Challenged From Behind the Cage

Credit for the title of this post and it's concept goes to my brother in blue Darrell, who knows this phrase all to well. Thank you for sharing Brother!

So you have just "hooked a crook" for some offense, and so far so good! You have placed the arrestee securely in the backseat of your patrol vehicle with little effort (or maybe some great effort) and you are safely secured from your subject behind a metal cage. You tune the radio to a great worship station and start driving towards the jail. But are you really safe?

Only moments after you have called out to dispatch and let them know you are enroute to the jail comes something that as an officer you don't always expect but seems to happen to all of us at one time or another. From the backseat comes a foul four lettered language that is immediatly recognizable by all officers, and it doesn't have to be from the English language either. In fact, it is often in French or Spanish words as well (we are all multi linguist interrupters here) It is often closely followed by spiting or even kicking at the backseat and windows, and it may sound something like this; "F-ing cops, if you weren't wearing that badge and gun I would kick your a--." You look up into the rear view mirror, smile sheepishly and reply, "yeah buddy, I bet you would do just that! Now, just settle down partner". You turn up the radio a little louder trying to drown out the demon in your backseat, but you are about to find out that he (or she) isn't finished with this conversation as yet. "Partner this pig! Stop this car right now and I will show you who I am..... punk cop!" If any of this sounds familiar to you then you have just found yourself being"challenged from behind the cage".

Sometimes we are challenged out on the streets or in homes in much the same way but rarely are we provoked more than in that close 12" inches of personal space located behind the cage, and while enroute to the booking station. Why is that, and more importantly how does this impact you as a christian peace officer?

The short answer is that it does hurt us both professionally and personally. Why should it? Because we are human. It is not an excuse but rather it is a fact. Yes, we want to stop that patrol vehicle rip open the door and pull that arrestee out through the window and give him a true come to Jesus meeting! And unfortunately, some of us have done that and it can costs us both professionally, as well as spiritually.

So, in our search for answers to these questions let us go to the Bible for our answers. But why the Bible you ask? The Bible is actually our manual for living as Christians. Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church makes the following analogy in his book, "The Purpose Driven Life". He stated "if I handed you an invention that you had never seen and didn't know how to use, then you would need some instructions or direction from it's inventor (creator)." I like that analogy because quite simply you didn't create yourself, so without some direction from your creator, via the Bible that is God's word (your guidebook) you wouldn't know how to operate yourself. So, with that being said, I prayerfully hope that you make the Bible from this day forth your instruction manual for daily living.

The first, and most obvious response found in the Bible whenever you find yourself challenged from behind the cage, can be found in Luke 6:27-31 (NIV); "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you."

But the above Bible verse sounds to soft, too......manby-panby! Okay, but I am a policeman and what about Romans 13:1-7 ? Afterall, doesn't that verse tell us...."For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer"

But hold on now, before you say; "YES! I knew it! just what I wanted to hear! bring wrath on the wrongdoer! "That's what I'm talking about!" We need to understand that is NOT what I'm talking about. You need to remember that Satan temps us, but God tests us. The Bible states in James 1:13-14, "When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed"

Did you realize that testing by God is necessary for our spiritual growth and maturity as Christians? The Bible in James 1:2-4 tells us the following; "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything"

In other words, you can say that if you have never been tested or tried you can never share with others the joy of how God has delivered you out of the times of sin, hopelessness, or despaire thus by doing so leading others to a life with Christ. In fact, had two christian peace officers not shared their personal testimony with me about this issue I would not have been to write this article for many more, prehaps even thousands of peace officers to read.

If you haven't notice satan loves to beat up, beat down, harass, embarass, and generally supress us as Christians in any way possible and especially those of us who fullfill our role as peace officers. Why you may ask? Because we have direct Biblical authority as stated in Romans 13:1-5 we are a prime target of satan and we often get into satan's way in his quest for a lawess society.

So, whenever you are challenged from behind the cage. Just remember that satan is trying to pick us cops off one at a time and he will use anyone at anytime to do it. But to give you hope, remember that God may be testing us in order to build us spiritually stronger and more character for His glory and honor. Hebrews 13:5 tells us that God will never leave us or forsake (abandon) you. Which means God is with us at all times, even when we are challenged from behind the cage.

Some Questions To Ponder

• Have you ever found yourself being challenged from behind the cage, or on the streets?
• If Yes, what was your response to that challenge?
• Did you realize at the time that you may have been being tempted (or tested)?
• Do you think your experience in being challenged was a learning experience or just a bad experience?

God Works On His Time Frame!

On Sunday at approximately 1600 hrs I was dispatched to a local business who had a complaint of some local homeless men drinking and trespassing at the back of their business. My zone partner was on scene just a minute or so ahead of me and as I approached on the main road I could see three of our local homeless man walking southbound on the main street away from the business.

As I pulled my marked patrol unit into the business parking lot I spoke with my partner and told her that I had seen three homeless men walking southbound. My zone partner yelled back; "Yeah, but you need to come over here". Now, for a brief second I thought to myself, "what's the deal, she can't shoo a few homeless people out on her own?" As I approached the back of the business with my partner she yelled for one man to come out of small shed. The man exited and my partner indicated that she knew him by name, "Michael" a local homeless man whom she had not seen in a couple of years. I noticed almost immediately that this man did not seen like he was one of the regular homeless, this guy seemed different. Many of the local homeless have lost the sparkle to their eyes, covered in alcohol and soiled. This man was clean shaven, did not reek of alcohol (but did have possession of a couple of unopened beer cans) and did have a sparkle in his eyes (and no, it was not glassed over).

As I asked him questions, I noticed that he was respectful and that there was just something different about him. I told "Michael" that I needed to conduct a Field Interview Card (FIC) on him and was going to issue him a trespass warning for the business and to follow me over to my patrol vehicle.

I thought to myself, "man I would love the opportunity to 'speak" with this guy" about his status and more importantly about God's love for him, what his purpose in life is all about, and how he's sees himself as giving back to God. These are usually the three things that I will discuss with people with whom God lays on my heart this desire to speak with.

As I thought about this, I also thought that I could not discuss this matter with my zone partner present and thought that I would like to have some alone time to complete my FIC, Trespass Warning, and speak to this man. At that exact moment, the alert tone on our radio went off. "beep...beep...beep". This is our alert tone for a crime in progress and is most often used for a hold up or an armed robbery of some type. In fact, it was a report of a strong armed robbery taking place with screaming in the background. My zone partner said; "gotta go" and took off.

Now alone with Michael and after a few minutes of the standard line of questioning I asked Michael "what did he see as his purpose in life?" Michael replied "What do you mean?" I noticed that Michael had a tattoo of a cross on his left hand. I asked him "what about that cross tattooed on your hand, do you believe that you were created by God?" Michael replied "Yes I am a Christian".

I asked Michael, "then how do you think that you should honor God and give back to him for creating you?". Michael thought for a moment and said, " Well sir, I don't know, honestly I've never thought about God like that before". I explained to Michael that God created you for a specific purpose that God gave each one of us special gifts and talents and that we should use those gifts to honor him and not to honor ourselves. I told Michael that he was not honoring his creator by being homeless and drunk all day long. Michael agreed. Then I noticed that Michael had a gleam in his eye and said; "I believe that God gave me the ability to play music". I love music, and until I sold my guitar for beer money I played Christian music".

Tears began to weld up in Michael's eyes and he said; "Sir, I've made some very bad mistakes in my life". As I finished up the FIC card and the computer checks, I told Michael that I was not here to condemn him. I showed Michael a bracelet that I wear. On the bracelet is the words "Forgiven". I asked Michael to read these words, and tell me what do they say? Michael read the bracelet and stated slowly the words, "Forgiven". I said, "Michael, God has already forgiven you for the sins that you (and I) have committed but you have never forgiven yourself". Tears began to flow now down both sides of Michael eyes.

Michael said, "Sir, tell me again why did you come here today". Seizing this opportunity I told Michael that "God sent me here to tell you clean yourself up, go to a quite place alone, get on your knees and get right with God, and go and forth and give back to your creator for the things that he has given you". I handed Michael a "You Have the Right to Remain Silent" tract and give him directions to visit a local church and the name of one of our department chaplains who is a pastor at that church.

Michael said, "Sir, I do believe that God sent you here to me today to talk to me". I have never had another police officer ever talk to me like you did, thank you".

I tried to hurry Michael along because I wanted to go help the other four patrol units and our helicopter go look for this armed robber as I put my car in drive, Michael said, "Sir, can I shake your hand one more time?" I put my foot on the brake and shook Michael's hand again and he said, "Sir I promise you that I will go and pray and think about you said". Michael asked, "how can I reach you?".

I told Michael to not worry about trying to reach me that the best gift for me would be for me not to see him out here on the streets anymore and that one day we would see one another in heaven. Michael looked down at the ground and shook his head in acknowledgment. I told Michael that I had to go now, but that I would pray for him and told him "God Bless" as I drove away. Michael said; "No sir, God bless you".

As I pulled out of the business parking lot I turned my patrol car to the north and started to head in the general direction of the armed robbery call that my partner had hurriedly rushed off to. I checked my MDC computer at the call. I noticed that all the patrol units were now cancelled and cleared off the call. I looked at the complaint on the call and it said; "Unknown". Comments by the dispatchers and officers into the CAD call read; "Searched parking lot of any witnesses and victim, no flag down and no witnesses". Dispatchers did make contact with a female caller who stated that she did not want any help, that there was no crime, and did not wish to speak with any police officers". I shook my head in amazement and stated "Thank you God for giving me time with Michael".

Say what you will, but I believe that God created a time frame in a instant for me to speak with Michael.

Some Questions For Review

Bible verse for reading: Hebrews 13:2 " Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it"

• Can you allow God to create time for you to work on the spiritual needs of those in your community who are hurting?
• What words can you say to help those who have needs like Michael?
• Can you see pass the obvious to those who are spiritual in need of Christ's salvation and love?
• Would you have seen Michael as just another 'homeless drunk'?

Thought That You Had A Bad Week?

• I received this e-mail from a fellow Deputy Sheriff who works in another county Sheriff's Office here in Florida about 100 miles from me. I thought it was something that every officer who reads this blog could appreciate as we have all been there at one time or another (but not all at once) I immediately called this brother officer to tell him "God Bless" and "WOW" What a week! I also thought of some great Bible passage to go along with this post. Please read them and keep them in mind as you read his e-mail which has been edited for content. Also, this particular Deputy Sheriff does read this blog so feel free to post him a comment of encouragement at the end.
• James 1:12 "God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
• 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness".
• Hebrews 13:5 "For God has said, "I will never leave you or abandon you".
• Isaiah 52:12 " But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard. (NIV)

Dear Mike,

Glad to hear from you!! It has been a very rough period for my unit and agency. The State of Florida voted on a massive tax cut back and our people have been on edge for some time, but I have been trying to keep the positive. Our agency is a very lean one. The current sheriff has prided himself on keeping pay at competitive levels and maintaining a strong workforce. Now with the mandated budget cuts, we are looking to laying off a minimum of 25 sworn and 15 civilian staff. If the county gets its demanded reduction in our budget (which I cannot see happening) we will lose 104 deputies and 25 civilian staff!! There has always been a struggle, because as you know Florida Sheriff’s are in charge of their own budget. My Court Security Section is down 25% staff. Okay. This just sets you up for the environment.

Two weeks ago, one of my best and brightest deputies, that worked directly for me at one of our satellite court facilities, asked to go home early when his duties were done. A little while later, he told his wife he was not feeling well and laid down for a nap. His wife went to wake him up for dinner and he was dead. This Deputy was only 31 years old and a fantastic guy; however, though I was working on him, he was not a believer, as far as I can tell. Since his passing, I have heard some disturbing things from some of his friends that leads me to believe he was kind of keeping me humored.

During this deputy’s funeral, I get word that another one of my deputies, had just been taken to the hospital ED for possible cardiac issues. Turns out he has SIGNIFICANT blockage. Part of his heart muscle is calcified. He is still in the hospital and stable. He has had open heart surgery, but they could not take care of everything and he looks to be out for some time.

Another employee I have been having problems with since I got to this unit in July, causing me to activate the progressive discipline program for a number of wild and crazy things not to mention failure to call-in when not showing up for work. This deputy has been here for 11 years and has used ALL ACCRUED LEAVE TIME. Then suddenly this Deputy is served with Admin Leave w/Pay (you know what that means). The following week, we had a felony warrant for this same Deputy on doctor shopping charges where she has fraudulently obtained over 5000 narcotics and other controlled prescriptions.

Then, just last week, One more of my brightest and best and the “Radar O’Reilly” of the Court Security Section dies from a massive heart attack while at home. Danny was 53 years old. He had arranged for the day off to see his doctor about a messed up shoulder. He had been on light duty since December. This guy was fantastic. He knew where everything was, how to get it, how to get it fixed and what to do with it. Just a great guy. He had been with our agency starting as an auxiliary and then to Court Security for 30 years. This guy had it together. He definitely was a Christian and he and I had several conversations about Jesus and how He has worked in our lives.

Then comes today, Danny’s funeral was today at Noon. We had 120 jurors coming in, 85 inmates, and because of budget cuts and light duty staff and etc. we barely had enough to cover critical areas. In fact the Lt. and I were covering those. I call Patrol for assistance to cover during the funeral. The judges who could clear their dockets did, but we would still have some inmates and a couple judges that would have to continue. I was promised three deputies by the Patrol Shift commander.

About 0930 today we get word the construction doing demolition to part of our courthouse had just cut through the elevator power supply and we had jurors stuck on the elevators between floors. As we are getting them out, my daughter’s school calls and she is sick. I go down and verify there is no one else stuck in the elevators. I confirmed, we did a yell to the other elevator and no one answers (you see where this is going). I go pick up my daughter from school and get back to the office with her (cause it will take too long to get her home before the funeral). Get back and see fire/rescue pulling up. I ask what’s going on and they say they got a call from a woman on her cellphone that she is stuck on the elevator. After all the calls to the other elevator, she never answered and she did not use the elevator phone to call for help or ring the bell. Then, when 9-1-1 gets the call they don’t even call us on the radio to let us know that someone called!!

We get the lady out and I get my daughter in the car to go over to the funeral. Just get settled there and the guys I have left at the courthouse (who would not go to the funeral) call me and tell me that now we had a total blackout at the courthouse and that the inmate / holding cell elevator and the judge’s elevators are both stuck. So, I get back in the car, missing my deputy’s funeral, and head back over to the courthouse. Oh, and I forgot to mention that the Patrol Shift Commander “forgot” I called him. When I asked where my relief was about ½ hour before the funeral he said, “Nobody asked me…I don’t know anything about it.” He was surprised when I told him that I had called him directly and requested the personnel and was told, “Don’t worry about it. It is taken care of.”

Okay, so how’s your day!! LOL. Although I am frustrated and tired of the STUFF going on, I still know God has my back. (Isaiah 52:12)

Sorry for such a long e-mail, but I got yours at just the right time. Thanks for being there, Mike. I hope all is going well for you and your family. Looks like God is truly working on your end as well. Take care, brother.

Yours in Christ,

Troy

God Has Your Back! Isaiah 52:12

The following e-mail was sent to me from a police officer and Christian friend who was recently involved in an officer involved shooting. He asked that I allow other officers to read his e-mail in order to glorify God. Some of the events have been changed.

Dear Mike,

Well, I’d like to share a bible verse that assured me that God was with me that day and everyday. I was reading the book of Isaiah and chapter 52:12 caught my attention: But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard. (NIV) I interpreted this verse as God will never make me retreat in shame but lead me to victory because he’s got my 360. As I moved on to read the remaining chapters in Isaiah, I kept on reading this particular verse.

During the incident, things unraveled so fast that I had no time to think but react to the situation at hand. As I entered the store, I announced my presence and the Masked Bandit, without hesitation, ran toward me with his butcher knive at the ready. The rest is history.

After the incident, I kept on thinking about the what-ifs: What if my gun had jammed; what if I hesitated, what if he had a gun instead of a knife. The most likely answer to all the above questions is that at least I would be stabbed on my left collar bone with an approx. 8 inch blade.

While I was reading the Bible, I read Isaiah 52:12 again. Then, I realized that God was covering my 360 and nothing else would have happened. Everything that happened was in my favor. I can’t explain anymore how God had protected me that day, but if God was with you, you’d know, too. I guess it was foolish that I even thought about the what-ifs and probably says a lot about my faith in him.

Some people in the office call me a hero, but I’m not. I’m just glad that it’s over. God is the hero and may all the glory go to him. Just remember, David killed Goliath with 1 stone. If God can make a young teenage boy took down a giant, nothing is impossible for him. PRAISE THE LORD!
When you put on your uniform and go out to "protect and serve" just remain faithful in pray and remember Isaiah 52:12.

Has the Die Been Cast For You as Yet?

The following statement was e-mailed to me by a man that God used to uplift and encourge me after what seemed like a very difficult week on the job. I came home and opened this e-mail and could sense God's message to me, saying; "good job, well done my good and faithful servant, keep it up". I have printed this out and have placed it where I can read it whenever I start feeling sorry for my self. Thanks to Ron Leonard for sending this e-mail, and to Andrew Cowan for helping me put this into real words that all officers can understand.

Mike Dye
03/02/08

"I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed! I have the Holy Spirit's power! The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made-I'm a disciple of His!

I won't look back,let up,slow down,back away,or be still. My past is redeemed,my present makes sense,and my future is secure. I'm finished with low living,sight walking,smooth knees,colorless dreams,tamed visions,worldly talking,cheap giving,and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence,position,promotions,plaudits,or popularity. I don't have to be right,first,tops,recognized,praised,regarded,or rewarded. I now live by faith,depend on His presence,walk by patience,am uplifted by prayer,and labor with power.

That's what it means to be a disciple of Jesus"!!

(A national pastor who was later martyred in Zimbabwe Africa)

It is always interesting to look at our respective careers both while in the midst or at others who have retired. When we are on the job we too often focus on the rank, the position and the resources under our control. It seems that we also attribute (as do the public) our rank as decidedly marked to our abilities. How many of us and the public have looked at the 50 year old front desk guy as a performer or wonder why they don’t just retire and how did they even get hired? In reality some of the best cops I know are the lifelong Constables who never strove for promotion, never wanted glory and day in/day out performed their duties simply to make a difference.

We all started out this career wanting to make a difference, to change lives or to help someone but somewhere, somehow along the way may have lost sight of the bigger picture. Rank, honours, accolades don’t matter at all in the scope of eternity yet we all at some point strive for it. What matters is that where you are and what you are doing is where He wants you to be and intends to use you.

If you are feeling down, wondering why that promotion passed you by or what is in store for you wonder no more; God has something bigger and better in store as He is in control of it all. Two years ago I wondered why a job which seemed perfect didn’t come through. Now I know the answer: a promotion this fall was named only weeks after the passing of my wife which also meant that I didn’t have to move the kids, had staffing off my back for at least 2 years, didn’t have to move offices and amazingly enough, it was better that “that perfect job” two years ago. Funny how it all works out even when we wonder at the time why He didn’t give it to us then….

I am always amazed how God can speak when we just take time to listen and remember that He is in charge.

God Bless
Andrew Cowan
FCPO Canada, National President

Prostitutes and Suspended Drivers Licenses

Authors Note: This was written back in November 2007 when this incident first occurred but I had forgotten about it and just recently discovered it in a hidden e-mail. Maybe, it was God's plan that it was time now to release this specifically for some officer who may find themselves in this same situation.

At 0230 this morning while, helping another Deputy with an arrest of a driver for a suspended drivers license who was intoxicated, I conducted a field interview card (FIC) on the drivers two passengers, who just happened to be two local prostitutes. As always, I sort of set up the conversation with a warm up by asking "What demons are you fighting", and "You know this kind of life is not the life that you need to be living".

At the part of the FIC where I ask, if you have any "scars, marks, or tattoos" one of the prostitutes who I will call "Beth" said that she had a "cross" on a hand. I told her that it was ironic that she had a cross on her hand because the man who died on that cross is the only person who could free you from all your issues. Beth told me very sternly that "God is not a judgemental God you just remember that! ". I immediately snapped back, "No, that is where you are wrong, He is the Ultimate Judge". I went on to say, "However, you have created a god in your mind that is not judgemental". She shook her head in silence but didn't say anything and began to whimper.

The second prostitute didn't say anything at all and seemed to ignoring this conversation. Beth then asked me if I had ever heard of Odnism. I told her "no, what is it?" (but really had), she told me "I should look it up". Again, I asked her to tell me what Odnism was and she then admitted that she did not know but that her son follows it. I finished up and handed both the prostitutes the "You Have the Right to Remain Silent" tract At the same time as I handed the tract to Beth I said to her, "I know Odnism and it is not of God it is much about fairy tale god's and goddesses and has nothing to do with the one real God who WILL Judge both you and me".

As I finished up one last radio check I saw Beth began to read the tract that I had just gave her and she started crying. I told her to go read the tract and know that I will be praying for her. Beth and the other prostitute walked away holding the tract.

I did not have the time to take them through the "Good Person Test" or I would have (I have it as a link on my website) there was just to much going on with my Sergeant, a Tow Truck Driver, and two other Deputies, not to mention a busy radio.

But, I have seen both prostitutes in the past, and plan on following up with them if I see them again. It is my sincere prayer that I don't see either one again. Maybe, it will be a confirmation that something clicked inside them.

Authors Note: From November 2007 until February 2008 I have not seen either girl.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF:

1) Would you have handled this situation in the same manner or in some other way?

2) How could you bring someone to Christ (or introduced) in a short 10 minute or less encounter?

3) Do you believe that the people with whom you encounter, while on the job is 'worthy' of your time to spend it leading someone to a life with Christ?

4) If you could talk like this to strangers why can't you talk to your fellow officers in the same way?

Money & Marriage Divided

Tonight, for my last call of the night, I responded to a 911 disconnect call. If you have been in law enforcement longer than 30 days you will know that 911 disconnects can be anything from a child playing on the telephone to a murder in progress. Whenever, I get one of these calls, being as tactically sound as I can, I approach the residence from a distance and on the walk-up listen for anything that may provide a clue as to what is going on inside the residence that resulted in 911 being called.

This night was no different. As I approached the front door I heard a female in a verbal argument with a male. As I rang the doorbell, I heard the male voice say; "Oh, great! Now you've done it the cops are here". Little did this man know that due to recent budget cutbacks there were no "cops" it was only "a cop" but I was carrying the best back-up partner ever.....AMEN!

The man opened the door and invited me into their beautifully furnished, but older home. I asked the standard cop questions such as "how many people are in the residence?", "was there any physical altercation or was it verbal only?" you folks know the lingo here. Anyways, I had a very calm sense about this call and did not panic. I listened to their complaints and found out very quickly that this was one of the "Dear Mike, I'm sending you to help these people, Thanks God" type calls.

Now before you think that I've totally lost it and to be completely fair about it. I don't always have this kind of sense about all calls. Believe me, I am just as quick to "hook a crook" as anyone but this wasn't the case. This was one of those "I called 911 because I needed to talk to someone as a couple call". The whole reason that 911 was called in the first place was a verbal argument over the lost of income and of these newly married couple's standard of living. You see the husband worked as a mortage broker and if you have watched CNN, FOX, etc. in the last 10 days you can probably figure out that the mortage broker business is not the best right now. Life was good when he was bringing in 100K a year, and his wife was his 'stay at home' assistance but now funds are tight and the wife needed to get a job outside of the home and it was causing stress upon the marriage.

I listened and found out they both had once been involved in Church. I asked them if they had a "spiritual advisor", "Pastor", "Priest" or "Chaplain" that they could turn too in these difficult times. They both said "no". I told them that I had discovered in my personal life, that having some type of a firm spiritual foundation was critical to marriage survival and that money was not the reason that a marriage should be split over. By now, both spouses had calmed way down and they both had a general concern for each other's welfare and the bottom line, was lack of communication. You see, she felt bad that his ego was bruised and he felt bad that she had to go get a job to help pay the family bills. i, working with God, only brought out the words needed to help bring peace to the home. The female asked me where I worshiped and I told her. They both thanked me for coming and realized that they had just been stupid over the argument. I spent nearly 45 minutes at the home talking to this couple and believe me I believe it was well worth it! But here is something that I believe that this couple did not know. That in our society we misunderstand what it means to be "rich". You can have a lot of power, money, fame, and yet be poor because you lack the one thing in life that can make you rich. That is having a Godly purpose to live for.

Tonight's call did two things; it grounded me spiritually and reminded me that God has placed me right where he wants me. Second it got me to write again. If you have ever heard of "writers block" I get it about every week.....LOL! Tonight's call prompted me to write again for the first time in well over a month.

Tonight's call also caused me to reflect on just how much money is a HUGE issue with today's law enforcement officers. Investments, 401K, stockmarkets woes, mortgage short-falls, etc. With all the money issues and concerns that is going on in today's society, I begin to wonder just how many "Domestic Disturbance" calls that officer's throughout North America were handling right now. I thought about money being satan's folly.

As I reflected on just how much money has impacted my own life. I remember, growing up as a kid in the 1970's (now, you will see my age here). My parents scraped up enough money to pay $15.00 for top-priced ticket to my first ever concert to see none other than Elvis Presley, the King of Rock-n-Roll. (I hoped it would have been KISS) I remember vivdly reaching my hand down from the baclony of the Lakeland (FL) Civic Center to try and grab one of Elvis' scarves that he was tossing to the audience members behind the stage. I never got a scarf, but instead Elvis grabbed my outreached hand and shook it instead. I thought that was cool. After that night, I wanted to be like Elvis and wear a jewled studded suit, with diamond rings on my hand and gold chains around my neck, and ride in Limos. Elvis was the king of "bling" before there was even the word "bling".

It wasn't until years after Elvis' death while watching an eposide of CNN talk show "Larry King"who was interviewing Elvis' ex-wife, Priscilla Presley, when I heard something that I had never thought about before. Priscilla told Larry King that "Elvis did not know who he was ment to be and what his purpose in life was all about. " Priscilla went on to say that "Elvis thought about helping people, maybe becoming a doctor or a police officer but instead went on stage night after night and was a loney and unfullfilled person". Here was a guy that by all standards lived the life of Riley. He had everything that money could buy and yet he was a unhappy and loney man and died as such.

So, here is the lesson to all of us LEO's out there who may be working tons of overtime to help pay for the toys of life that you feel you need in order to keep up with "the Jones". You may be spending your weekends workings and not with your family in church all the way justifying ever bit of it. However, Money is not everything, in fact money is nothing. Money is something that God has entusted you to. Afterall it was He, not you, that allowed you to have your job, your promotion, and your money.

It doesn't matter how much you have, or how little you have, if you don't understand your Godly purpose to live by, you will be (spiritually) poor and die a loney unfullfilled person.

I believe it is my purpose to give officer's insight into calls for service that I respond to in which I believe that God's purpose can work through me (and you) in order to make a difference in the lives of the people with whom you encounter on your beat.

You see, I've had the opportunity to touch the hands of two Kings. One of earthly wealth, who died a loney and unfullfilled person. And one who is a heavenly King of all Kings, who walks besides me everyday, who gives me purpose, and fullfillment, and someone who I will be able to spend enterity with. Which King do you follow?

May God richly bless you this week and may you bless someone else!

In His Service,

Mike

Luke 16:13 : "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he willbe devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."

Philippans 4:11-13; " I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him (Christ Jesus) who gives me strength.