Friday, May 15, 2015

When the light goes out....

As the most people in the nation know, this past weekend my small Southern town suffered a tragedy that has rocked our community. Two young officers, 34 year old B.J. Deen and 25 year old Liquouri Tate lost their lives while protecting our city. I haven't written about this simply because I don't have words. 

Our community has responded to this tragedy in a way that has made me proud. People of all ages and colors have come together to honor these officers and all our men and women in blue. In fact, in a symbolic gesture of support, homes all around the city and surrounding areas have even put blue light bulbs in their porch lights to shine in honor of these men. On my way home tonight, I noticed a neighboring home with blue lights and I had one of those "random thoughts." What happens when the light burns out?

Right now, we are standing together in unity and love...and I have been thinking that the best way we can honor these fallen soldiers is to continue not just for a few days or weeks or even months. The best way we can honor these men is to work to keep this unity and support for our police for years and years to come. Let us honor these young men by walking in the power of love and unity and respect so that their lives serve as a light to future generations.

When those blue bulbs on our porches eventually burn dim, will we take the easy way out and replace them with the same old bulbs of the past, or will we take the time and effort to find another blue bulb...so that we won't forget? And when life becomes so daily again, will we take the extra time and effort to keep the unity we have right now and honor these men and their families?

Emotions are raw right now. Two lights were snuffed out far too soon. We have no words, so in prayer we simply cry out to God and ask for His comfort for their families and for His protection of those patrolling our streets every day...and we keep their light burning bright.

No, I still have no words worthy of honoring these men, only a admonition to us all to keep those lights burning. When the bulbs go out with time, remember and make the effort to renew our promise to honor our men and women in blue. Don't let the lights go out....literally or figuratively.

To the families of Officer Deen and Officer Tate - we will not forget them or the love they gave to all those they met. I know you have the comfort that you will one day see them again, but in the meantime, may the God of all comfort be your peace.

2 Corinthians 4:5-6 (MSG)

Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we’re proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, “Light up the darkness!” and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.

John 15:11 - 13(MSG)

“I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends.

3 comments:

Jennie said...

Donna, can you just imagine this? I found Blue Light Bulb today at the 2nd store, an Ace Hardware, after I blubbered at the 1st one, a Phillips Building Supply when the employee who directed me to the bulbs with no 'blue' success stated someone else just left looking for a blue bulb, too...her next comment, "what's up with that?"... In telling her we were both blubbering. On my way to work I came upon Ace & hoped...and it was on bottom shelf. Yay! A bit pricey for me, but worth it IMHO ... as I was driving away I thought ! "Why should we just burn these for the month, till bulb burns out, etc. I think I'm going to just burn blue lights at my front door from now on."
Then I see your blog. My goodness! Yes, now I know I will! Thanks for that!

Donna said...

I haven't gotten a blue bulb for our porch yet, but it's on my list of things to do tomorrow....right after I go to stand in honor of Officer Tate as he leaves the city for the final time.

Unknown said...

I have had no words either, Donna...only tears and then, prayers. Your words are an expression of my own feelings as I have sifted through the confusion, anger and helplessness I have felt over the last week. Comfort came when I read that these men were both believers and I imagined them walking into heaven together to kneel at the feet of Jesus.