Laid to Rest

Laid to Rest

After a tumultuous week at the Lakewood Police Department in Lakewood, Co. officer James Davies was Laid to Rest on Thursday November 15^th.

What do we mean by the phrase laid to rest? From a biblical perspective man, from the fall of Adam and Eve, our first parents, has been ordained to labor by the sweat of his face until he returns to the dust from which he came(Genesis 3:19). Thus when we die we are to be laid to rest from the labors of our profession.

Before the fall man’s task was to till the soil in the beautiful Garden of Eden, a seemingly enjoyable experience, but afterward it became laborious, toilsome, and difficult as now they were thrown out of the Garden into a world where death was to be prevalent. Before the fall there was no death; not of man, nor beast, not even the plant and vegetation. Now, outside the Garden, thorns and thistles [weeds] became man’s constant companion and enemy.

The first biblical account of man’s physical demise is recorded in Genesis 4:1-13 when Cain slew Abel, his own flesh and blood brother, because of jealousy. From that point forward history records mankind as full of violence. Full of hatred, malice, covetousness, murders and runs the gamut of human depravity and lawlessness.

It is for this very reason that God ordained human powers or rulers, to combat the lawlessness in the world and champion the innocent and fatherless. It is for this reason that Officer James Davies chose the honorable, God ordained profession of Law Enforcement. It is said that Officer Davies referred to the lawless as “dirties”, and himself as a “dirty hunter”. Though God does not use the term “dirties” yet He ordained human government to prevail over human activities whether good or bad. Though, perhaps, James Davies never realized or fully understood his divine appointment as an officer of the law, nevertheless, James Davies was ordained of God to fulfill the high office appointed to him. Most of us rarely understand it ourselves.

Regardless of the profession one chooses there are always thorns and thistles, or as Officer Davies put it “dirties”. Meaning that in every profession we must work by the sweat of our face/brow until the day we are called home. Every profession has its “dirties”, its low points and high points, its disadvantages and advantages.

An earlier study on passion revealed that in order for one to really succeed and prosper in a profession, one must have a passion for the said profession. Passion is that element which provides the staying power to tough it out regardless or the ups and downs, regardless of the adversity; as I put it, regardless of how often life poops and pees on you it’s the passion that will keep you from abhorring the profession. I believe that the passion you feel is a sign that you have entered your God given profession or assignment. Furthermore, one may have numerous passions or professions in this life. As one passion wanes yet another arises from within. Passion is a MUST in marriage as well. If the couple is not passionate for one another the marriage will shipwreck in the first gale that blows upon it. (See Matthew 7:21-27). Believe me, strong vehement storms will eventually beat against every marriage and every career a person chooses.

So it is with the profession chosen by James Davies and countless others in the honorable profession of Law Enforcement. I challenge each of you in that profession to look inside your heart and soul for that passion that will take you far beyond the vehement storm that beat against your noble profession this past week. It’s that very passion that will get you through this stormy weather safely to the other side. Do not be afraid to seek help in the form of counseling and guidance or merely sharing your brokenness with a confidant.

 For the spouses of those wounded by this tragedy, you must stand by your companion with increased vigilance and support, ever watching for possible telltale signs of needing help. Signs such as a change in behavior may be sudden or subtly changing, or erratic behavior like uncharacteristic outbursts of anger, moodiness, and overt increase in alcohol consumption or even smoking. Withdrawal from social activities or changes from normal temperament may all be signs that help may be needed. Remember, you also are reeling from the severity of this tragedy and may be in need of help as well, though perhaps not on a professional level. I am convinced that Scripture mandates every believer be a sort of first responder to administer aid and comfort until more professional assistance may be obtained as needed.

I’m encouraged by the reports of some who’ve cried until their tears would no longer flow. It’s a sign of releasing the pressure and anxiety from within. Verbal expression of their feelings may also be of help. Expressing oneself through writing, whether private or public may also be a good sign. Unfortunately, far too many warning signs have been ignored until it’s too late. From the outset the feelings expressed may seem extreme, but remember there is a whole lot more pressure built up within than anyone could possibly imagine. The objective is to spot early warning signs and seek to head off possible future disaster. For more on helping those in need please refer to Officer Down Part 2.

I’ve met people who’ve gone on for years and years with negative behavior patterns without seeking professional assistance. Many times they are in a perpetual denial of their abnormal behavior.

For those who are hurting, what you’re experiencing are normal emotional reactions to an extreme circumstance. You are not losing it! You can and will make it with proper help and the prayers and support of your loved ones. You may also be able to see some signs of needing to seek out further help. If so, please seek help. Don’t be anxious of sharing your innermost feelings with a trusted friend or loved one. Many times this is all you need to pull you through. You have many loved ones who depend on you and will support you no matter what you’re going through. Just promise you’ll not try to go it alone.

Officer James Davies has been properly Laid to Rest. It is his time to sleep while the rest of us continue to toil under the sun, knowing that someday we too will be laid to rest.