Blessed are They…

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.”

– Matthew 5:9

I try not to get religious with Heroes in Blue or any other organization I work with but when events like Wednesday take place, it’s hard not to recall Matthew’s recount of Jesus preaching to the disciples.

 “Blessed are the peacemakers,” Jesus says. “For they will be called the children of God.”

This verse continues to strike a chord with me; it always has, the whole chapter has. I think it does so because it calls to the kindness and charity that lies dormant in the heart until unleashed. For some that chamber goes unsealed but for many, that chamber becomes unleashed early and often, much like how the deceased electorate in Chicago casts their votes.

“Blessed are the peacemakers,” Jesus declares. But in today’s age, who are the peacemakers in such a volatile society?

With so many public issues of strife and discontent in today’s world, it is tough to say. Each sect of the populace will assuredly have a different answer but, if our hearts and minds might allow, let us step back from the impassioned discourse of unreasoned emotional thought and speak plainly for a moment. 

I am called to look upon members of the law enforcement community as peacemakers and it shows in their actions.

One of the main goals of Heroes In Blue is to bring awareness of the positive impact members of the law enforcement departments have on their communities. So let us take a look at that.

In addition to the rigid structure and simplistic beauty of a group of impeccably uniformed men snapping to attention, law enforcement officers bring peace to our communities.

While the 24-hour news cycle has a news thirst that cannot be quenched might disagree, the predominant actions of police officers across the country are those that are good and contribute to society. Oftentimes they go untold. The exception to the rule may get the most public and media notoriety but on Wednesday, South Carolina honored the men who contributed the most. They gave their lives.

The Palmetto State honored men like 32-year old Greg Alia, whose stories of charity and kindness were tragically not told until after his death. It honored Delton Daniels and Stacy Case, who were tragically killed in automobile accidents last year. Next year the state will honor Allen Jacobs, who was killed in the line of duty after first selflessly serving his nation, then his community.

To be completely honest, I was somewhat ambivalent about law enforcement officers in the past. I have been extremely fortunate to not need their services other than to give me the occasional speeding or parking ticket. But it is the things you need the most that you take for granted and miss the most once they are gone.

On September 30 of last year my friend, Greg Alia, was shot and killed in the line of duty. Since that day I have had a much greater appreciation for the sacrifices and actions of our law enforcement officers. 

They give without being asked, they offer things not demanded but in need and they are always the first to “fulfill their duty” and help in the event of an emergency.

But all these officers seem to donate without cause to do so. They give back to their communities not because it makes their job easier but because they see the struggle and strife of the citizens around them and know that it will help others.

They are the first to be blamed and the last to receive praise. They are underpaid by a lot for what they actually contribute to society. A whole lot. 

Sadly, all too sadly, it takes tragedies like these to bring to light the incredible positive impact these men and women have on our communities and lives.

No police officer will ever be rich, unless they were to randomly and improbably win the lottery. But their actions help us all, whether we acknowledge that in our everyday lives or not. Their actions make the world a better place for our children.

 And that is why, after all is said and done, they will be the children of God.

Another version of this story was published on the official Heroes in Blue Facebook page without the religious excerpts in order to foster inclusion to all people of all beliefs visiting the page.