Violence in Dallas. Violence in Baton Rouge. Where do we start to push back the violence?
One family’s solution: Thank the officers who sacrifice their lives to keep us safe.
My friend, Sharon Brani, is my guest today. I wanted her to share with you what her family did. In her words to me, ” Each person doing what they can has a ripple effect that can turn this thing around. I have to focus on living it out in my corner of the world where it is very heated. ”
Here’s Sharon:
DOING WHAT YOU CAN
By Sharon Brani
Years ago he sat in my first grade class –
twinkly eyes, mischief all over, and I taught him.
I also protected him from any possible danger day after day
giving him a safe environment to learn.
Today he serves as a police officer in our community
and day after day he risks his life to protect me.
Strange how life can change.
All around us threats of violence churn. Blood has been shed. Lives lost.
My heart has been burdened with pain
That night I tossed and turned.
The next morning very early I spoke with my girls and presented an idea.
A chicken sandwich for every office along with a handwritten note.
“How many officers are there?” I asked my boy – now an officer.
He is only one. There are a number of my former students serving as police officers.
Daily risking their precious lives.
“42” he texted back.
Suddenly everything began to fall into place.
The drive to Chick- fil-a was fast while we talked over our plan.
Order 42 chicken sandwiches and then go to the nearby store to pick up index cards and markers.
Together we sat at the table writing a simple message.
White card with black lettering. Simple. Bold. Strong.
“Thanks for all you do. You matter. From the Brani family.”
Simple but there are no words to language how much care went into each card.
I thought of my boys and girls grown now and carrying burdens of our world.
Once so innocent and filled with laughter.
Today day after day
risking their lives for me
for you.
My heart overflows with thanksgiving for each officer.
They take their place in an imperfect world and do what they can.
They serve
and sometimes lay down their lives.
What price do you place on that?
Blood shed.
But there was another Who poured out His blood saying
“Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”
A Light brightly shining proclaiming grace, forgiveness and peace to a fallen world.
The aroma of those 42 chicken sandwiches filled with air as we taped a personal note on each one.
Excitement mounted as we drove to the police station
and walked inside carrying the large container.
Once more
there were no words to express.
Eyes met eyes as we explained to the officer what we had done.
Yes, he was another boy grown into manhood whom I knew from years ago.
We left that morning
knowing that we had done what we could
and that it was only the beginning.
Simply saying Thank You
where there are no words to say how grateful we are for their sacrifice.
Men and women.
Someone’s husband, wife, father, mother, uncle, aunt, etc.
All of us connected. Moving together through this life.
Love is the only answer.
Let’s change our world. Will you join me?
Yes Sharon, we will! Let’s do what we can to bring the peace of Jesus to our corner of the world.
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