of that dusty bible and return to what you were taught as children.  Maybe then you won't question so much.  Maybe then you will understand.

"But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness."  Romans 6:17-18