2 Things I’m Changing After a Local Policeman Was Stabbed

Steve Viars |

Last week I was driving down State Road 26 about 2 miles from our church when a policeman pulled up behind me and turned on his flashing lights.  I won’t take the time to explain why I know the drill so well, but I instinctively pulled my Jeep over to the side of the road and started to locate my license and registration.

We all agree that policemen are important. Our actions need to back up that belief.

The officer was a friendly guy and explained that he pulled me over because I had switched lanes without using my turn signal. I decided that was not the best time to volunteer the information that I was preoccupied because I was reading an e-mail that had just popped up on my cell phone, but I digress.  He let me off with a warning and I went about my merry way.  I thought for a moment about how thankful I am to live in a town where policemen have time to deal with minor infractions like these.

Jarred Into Reality

That event came to mind when I opened the paper this morning and read about one of our community’s police officers being stabbed in the face yesterday.  The altercation regrettably resulted in the assailant being killed by two officers providing backup on the call.

Our police officers face dangers like these every day.  It is not just telling errant preachers to drive more carefully.  It is also being prepared to deal with serious criminals so the rest of us can live in a safe community.

How I’m Responding

We all agree that policemen are important. Our actions need to back up that belief. I want to work on two areas as a result of what happened yesterday.

1. I plan to pray more faithfully for our local law enforcement officers.

Please keep officer Ron Dombkowski in your prayers as he recovers from this stabbing.  Please also consider joining me in my commitment to pray for our policeman, fireman, and all the men and women who face danger everyday to protect and promote safety and freedom in our community and around the world.

2. I intend to be more careful about the way I drive.

That’s why the next time you see me change lanes on State Road 26, I hope that action will be preceeded by my using a turn signal.  Our men and women in uniform have far more important things to do than chasing goofy preachers around town.

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  2. How much patience do you exercise in counseling a person who is not changing?
  3. Local Professionals Gather at Community Center
  4. Changing the Counselee’s Goals Part 2
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Related posts:

  1. He’s a Good Man? Seriously?
  2. How much patience do you exercise in counseling a person who is not changing?
  3. Local Professionals Gather at Community Center
  4. Changing the Counselee’s Goals Part 2
Steve Viars
Dr. Viars has served as a pastor and counselor at Faith since 1987. He is an author, national speaker, and Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Biblical Counseling Coalition.