I’ll just say it up front…I am not an expert on this topic. The following thoughts are just those of a person who has encountered officers dealing with PTS (Post Traumatic Stress) and how it affects every facet of their life. My intentions are to offer some type of hope - a Christian perspective - to someone out there who might be hurting.
With that out of the way, I want to tell you about Bob. Bob is an officer and someone I’ve known for awhile. These days, Bob finds himself pretty much at the end of his rope with nothing to hang on to but a mere thread.
Oh, he may tell you otherwise. He may say that everything is “okay” and that life is one big party; to leave him alone and he’ll be fine. But you see, I’ve seen the other side of Bob. The one that is passionate about law enforcement and helping his fellow man. I’ve witnessed times when Bob’s whole demeanor would light up when talking about doing this or that for someone.
Bob was raised in church…learned right from wrong. He had a sense of humor and personality that was infectious and trustworthy. However, Bob has changed. He quit his job – the one that he loved. He’s let himself go both physically and spiritually. His words are filled with sarcasm and pain. And, the bottle has become a trusted friend.
How many Bob’s do we know in this world…in law enforcement? One too many, more than likely. They are our walking wounded. Physically there, but emotionally checked out.
They’ve witnessed things they wouldn’t wish on their own worst enemy, and quite possibly have taken measures they never hoped to take. Their insides scream at them as if they were the bad guy. And yet, they know that what they had to do was part of the job - part of who they are.
The end of last week, another Bob took his life. For whatever reason, the pressures of being a cop…a father…a husband…a man became too taxing. He couldn’t stand the pain anymore and, in his mind, no-one was there to help – to offer an escape from the pain. If only he’d known.
May I just say that there is always hope. To you officers out there who are struggling to deal with the junk day in and day out, hang on. You’re not alone. Though the nightmares may rage and the enemy may prowl at the door of your thoughts, remember that there is One who can whisper a single word causing the tempest to toss no more.
There is One who has defeated the enemy and his wicked schemes. There is One who walked on water and healed the blind. He is the Great Physician and a Mighty Healer. He offers peace and security and tells us that He will fight our battles and surround us with His ministering agents.
He beckons you and I to come to Him when we are weary and heavy laden. To lay at his feet all those troubles and trials that burden us down and He will redeem us and make us whole. Do you want to be healed? Do you need a little relief? Then come to the Master who knit you together in your mother’s womb and allow Him to restore, refresh, and prepare a table for you. Don’t turn your back on the only true hope that you have. He’s all you need and can restore what you have lost.
For you wives, families, and friends of those who are hurting and experiencing the pain of earthly wounds. May God’s peace be upon you and shine down around you. May His feathers cover you with loving kindness and may He dry all your tears of concern. Remember friends, weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Look up! Look up to your Savior whom comes mightily to save and deliver you. Allow Him to bring you the comfort and strength you so desperately long for.
With that, I know it’s not a usual, everyday blog with words of wisdom from the world, however I pray that today it has helped bring healing and peace. And Bob…you know who you are. I pray that you will walk wounded into the arms of Jesus leaving your bandages behind as a testimony for all.
God bless!
Kristi
