Two years ago, the cousins came for an extended visit. My husband and I noticed and discussed the fact that every time my nephew saw a police officer, he became visibly disturbed. We watched the movie Courageous with him. Problem? He did not identify with the good "Black" cop. He identified with the drug dealers in the movie. We would see him imitating the behavior of "TJ" (head bad guy) in the movie! What do you do???
We introduced him to every police officer (and fireman) we came into contact with...even if it was an incovenience. It became sort of a game. Anytime the boys saw an officer, they yelled out excitedly, "Police Officer!", or "Sherriff!" When Sir returned this year, it was like he hadn't left (in this area, at least😊). The game continued. I am sure that all the stickers, speeches, and extra positive attention had a great effect on both of the boys...and the girls.
A few situations have happened that have caused me to really stop think about what we are trying to accomplish with all this police praise.
1. I was pulled over, treated rudely, and given an unjust ticket....with my son in the car! We were headed to the airport to pick up my husband and daughter. They had surprised Grandpa in California for his birthday. I was listening to an audio book while driving. The other 3 kids were IN THEIR SEATBELTS enjoying the ride. I saw the lights of a highway patrolman, who had been tailing me, come on behind my car! I had seen him a mile back and thought nothing of it. I wasn't speeding, or doing anything else wrong, so I didn't worry. I was shocked when he pulled me over, asked for my papers, and accused my son of "walking around in the back seat". Not just being unbuckled; but completely out of his seat and walking around. Anyone who knows us, knows that is a complete lie. What do I look like having my only son, 4 years old,unbuckled, walking around in the back of my car, on the highway, windows rolled down (AC broken), in the middle of the Summer?!? I'll wrap this little tale up, cause I'm getting upset all over again!!! I went to court - over an hour away from home - twice. In the end, I didn't have to pay the ticket because the officer never showed up for court. He was out on an extended medical leave for throat surgery and no one knew when he would return (according to his officer friend). Coincidence? I think not! I know God is real and that He heard the petition of His child who was treated unjustly and embarrassed by a man in uniform in front of her children.
2. A few months later, I was home doing the dishes. The kids and I noticed that a police officer was parked on the church property (next door), watching for speeders. They excitedly ran inside and asked if they could go say "hello!" to him. I allowed them to go and sent some pecan pie with them.
He came again a few days later and they greeted him with smiles and oranges (I was out of pie!). He came over and thanked us for our generosity, warm welcome, and snacks. He gave the kids stickers and allowed them to look inside the car. This is where the story takes a turn. He only showed them the back seat! I don't know if there is some rule about not letting kids or others see inside the front; but this bothered me. Did he even consider showing them anything other than what the law breakers see?
3. This third situation brings me to the main point of this whole post. Recently I was reading Proverbs thirty-one. Usually, I sort of skim through the first nine verses and focus on the last 20 or so. This is the chapter about how to be a virtuous woman, right? This day was a little different.
I was aware that this passage was written by a queen - a mother, teaching her son. Maybe it was her last words to him before he went off into the world, or even became king. What did she think was important for him to know. I saw five things:
First, she called him king Lemuel. The name/word Lemuel (according to my sources - wikipedia and "she knows" baby names) means "devoted to, or belonging to God"; or "the king to whom God spoke". How Beautiful! My desire is for my sons to be devoted to God and for God to speak to them daily as they grow in the Lord.
Second, she charged him to be chaste. There is noting like a rotten woman to rob a man of all his potential and ruin his life.(v.3)
Third, she encouraged him to be a man of justice. I am reminded of Micah 6:8. God said that doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God is not only good; but required of all of us. (v. 5,8,9)
Fourth, to have mercy. To know when to have mercy requires discernment. (v.8,9)
Fifth, to be characterized by sobriety and temperance. ( v.4 - 7)
Last of all, she describes to him the "perfect" or "model" wife/queen. (v.10 - 31)
What does all this have to do with the movie Courageous and my recent experiences with the "Cops"?
As a mother, I am given direction from the word of God what to focus on as I teach my sons. It doesn't matter what my experiences are; I am to continue to praise and lift up the position of enforcing the law and ensuring peace in our community, country, and world. When we encounter those who abuse that position, or forget the power of their words and actions; we must remind ourselves and our children that EVERY human being makes the choice daily to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God; or not. We don't curse the whole process or institution because of individuals who make bad choices. There will be days when we make bad choices. Every sane person wants justice when they have been wronged. Every sane person wants mercy when they have done wrong. It takes a unique person of great discernment to hold the office deciding when to give which. It is my hope that God will help us to equip our little Raymond with the tools and knowledge to be the man of justice he admires so much.
Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.
-Jeremiah 29:5-7
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
- Matthew 5:9
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| Raymond is making sure the laundry is sorted properly.😉 |
Until Next Time,
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