I begin with a disclaimer that I am not a biblical expert nor a theologian. I used to say that the Lord knows I am not a saint until I was convicted many years ago that if we are Christians, we are saints. I am just a little rusty around the edges. I have never been politically correct nor will I start now. 
The events that have transpired in the last few weeks lay heavy on my heart as a human, a Christian and especially a retired law enforcement officer. I had just raised my flag up to full mast after the last Dallas, Texas officer was laid to rest. Now I will bring it back to half-mast for the most recent officers killed in the line of duty in Louisiana and the many massacred in France.
Now that I have all of that out of the way, I will not let this darkness nor these cowards who committed these brutal acts dictate how I live nor put out my light or diminish my saltiness. As a former Marine and longtime lawman, we were taught to pray for peace but be prepared for war. I have done both and will continue.
I want to concentrate the rest of this story on the positive – the salt and the light. I know this has nothing to do with the outdoors or my normal homespun stories, but I feel it is more important. Even in the midst of all these tragic events, I have seen the salt and light shine in our community in all His glory. I attended the prayer vigil in the Kosciusko Police Department parking lot and was proud to see the many gathered in peace and to hear prayers from area preachers that were genuine and heartfelt. I know the first responders were honored by the show of support.
Then this week our little church by the spring had Vacation Bible School. My wife helped and took our two grandchildren every night. To all of those involved at Doty Springs, “a job well done” for the smiles on those kid’s faces and the joy that was felt throughout our congregation. The Holy Spirit was truly in charge at this event. Today the children gave us another treat with a song. From our Sunday school to Brother Tony’s sermon, the light was preached and prayers were of genuine concern for the past tragic events and onto the upcoming events in the political arena.
My wife and I watched “20/20, In an Instant” last night. The story was about a mother and her two daughters; one was just an infant of 11 weeks old. They were in a terrible accident with a truck driver high on drugs. Of course, a lot of the scenes were reconstructed with actors, but it kept going back to the real people and events and actual news footage. They were hanging off a bridge by a thread during the rescue.
A Navy Seabee crew was coming home from duty and had a giant forklift that kept the car from falling off the bridge. The baby had only minor abrasions to her head; the mother and older daughter suffered multiple injuries but survived and are doing well. This is the short version of the story, but I say all of this to show the bravery and commitment of all the first responders, the Navy and the civilians involved. How can we hate people who are here to help and protect us?
The Good Book says as long as there is a remnant of God’s people, He will be our God, hear our prayers and heal our land. What I am trying say is that we still have light and salt and this present darkness will not prevail.
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On the Porch with Dirk is a recurring article written by Dirk Thayer, an avid outdoorsman and storyteller.
