You can listen to the below blog post on Spotify or other providers.
“My head hurts from being pummeled repeatedly with rocks. My arms and torso ache from taking direct hits from water bottles flung at us. My shin hurts from a tear gas canister that someone threw back at us. My back hurts from having to wear riot gear for 7 hours on top of my normal 30 extra pounds of gear. I vomited for 10 minutes into a toilet when I got home this morning. My sense of dignity is hurt by the unspeakable things that were said to my brothers and sisters in blue who happen to be black. My sense of family is hurt by the unspeakable things that were said to us about our own children, parents, and siblings. And my heart breaks for the city that I love. I know my city is hurting right now. I know people are angry and want answers. But there’s only one way we can move forward together, right now: love. Lots and lots of love. Connect. Respect. Protect. And Love. Time to go keep the peace.” – Ofc. Brad Philip, Public Facebook Post, 9/21/16
As time passes, physical wounds might heal, but emotional wounds and bad memories can remain. I came across the above post recently in a Facebook memory, and indeed, it brought back a lot of memories. This was one of several difficult times for law enforcement over the past decade or so. Those whom we wish to serve can reject us harshly and unfairly at times. So, I very much admire this officer’s wisdom and insight in the face of adversity. We cannot undo bad things with more bad actions. As part of the law enforcement culture, we might not use the word often enough, but love is the only way forward.
In the Jewish tradition, there is a concept called hesed. The Hebrew word hesed simply means loving-kindness. The use of this word incorporates kindness, mercy, and steadfast love as mentioned in the Hebrew scriptures. When humans share hesed, they are reflecting the Divine Being’s nature (or the more secular might argue, an ultimate value). We are offering love for love’s sake. It is not about someone deserving it. It is not romantic love, but it is a kind of deep, connecting love, nonetheless. It recognizes the intrinsic sanctity of all life. It is love offered in action for others as a redeemer and protector.[i]
In any relationship, we can never make someone love us or treat us well. All that we can do is take ownership of our own actions. As our siblings in Twelve Step programs discover, we only have power to clean up our side of the street.[ii] In seeking to love others, even our enemies, we can help accomplish what other scriptures from varied religions and spiritual philosophies argue using varied words. We can help ultimately defeat evil with good. People of goodwill tend to see such love in others and respond, but traditional enemies and bad actors sometimes do as well. It can disarm angry people who want to have an excuse (perhaps any excuse) to get angrier. Such love can transform people. It might transform yourself. This likely seems counter intuitive, but it works. I experienced this in my own time as a police officer, and I thank my FTO for demonstrating this kind of behavior for me to learn from and be inspired by.
“Connect. Respect. Protect. And Love.”[iii] I would argue that’s part of the attitude of hesed too. Hesed is slow and hard work. Yet when we live up to our call as law enforcement, this is the ultimate value we represent. Through seeking to represent such a love – as best as you understand it – in what can prove an unloving world, I think you will find that you won’t just be keeping the peace. Your faithful service will be helping create peace in the world and within yourself.
That’s it for this time. Stay safe, seek to do some good, and I hope to see you again soon.
[i] See HarperCollins Bible Dictionary. (1996). Achtemeir, P.J., General Editor. “Loving-kindness,” Gammie, J.G. San Francisco: Harper Collins. p. 627-628.
[ii] Alcoholics Anonymous. (1990). New York: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., p. 77-78.
[iii] Ofc. Brad Philip, public Facebook post, 2016.
DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE/PODCAST DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
Although I have served or do serve as a spiritual counselor, a chaplain, and/or ordained minister, I am not your counselor nor a medical professional. All content on this website and podcast is provided for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical, psychological, or spiritual advice, and does not establish any kind of patient-client or pastor-congregant relationship. Although on this website and podcast, we strive to provide accurate general information, the information found through these posts are not a substitute for any kind of professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this content. Always consult a professional in the area of your particular needs and circumstances prior to making any professional, legal, medical, financial or tax-related decisions. Opinions expressed by the host or guests do not necessarily reflect those of any other person or entity.
(c) 2023 by The Rev. Louis Florio
Midnights LEO 