By now, most people have seen this photo of 12 year old Devante Hart
hugging and being hugged by Portland, OR, Police Sergeant Bret Barnum at
a Ferguson protest rally in Portland, Oregon on 11/28/14.
The young man wa
s
holding a sign reading, "Free Hugs." Sgt. Barnum came up and spoke to
him for a few minutes, just like he might any 12 year old. Young Mr.
Hart began tearing up, and when Sgt. Barnum asked him for a hug, we see
the results. Two human beings, one in a uniform who stands ready to
give his life for this young man if needed, and another who is willing
to step across the divide created by a belief about the police.
The young man wa
s
holding a sign reading, "Free Hugs." Sgt. Barnum came up and spoke to
him for a few minutes, just like he might any 12 year old. Young Mr.
Hart began tearing up, and when Sgt. Barnum asked him for a hug, we see
the results. Two human beings, one in a uniform who stands ready to
give his life for this young man if needed, and another who is willing
to step across the divide created by a belief about the police.
“If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your
tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil
and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord
watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the
Lord turns his face against those who do evil.” – 1 Peter 3:10-12 (NLT)
“It took 10 deputies to stop that angry man and I couldn’t
take his vital signs…” The new nurse excitedly relating with me why her shift
at Intake the night prior was overwhelming.
“Yup…It happens…” I calmly responded.
“This would not be your first nor last…”
“But in each time, you’ll learn something new…”
Some of the deputies who worked with her that night
intermittently came by to say “hello” to her as she worked in the Clinic that
Saturday night. Their faces showing weariness…Yet one particular mood was easy
to spot…
“You guys heard it, too from the news?” one asked.
He was talking about the two New York cops shot by an angry
man who wanted revenge.
We all shared that pain. That sadness.
Anyone who works in law enforcement knows that this is a big
family and it hurts so much to lose innocent, honest working cops to such
tragic acts. It doesn’t help when the media or any politician plays with people’s
emotions to get them on their side and win their selfish causes. Lies being
delivered as if they’re the sole truths.
“Have some sweets,” I offered to one visiting deputy. Quiet
while sitting the whole time as if he had no energy left from mixed emotions that
he was trying to put off.
“Merry Christmas and be safe when you’re out there,” I
cautioned as he wished all the nursing staff the same.
He would go back to the prison’s Intake. The sadness and his
tired body were needed to be put aside as we all knew… that he would face many
more combative arrestees and those who were committed to play tough and resist
authority.
I silently prayed knowing that the “Prince of Peace” was
within reach. Because I understood from Him.
It’s a lot harder to MAKE PEACE than to wage war at times.
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2014/12/21/slain-cops-13-year-old-son-shares-his-grief-on-facebook-rip-dad/
Lord, I ask that You protect those who work hard in law enforcement and the military.
Comfort those who lost their loved ones unexpectedly. Help those who selflessly labor for Your
Kingdom and help them endure. Thank You for the true peace You alone give.
Thank You that You are watching over the righteous despite these trying times.
Thank You for coming here in this dark place to make Your Light be known. Thank
You for dying for us so we can live.
