ecadillo usually works several 10-to-12-hour days in a row and then gets 2-4 days off. Right now, he is off for four days, so he and his two elder brothers (with our daughter-in-law, Anne) seized the moment and flew to Oklahoma together to visit their grandparents. They're in Tulsa tonight and will be home by this time tomorrow night, Lord willing.
But last night, the veteran cop whom Pecadillo has been partnering with in recent weeks was shot while on duty. Thankfully, his injuries aren't life-threatening and he is expected to make a full recovery. (See the breaking-news video here.)Had it not been Pecadillo's day off, he would no doubt have been there when this perp—with no warning whatsoever—opened fire on officers serving him a warrant.
It's unsettling, of course, to watch the lead story on the evening news and have it hit so close to home. It's a somber reminder of the truth of James 4:13-16—a passage which itself is both sobering and comforting. God is sovereign in the outworking of His providence. Our times are in His hand (Psalm 31:15). But life itself is a vapor (James 4:14), and we cannot take the future for granted. We therefore need to be redeeming the time.
Selah.
15 comments:
Wow. Its amazing that something like that would happen so close to home so-to-speak.
The providence of God is amazing. I have a sneaking suspicion that Pec wishes he would have been there.
When I saw that story, I thought of Pec of course. (As far as the passage from James, that came home to Garry and me in 1993-1994, and we remind each other of that from time to time.)
Just thank God that the officer will be okay. We have had to police men shot here in Colorado Springs, both officers died. It is very sad when that happens. They are protecting us, Thank God they are there.
sorry, typo two, not to, police officers.
I just saw that this is your son, pecadillo, I mean, is that right? Wow. It is very honorable, the position he holds. Well that is a little closer to home than. ;) I am glad he is alright.
So right, Phil. God's blessing upon your family. I have several friends on the LAPD and each one of them is honorable and dedicated. Thank God for them.
Reading this reminded me of the story in John Bunyans book (Grace Abounding to the Cheif of Sinners). He recounts the story of when he was in cromwells army and he was due to be on guard duty, for some reason he switched with another man and subsequently the man he switched with got a musket ball in the head and died. Thank God the Police man is ok, we should all pray more for those in aothority.
"Redeem the time" Amen.
And it's always going to be redeeming the time by faith in Christ and in His power, for we can do nothing without Him. John 15:5
God is truly sovereign over all things. He knows where every bullet shot from every gun and rifle in every war will hit.
What a God we serve!
Sometimes I wonder if being on the LAPD is scarier than being in active duty in Iraq!
As mom and dad, it has to be hard at times knowing Pec is out and about. Glad to hear his partner is ok.
Sobering, to be sure.
Praise God, he was safe and sound with his grandparents. And praise God that the officer who was shot was not killed.
Praise the Lord your son was not there and that the other officer seems to be doing well.
14300 block of Nordhoff... Say, isn't there a Starbucks nearby at Nordhoff and Sepulveda?
I've never been there, but heard it's a bad area. You should definitely stay away from there!
I have a cousin on my mothers side named Don Karnes. He is both a pastor as well as chaplain to the cops in Tidewater(Norfolk, Virginia Beach area). He is a member of the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship. He is very burdened about these statistics and not only that the suicide rate among cops. He even went through the police academy himself.
It was a fundamental Baptist named Sgt Dave Karnes who pulled two despairing cops out of the World Trade center rubble. My cousin Don's brother is named David Karnes and he is a lawyer. What coincidences:-)
Thank God for fundamentalist Christians!!!
Your son is doing a mighty work for God. he is redeemed as he passes through these fires the Lord will be with him.
brlittle:
Exactly!!!
You know something Phil, I think Pec and brlittle are on to something. And I think that the title of your post reinforces it. I am a father of 3 boys and 1 girl and I know "exactly" what you meant in naming your post. Regardless that safety and providence have visited your family, I know that your "gut" must have wrenched at the thoughts that must have went through (and are still going through) your mind over the welfare of your son. Doesn't he deserve the same benefit?
I hate to gang up on you like this - I mean I can't ever remember disagreeing with you on anything - But........
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