My son Phil and me just after his promotion to Sergeant in 2010.
When my youngest son, Phil, joined the Louisville Police Department over 10 years ago, I wrote a prayer that I presented him on the day of his installation that I’d like to share with you. I guess this issue is on my mind today because of news reports that the Los Angeles Police Department is currently trying to hunt down a former police officer who went on a shooting rampage, killing three people and injuring several others. When a policeman defects to the dark side it makes the headlines and gives good cops a bad name. That’s true in every honorable occupation.
Law enforcement wouldn’t have been my choice for Phil because of its many hazards and meager pay. However, he is very gifted in what he does and feels called to police work as a ministry. He’s been a good policeman – sometimes stern, sometimes full of grace, but always fair. And he has led a number of fellow officers to the Lord and often planted the seed of the gospel in the hearts of others.
I rode with Phil one evening as an observer. By the way, that was not a reassuring experience! He faces occasional dangers and frequent interaction with defiant, obnoxious people. The policeman’s job requires incredible patience and restraint. That one evening of observation served to intensify my prayers for him.
My son Phil & wife Lisa with Andy, Corrie and Chapman
Several months ago someone tried to detonate Phil’s police car while it was parked in the driveway of his home in the middle of the night. His wife and three children were just a few feet away. We were thankful no one was injured and the damage was minimal, yet we were unnerved and reminded again that there are some really bad guys out there in the world and law abiding people need protection from them.
When I retired I vowed I would not serve on any more boards. I don’t like long, unproductive meetings and I’m not a very good board member. I made one exception…I agreed to serve on the Louisville Metro Police Foundation board, which exists to enhance the effectiveness of the Louisville police department. I was taught from childhood the Scripture admonition to respect those who are in authority and since my son chose to be a policeman I wanted to do my part to encourage him and his fellow officers in their demanding task.
In my opinion, our local police do an outstanding job patrolling and protecting our city. The vast majority of them are honest men and women who risk their lives every day to make Louisville a safe and pleasant place to live. When you see a police car drive by thank God for them and offer up a prayer for their safety.
Here was the prayer I wrote 10 years ago for my son, who is now Sergeant Phil Russell. It is still my prayer today.
PRAYER FOR MY SON – A POLICEMAN.
Heavenly Father, my son becomes a policeman today. I’m so proud that he was selected from many applicants, that he’s endured the rigors of the Police Academy and that he’s receiving his badge today. But, Lord, I must confess I’m very worried too.
This dangerous career is not the job I would have chosen for him. I’m glad he’s his own man and he feels called to protect others. And I’m thrilled to see him so fulfilled and eager to serve.
But please, God, don’t let him be wounded or killed by some wayward soul. You be his daily shield and protector from those with rebellious hearts.
He may be called upon to make a split-second decision to take the life of another. Please give him a clear head and sound judgment, so he will never take a life needlessly.
Help him to be a man of integrity. His pay is meager so don’t let him be tempted to take bribes or anything that doesn’t rightfully belong to him, no matter how convenient. Help him to be content with what he has.
He wants to help people, but help him not to make promises that can’t be kept. Help him to speak the truth even though it may not be what people want to hear.
Since he looks so good in that uniform there will probably be women who flirt with him, so help him to resist temptation and be faithful to his wife and family. May there not even be a hint of immorality in him.
Help him to treat all people fairly regardless of race, belief, age, or their treatment of him. When he’s cursed, taunted or mocked help him not to return evil for evil but to overcome evil with good.
Give him an extra measure of discernment. Help him to be lenient if giving a break would make a positive difference, but help him not to get snookered by con men.
Help him to remember his ideals and not get discouraged about the imperfections in the system. May he be faithful to his calling even though the end result isn’t always what he’d hoped for.
Help him to keep a positive perspective on life by making his family a priority, remaining active in his church, staying involved in his community and keeping in touch with his friends.
My son Phil with his little partner Chapman
Lord, he’ll see so much of the sordid side of life, help him not to become jaded or cynical. May he never be too experienced to care, too worldly-wise to cry. too despairing to laugh or too self-sufficient to call upon You. Give him a tough skin and a tender heart.
This is a proud day for me, Father. My son is a policeman. May he serve with such honor, integrity and sensitivity that one day when he stands before You, the Judge of the Universe, he will hear You say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Amen.
