Middle of the night. Dead asleep. I struggle to reorient myself as the call comes in and I’m forced to snap back to into reality. It’s his watch commander from the police department.
He’s needed. But isn’t he always? I quickly acknowledge the rhetorical question that flashes across my mind. He’s always needed.
He’s needed. By the citizens of the community that he swore to serve and protect. Because evil and darkness prey on the innocent, the vulnerable, the unsuspecting. This sheepdog’s training, knowledge and experience synergistically offer the most high caliber officer out there for the sheep’s benefit. The wolf prowls and the flock needs watched, so he’s needed.
He’s needed. By his brothers and sisters in blue as they unite to confront the worst of a society, upholding law and order. Bringing to justice those responsible for unspeakable crimes against humanity. Whatever it takes, there is no limit to their courage, even if it’s a fight to the death. He’s needed.
He’s needed. For at home, he has two little shadows to which he is an incredible father, robed in strength and might, yet tender enough to sing hymns as they glide together in the rocking chair at bedtime. He is the authority, the encourager, but also the funnest. And at their impressionable young age, he’s just the daddy and hero they need.
He’s needed. By his wife at home who knows the risk to his life and yet puts on a brave face, pecks him on the lips, and ushers him out into the dark world beyond. She knows he’s steadfast. She’s confident in his ability. And even when he’s off-duty, he never truly is. His vigilance, intuition and strategical mind are never at rest. She knows he’s always needed.
The reality of being a law enforcement family is that we don’t know what our future holds, but we know WHO holds it. You see, HE is needed because he is needed. Christ is who we need in this life. Christ is all-sufficient for all of our needs. He is before all things and in him all things hold together (Colossians 1:17) and we can trust that in all things, He is enough. Theologian AW Tozer once said, “While it looks like things are out of control, behind the scenes, there is a God who has not surrendered authority.” Life is messy, ugly, tragic, unpredictable and rarely happens as we’d like, but with life in Christ, we find our purpose, our hope and His peace that allows us to run the race well.
One of my favorite songs repeats the phrase, “Lord, I need you. Oh, I need you. Every hour, I need you. You’re my one defense, my righteousness, oh God how I need you.” The depths of our need can only be met in His limitless, inexhaustible grace. Oh, how He’s needed.
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
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Heidi Hogan is an enthusiastic supporter of the thin blue line and encourager of LEOWs. She is a devoted Christ follower, a wife to her officer and mother to her boys. She is a homemaker, critical care RN, and active member of her church. She is the Director of Family Support for Midwest Chaplain Network, a member of Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers and organizer of the KC Law Enforcement Conference, which will hold its 6th annual seminar this July 2020 (www.leomarriages.com). Moreover, she can be heard on Bott Radio Network, The Watch Your 6 Podcast, MCN’s First Responder Summits and also enjoys writing for law enforcement publications. You can reach her at [email protected].
