Resiliency

A few weeks ago I spoke at a Zoom retreat for police and their spouses. The topic was Resiliency/Trusting in God. There were actually a few people who heard about the upcoming sessions and complained to the organizer for one simple reason: we had the audacity to be helping cops.

After hearing about that I knew that the topic was an appropriate one for the season most cops are going through today. I taught from God's word because it has plenty to say about the topic. Some of you may be surprised to hear that because many police services still believe that only mental health professionals should be made available to their men and women. It is a barrier that is extremely difficult to get through because it has been in place for many years.

The stress being put on police families today is something never seen before although the instigators of this have been working long and hard to see this day. I won't get into the topic of enablers but we all know that the media in general, is not a friend of policing. So even when the rank and file get home, they are bombarded with false narratives through everything from social media to mainline news outlets. The regular pressures of work therefore follow them home. It means that there is very little opportunity to decompress and it inevitably takes a toll on family life.

The Bible teaches us that life will always produce these challenges but that God uses them to mould and shape our lives if we allow Him to. In Hebrews 12:1, 2 we are told about Jesus being the "author and finisher of our faith". It talks about "running with endurance the race that is set before us". For many today that race is turning into a marathon that seems to have no finish line. What I and billions of people over the centuries have discovered is that a relationship with Jesus gives you an advocate that supports you in the race. You still have to run the race but your hope and trust is not in an institution or even other people, but rather on the creator of the universe.

That is not meant to sound preachy but rather it is spoken from experience. I want to encourage you to consider reaching out to a Christian chaplain or clergy that you respect. Ask them how you can know the peace that God gives in the midst of turmoil. There are all kinds of resources and other religious practices out there but give Jesus a try. What do you have to lose? 

Chaplain Hillar Alkok

                                                                                   TPS Chaplain on a ride along

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