My Faith
A police officer questions his faith.11 total reviews
Comment from LJbutterfly
I counseled veterans returning home from war. Their experiences were horrifying. However, police officers experience the same horrors, except their tour of duty does not end after two or four years. I am amazed and thankful you found peace after experiencing the things you wrote about. Most of us can't even imagine what a dead child, or worst, looks like.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts about faith. Best wishes in the contest.
reply by the author on 09-Dec-2024
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I counseled veterans returning home from war. Their experiences were horrifying. However, police officers experience the same horrors, except their tour of duty does not end after two or four years. I am amazed and thankful you found peace after experiencing the things you wrote about. Most of us can't even imagine what a dead child, or worst, looks like.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts about faith. Best wishes in the contest.
Comment Written 08-Dec-2024
reply by the author on 09-Dec-2024
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Thank you so much. The most of the public have no idea what we experience. So many times I haver people say,"I could do your job!" I just laughed to myself knowing they could not.
I am happy to have faith in my life.
Comment from Nicki.B
Firstly well done. Your service as a police officer is truelly appreciated, I wonder always how you guys deal mentally with all the tragedy and loss and devastation and danger you encounter in your jobs. I can really understand why your faith was tested. Your mental health I would imagine gets tested too in that role. But I'm so glad that you didn't lose the faith and found comfort and solice once again in God. Great story we'll dine.
Best Wishes
Nicki
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2024
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Firstly well done. Your service as a police officer is truelly appreciated, I wonder always how you guys deal mentally with all the tragedy and loss and devastation and danger you encounter in your jobs. I can really understand why your faith was tested. Your mental health I would imagine gets tested too in that role. But I'm so glad that you didn't lose the faith and found comfort and solice once again in God. Great story we'll dine.
Best Wishes
Nicki
Comment Written 08-Dec-2024
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2024
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Nicki,
First thank for your kind words about my story and me.
When I first started there was no such thing as counseling. You just handled yourself or talk with other officers l
Thankfully before I retired our department realized the importance of mental health. Officers could see a mental health specialist. In some cases like a shooting it was mandatory. One of my partners was involved in shooting. Two men robbed 7-11. He arrived just as they pulling out of the parking lot. A chase began their calr ended in a ditch. Be pulled up on them. Other cars were pulling up. Just as he was stepping out oh his car. The driver opened the door and steps out firing two shots at the officer. The God both shots did him. He returned fire, killing the shooter. The department gave time and ordered him to meet with the mental health doctor. After that,shootings were automatically handled that way.
Today' officers have help. No longer do they have to handle issues on their own.
Thank you again for your kind words.
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Nicki,
First thank for your kind words about my story and me.
When I first started there was no such thing as counseling. You just handled yourself or talk with other officers l
Thankfully before I retired our department realized the importance of mental health. Officers could see a mental health specialist. In some cases like a shooting it was mandatory. One of my partners was involved in shooting. Two men robbed 7-11. He arrived just as they pulling out of the parking lot. A chase began their calr ended in a ditch. Be pulled up on them. Other cars were pulling up. Just as he was stepping out oh his car. The driver opened the door and steps out firing two shots at the officer. The God both shots did him. He returned fire, killing the shooter. The department gave time and ordered him to meet with the mental health doctor. After that,shootings were automatically handled that way.
Today' officers have help. No longer do they have to handle issues on their own.
Thank you again for your kind words.
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Nicki,
First thank for your kind words about my story and me.
When I first started there was no such thing as counseling. You just handled yourself or talk with other officers l
Thankfully before I retired our department realized the importance of mental health. Officers could see a mental health specialist. In some cases like a shooting it was mandatory. One of my partners was involved in shooting. Two men robbed 7-11. He arrived just as they pulling out of the parking lot. A chase began their calr ended in a ditch. Be pulled up on them. Other cars were pulling up. Just as he was stepping out oh his car. The driver opened the door and steps out firing two shots at the officer. The God both shots did him. He returned fire, killing the shooter. The department gave time and ordered him to meet with the mental health doctor. After that,shootings were automatically handled that way.
Today' officers have help. No longer do they have to handle issues on their own.
Thank you again for your kind words.
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Oh my Goodness!!! thats insane, so traumatic!!! It really is a necessit I'm so glad they do now.
I reckon as there was none back when you started and times before thats when distraught officers would hit the bottle and that was worse, alcohol for escapism. Take care Richard, thanks for sharing
Comment from Trina Layne
I am glad that you found creative writing as an outlet in your retirement years. I am even more glad that you have not lost your faith. Tragedy is a reminder of what sin has done to our world. At those times, when our faith is tested, we need to seek out God even more fervently; not turn away.
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I am glad that you found creative writing as an outlet in your retirement years. I am even more glad that you have not lost your faith. Tragedy is a reminder of what sin has done to our world. At those times, when our faith is tested, we need to seek out God even more fervently; not turn away.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 07-Dec-2024
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
I'm not surprised your faith wavered given those experiences. Life can seem so unfair and we're always wanting to know why and have answers. The truth is we'll never know because life will always be unpredictable and, for those left behind, that can severely test their beliefs. I'm pleased you found peace and a sense of purpose and wish you all the best. You write a moving piece here in faultless prose. Well done and good luck! Debbie
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2024
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I'm not surprised your faith wavered given those experiences. Life can seem so unfair and we're always wanting to know why and have answers. The truth is we'll never know because life will always be unpredictable and, for those left behind, that can severely test their beliefs. I'm pleased you found peace and a sense of purpose and wish you all the best. You write a moving piece here in faultless prose. Well done and good luck! Debbie
Comment Written 07-Dec-2024
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2024
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Debbie, Thank you for the very kind words. The public has no idea of what officers see and experience during their careers. These two that I wrote about are just two of many that have left memories I will never stop remembering. The good is I found peace.
Comment from Marilyn Hamilton
An excellent entry for the Faith Flash contest. Our faith gets tested daily and it only gets harder the longer we live. My assumption is that as long as I am only questioning it and not losing it, I am ok. With each time of questioning, my faith gets stronger. Thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2024
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An excellent entry for the Faith Flash contest. Our faith gets tested daily and it only gets harder the longer we live. My assumption is that as long as I am only questioning it and not losing it, I am ok. With each time of questioning, my faith gets stronger. Thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 07-Dec-2024
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2024
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Marilyn,
I agree with everything you wrote. When I started thinking about being a police officer, I was a bit naïve. I watched police shows in the late 60s and early 70s. I soon discovered the reality of the job. As the years went by, what I saw and did eroded my faith. The two I wrote about are just two of hundreds of things I witnessed.
Most people do not know what it is like to be an officer. Many see us as the cop that wrote me a ticket that I did not deserve. They have no idea what we see or do. Memories like the two I wrote about never leave you. Sometimes they are nightmares, other times you see something, and they come comeback to you.
I am glad you found something helpful in my story. For years, I kept things bottled up inside of me. Writing has helped.
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Well if no one has ever said this to you....thank you for doing a job that very few would be willing to do and one that allows the rest of us to just live our lives as if the world is a wonderful place. Thanks for taking on the things the rest of us are too afraid to even think about.
Comment from Gayla putnam
I generally skip over faith writing, but yours captured my attention and my heart. Your authentic story is well-written without being preachy. I could almost see you praying in church and receiving peace. gayla
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I generally skip over faith writing, but yours captured my attention and my heart. Your authentic story is well-written without being preachy. I could almost see you praying in church and receiving peace. gayla
Comment Written 06-Dec-2024
Comment from Michael Ludwinder
Your story is deeply moving. I could feel the raw honesty in your struggles with loss and doubt. The moment in the church was beautifully written - it felt like a turning point that gave the story hope. I admire how openly you shared such personal challenges and how faith ultimately became your source of strength. This was so inspiring!
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Your story is deeply moving. I could feel the raw honesty in your struggles with loss and doubt. The moment in the church was beautifully written - it felt like a turning point that gave the story hope. I admire how openly you shared such personal challenges and how faith ultimately became your source of strength. This was so inspiring!
Comment Written 06-Dec-2024
Comment from Ric Myworld
Yes, sir, I guess, most all of us have questioned our faith after witnessing some of the dreadful things that happen in this life. How could God let them happen, we ask? But free will is a tricky thing. But it's something has to allow all the way or not at all. This life, for us, and for those whose living is cut so short, is just in preparation for the next life. And those who seemed so unfortunate, got to ride on the express train to Heaven, we hope. Thanks for sharing.
I'm finally caught up and reading away on your book, and so far, it's everything I expected it to be and more. :-)
reply by the author on 26-Nov-2024
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Yes, sir, I guess, most all of us have questioned our faith after witnessing some of the dreadful things that happen in this life. How could God let them happen, we ask? But free will is a tricky thing. But it's something has to allow all the way or not at all. This life, for us, and for those whose living is cut so short, is just in preparation for the next life. And those who seemed so unfortunate, got to ride on the express train to Heaven, we hope. Thanks for sharing.
I'm finally caught up and reading away on your book, and so far, it's everything I expected it to be and more. :-)
Comment Written 26-Nov-2024
reply by the author on 26-Nov-2024
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Thanks Ric. There were several times during my career I questioned my faith. I was fortunate that I had a priest that I could talk to and a wife to care for me.
I have my fingers crossed that you will like my book.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!
Comment from Cecilia A Heiskary
Richard,
I imagine you saw some things on the job that would make you question your faith in God. I believe He has a plan for all of us and when it's our time to go home He comes calling. This is a great faith flash story.
Well done and good luck in the contest. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Cecilia
reply by the author on 26-Nov-2024
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Richard,
I imagine you saw some things on the job that would make you question your faith in God. I believe He has a plan for all of us and when it's our time to go home He comes calling. This is a great faith flash story.
Well done and good luck in the contest. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Cecilia
Comment Written 25-Nov-2024
reply by the author on 26-Nov-2024
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Thank you. Unfortunately what I experienced is the norm for police officers. Some memories like these never leave you. Good ones are always with you too. I would like to think the good ones outweigh the bad ones.
My faith and family have always been there for me. Thanks to both, I am here today.
We are visiting our kids and grandkids in California. Thanksgiving will be great this year.
I hope you and your family have a nice Thanksgiving.
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Hi Richard,
You're welcome. It's good your family and faith got you through the rough times. I can't imagine what you saw.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving
Comment from Lana Marie
Wow! That would be tough in your line of work to encounter so many tragedies! Thank you for sharing and also for your service! My heart goes out to you!
reply by the author on 26-Nov-2024
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Wow! That would be tough in your line of work to encounter so many tragedies! Thank you for sharing and also for your service! My heart goes out to you!
Comment Written 25-Nov-2024
reply by the author on 26-Nov-2024
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Lana Marie, Thank you. Over 28 years of police work, I experienced things like these that will never leave me. My faith and family has helped me deal with those memories.