And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”

Isaiah 6:8 (ESV)

If you find yourself charging to where others fleeing, chance is that you are in law enforcement.  No one is born with a natural instinct to go toward what is dangerous and frightening.  The mentality with its decisions and actions to step from certainty to uncertainty and from safety to harm does not come easily nor naturally.  What is even more difficult is the fact that you may have to make this lethal decision and take that life-saving action within a split second.  The chance of success and even your survival depend on whether you are willing, ready, and able to confront the threat that you are approaching.

For those who never walked the line, the life on the line may appear to be reckless and a simple adrenaline rush at its best.  After all, the average anyone would never consider risking and sacrificing his or her own life for a complete stranger.  It is counterintuitive to move toward gunfires and explosions.  It is almost insane to intentionally walk up and face down horrific evils that most in society deny and hid.  While others are too naïve and too scared to acknowledge the existence of these unimaginable and unthinkable horrors, those who walked the line knew too well these unspeakable evils are common and rampant.  That thin blue line was the protective wall defending the weak from the monsters.

For those who walked the line, their lives are committed and built on both mental and physical disciplines.  Mental discipline is needed to face the evils too distressing and too frightening for others to even consider.  The demons are not imaginary. You have seen and lived the stories too traumatic to even to share with your own spouse, and too many these chilling moments are locked deep inside your memories.  Mental discipline is needed to face the day and to dominate the night.  You understand that there is no safety zone for you because you are the safety and peace for everyone around you.  While others relish and celebrate the peace, your mind constantly rehearses for the worst.  Even at the most joyful moment and peaceful state, you must not let down the guard.  In order to fight the evils that lurk, a warrior must be willing, ready, and able to stand firm against anything, anytime, and anywhere.

Physical discipline is needed to maximize the indomitable force and the strategic advantage necessary to maintain peace.  One must stay in good physical shape and be prepared with equipment and tools to neutralize threats as needed.  My wife used to laugh about me always preferring the seating facing the restaurant door.  It was not unusual for our family dinner games to include challenge questions on the number of emergency exits.  My daughters understood the immediate action drill in an emergency, and they had a few fond memories of my chasing them around the FBI Academy gym during our defensive tactic lessons.  Privately, I scan every new environment for hazards and threats.

Wherever I go, I mentally rehearse those tough lethal decisions and life-saving actions.  The consequences of these decisions and actions are for me to bear for the rest of my life, and I must be ready to make them when the time comes.  The equation for decision is complicated, and many variables are unknown.  Timing is a critical key.  The safety of community and my life may hang on that split second.  There will not be room for hesitancy, rumination, nor uncertainty.  Every action must be careful calculated and thoroughly rehearsed mentally and physically over and over again, and the execution must be surgical and swift with precision and accuracy.

If you walk the line, you are gifted from God with the willingness to go where others will not go, the courage to step into the dark great unknown,  and the ability to serve as a warrior for Jesus Christ.  Take up the Armour of God and stand firm.

 

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