When Kids Lose Out

The funeral for the Michigan State Trooper who lost his life in a tragic accident on 8/28/15 was yesterday, 9/1. While on the road, I was passed by a handful of patrol groups who were headed to the funeral. In all, 26 law enforcement officers were en route...and that was just the highway I was on.  Cops from as far as Texas came to pay their respects. It took over an hour for all law enforcement to file into the high school where the funeral was held.

Of course, if you read the memorial I wrote regarding Trooper Wolf, he was also a youth pastor, at his local church. As I was reminded about the loss his community now faces, every time I saw a cop this morning, I couldn't help but think about the next generation.

They are losing opportunities to be greatly impacted by true heroes in the local community. None of us are saints, but one who steps up and does what 95-99% of the general population doesn't, puts you in a position that people should naturally admire, respect and appreciate. Sadly, the turn that society has taken on law enforcement, combined with the turn society has taken on the church and pastors who have experienced moral failures while in ministry means incredible lessons about leadership, service and sacrifice are not being seen and taught first hand by some incredible men and women, whether they serve as a matter of faith or of duty. This is trend is unhealthy and detrimental on so many levels...one can't help but pray.

Pray on this #youthPastorWednesday, for kids and teens that have experienced the loss of an authority in their life, especially in circumstance involving the loss of life and/or the loss of respect and influence because of a moral failure. Pray for those whose experience with the church has left a negative impact because of events and conversations that have transpired that were hurtful or unhealthy.  May there arise opportunities for healing and restoration; for people of faith and community to come alongside and begin to make positive experiences and memories. May kids and teens come to know and experience the true love of God, through a healthy and functional body of believers. This needs to be a time of restoration and healing and we pray, that will God's help, hearts will be changed and lives will be transformed by the love of God and by those who "live to serve" and those whose job it is "to serve & protect".

-PNC

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