The last few months, I’ve written about what law enforcement officers (LEOs) need. What they need—to not only survive—but to thrive in their profession. But what about the rest of us? What do we need? One thing, as a society, we need are warrior-protectors.
As mentioned in the April newsletter, the first American LEO to die in the line of duty was New York Constable Darius Quimby on January 3, 1791. His murder was over 230 years ago, and as attested to everyday in the media, we still need men and women who are willing to become LEOs. We need men and women who are willing to stand between good and evil. The Roman historian, Tacitus, said, “In valor there is hope.” God raises up warriors to protect the innocent. Lt. Col. Dave Grossman says that without warriors our country will not last another generation. A warrior is one who is willing to go to the fight, not run from it.
There’s something different about these warriors we call “law enforcement officers.” They are kept at arm’s length. They are hard to understand. Some are loud and outgoing. Some are quiet and reserved. They come in all shapes and sizes, from all walks of life, and from every background and social class. But the one thing that remains the same is that they are needed.
We need officers if our country is to survive. And officers need courage, common sense, a sense of humor, and most importantly—a spiritual foundation in the God of the Bible. The Strong Blue Line Ministries (TSBL) is committed to helping officers find that foundation. And as mentioned last month, to reach more officers and chaplains with training and resources TSBL recently partnered with Make It Clear Ministries (MIC). In addition to the potential to reach a larger audience, another important thing this partnership brings is the ability to make a tax detectable donation to the TSBL.
The Strong Blue Line Book Ministry
I’m always excited when individuals, churches, or organizations order books to give to officers in their community. Recently, a good friend, Larry Ledford (founder of the No Greater Love Foundation) contacted me and requested 50 copies of “Winning a Gunfight.” Larry said that he was providing the books to his son, Colonel Brad Ledford the Base Commander of Maxwell AFB, AL. Colonel Ledford gave the books to members of the 908th Security Forces Squadron. These are the military police officers who protect the personnel and their families assigned to Maxwell. The books were presented during Police Memorial Week ceremonies at the base.
Another good friend, Burke Swearingen, founder of Blue Watch in Alabama, gives away copies of “Winning a Gunfight” and “Suicide is Not an Option” to any Alabama officer who requests one through their website. Following Burke’s lead, TSBL Ministries is making a copy of “Suicide is Not an Option” available to any officer free of charge. If you are an officer (active or former) or know an officer who is struggling with suicide, we will send you a free copy of “Suicide is Not an Option.” To receive a free book, click “Purchase Here” below, then click on “Purchase” and choose the “Free Suicide Book” option. Any donations are greatly appreciated.
For officers to receive a book, they simply order from the TSBL website under the “Resources” tab and scroll down to the book. We are able to provide these books because of the partners who support us financially. If you’d like to partner in this effort, go to the website and click the “Donate” button.
Pray for your police.
