There’s a lot of bad press about cops lately. Have you noticed? Who am I kidding: of course you have. It’s impossible to miss… unfortunately. There are countless articles that call the police power-hungry, over-militarized, trigger-happy, insensitive, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
It’s pretty rough.
You know your husband. You know the other officers in his department. You know them as people who feel called to law enforcement, who are completely devoted to it, because they want to make the world a better place. You know how important it is to them to help those around them.
Sure, maybe they’re a little rough around the edges sometimes. Maybe they’re a little stubborn and hard headed, and occasionally they crack jokes at inappropriate times (cop humor, am I right?), but they definitely aren’t the monsters they’re being made out to be.
It’s even more frustrating because it’s not even just the straight-up “cop haters” who spread the bad gossip about cops. Even those who mean well get wrapped up in the media portrayal and don’t necessarily know better. Because hey, unless you’re in the LEO life, there’s a lot that’s kind of a mystery. And because of that uncertainty, the loudest voice they hear wins.
All in all, you wind up feeling like the entire world is against your husband. It’s hard enough to send him out to be in harm’s way, let alone after hearing stories of other officers being specifically targeted for violence simply because they’re police officers.
It’s heartbreaking to send your husband out into a world that hates him just for the job he does – which, ironically enough, is to protect even those who wish him harm.
With all that being said, I’d like you to consider something.
Your husband isn’t the first man to have his motives questioned. He’s not the first to be misrepresented and slandered. He’s certainly not the first to be treated unfairly. Christ felt all those things. He was perfect and innocent, yet called a liar, a blasphemer, and worse. He stood in the line of fire for us, even the ones who ended up taking his life. They didn’t appreciate it at the time, either.
When you see these articles decrying police as villains, try to remember who it is that truly sees and understands your husband.
Who sees when he puts himself on the line to protect others.
Who sees when he runs toward danger instead of running away.
Who sees when he cries out in prayer for himself and others.
Who sees when he deals honestly with those who lie to him.
Who sees when he shows mercy to those who least deserve it. Who is willing to see beyond the mistakes someone’s made and have hope for the person they can become (at least once in a while.)
When he does the right thing – not because anybody’s looking, but simply because it’s the right thing.
There is one on high who sees all these things and won’t forget them. Those good things will be rewarded eternally, and the things that are unfair will be made right a hundred times over.
So please – don’t bother getting in a Facebook argument about the nature of the police force. It’s not worth it.
Choose your battles wisely, and remember… Your husband isn’t the first man the world has hated.
Update 7/25/16: If you need more help dealing with the recent war on cops, I wrote another post here: How to Deal With the War on Cops As A Police Wife
Debbie Prater says
The media blows things up all the time. They bring out the ugly in everything. I’m sure we all know how biased it is. I know it’s hard, but don’t buy into all this garbage. The majority of Americans don’t feel that way.
Leah says
Thank you for your kind words 🙂
Kelsie says
What an interesting post! I can see how this would feel with a military spouse, or someone on the police force. There are also times when the “World” hates a lot of us for various reasons. Thanks for this insight!
June says
Great reminder and encouragement for those dealing with this issues at such a personal level, Leah. I have a huge respect for anyone who works in service where they can potentially risk their life for mine. That includes our military, all the way down to local law enforcement, first responders, etc. The majority are well-intentioned individuals who care about the lives of the people in the communities they serve. Have a blessed week!
Leah says
Thank you so much! You as well 🙂
Niki says
Such great thoughts! Our men leave us every day & we pray that they come home. In this climate especially. Jesus is there with him & knows every step he’ll take, today, tomorrow, & for the rest of his life! Thank you Lord!
Naomi says
That was a beautiful article, well put!
Melinda Reay says
What a great post! Struggling to come to grips with this but I’m sure I’ll find it eventually 🙂
Leah says
You’ll get there! The truth is, it isn’t all or nothing. Sometimes anger gets the best of me, but I just have to remind myself of this and remember the long-term plan!
Liv says
I assure you – it’s not the whole world. Just the media. Thank goodness for men like your husband. And shame on the men who have cast their shadow on him.
Christina S. says
My husband is a LEO as well. I love this perspective. Thank you for sharing!
Michelle says
This is a great article and one that is so relevant to what is happening in society. Your husband sounds lucky to have you in his corner
Leah says
Thanks so much 🙂 I know, it does seem that every day there’s a new article about rampant police brutality. It’s a bad climate for LEOs.
Angie says
It’s sooooo hard. Unfortunately there are bad people on all sides of the fence, and stupid/ignorant/misinformed people on all sides of the fence. There are definitely cops out there who are racist or corrupt, but when did we start judging an entire group of people on the actions of a few? I have almost always had super positive experiences with police officers-and at most, the worst thing I’ve ever experienced is a cop who’s a little rude or abrasive. Mostly though, I’ve been so grateful for the cops who are compassionate and took time to help me in the middle of an accident when I was bawling or who waved a ticket because they understood I didn’t mean to break the law. There are plenty of decent officers out there who I am proud to support.
I do think, that as a whole, a lot of the police force needs some revamping. Not everywhere probably, but in a good chunk of places. Unfortunately there are entire departments that are just so corrupt or being run improperly. It takes good cops like your husband to stand up and show people and other officers, what a real policeman looks like. I hope he does a good job of it.
Sending much love!
Leah says
I agree with you… To an extent. As with any industry, there is always room for improvement and law enforcement is no exception. Police officers are human after all! However, I don’t believe there’s a widespread crisis of corruption and brutality. Many (might I even say most) of the stories in the news are misrepresent (or outright fabricate) facts. I don’t believe that there’s a small percentage of good cops who show the rest how it’s done: I believe there’s a small percentage of bad cops who are overrepresented in the media.. And like I said, even some of those “bad cops” are victims of misrepresentation!
That being said, thank you for your comment and thank you for the love!
Laur says
So well said, Leah! Thank you for taking the time to reply to that comment. Nice things were said, but her view is still it’s very skewed and part of the problem. God bless you, your hubby and your blue family. I pray He keeps your hubs safe out there! Keep up the positivity, it’s hard at times, but we know their hearts and no media story can change that! <3
Shaeleigh says
Good on you for not letting it bring you down. I know it must be hard sometimes but there are people out there who don’t blame every cop. The news only gives us bad news. They don’t share the moments a cop saves a boys life, or a firefighter saving a kitten, etc. The news is full of fear and anger and sadness. Tell your husband thank you for doing what he does and be safe <3
Leah says
Thank you! I certainly will 🙂
Psychic Nest says
Hi Leah,
Stereotypes have ruined our society. Every cop is not a bad person and every priest is not a saint. Though, I do understand where you are coming from because I do get similar reactions about my business. How many people believe that psychics mediums are frauds? Now tell me, how much work I need to do to prove that it is the other way around. I bet it is the same thing with your husband.
He feels that he has to prove himself on a daily basis to as not to get a bad name. I applaud your courage to write such a post. You are a strong woman who stands by her husband no matter what. I really admire you girl!
Zaria
Leah says
Thank you so much! 🙂
Tina says
Thank you Leah, my hubby is a leo and I am as well a stay at home mom. Thank you for this great reminder. I really appreciate your article. ❤️
Leah says
I’m so glad it was helpful to you 🙂 Thank you for your nice comment!
Carista Wilson says
This is just the only real Christian response to any persecution. We must be able to find Christ in every siruation. We must be able to find that light and then walk in it and let our lights shine in this Darkness.
Breezy Williams says
Thank you for sharing this! My dad is a police officer and I remember, last summer especially, getting so frustrated and worked up about what people say about cop. I still have to keep from commenting on peoples ignorant status updates on Facebook. I am so thankful to hear other people who understand. I have always thought my dad was a hero and despite what people and media say, I will always believe that he is.
Ellen says
No Greater Love
He answers the call in the dead of night
With siren blaring and flashing lights
To unknown dangers, risking it all
For nameless strangers, he answers the call.
He answers the call, as our children sleep
And I, his wife, struggle not to weep
He’s doing what naturally runs through his veins
He answers the call, and never complains.
He answers the call, despite all the rancor
He’s fearless and strong, our family’s anchor
He’s willing to lay down his life for his friends.
He answers that call, despite how it ends.
He answers the call, determined and ready-
A man you can count on, honest and steady.
His friends are his neighbors, his neighbors are you
He runs t’ward the danger, he’s one of the few.
He answers the call, he’ll go where he’s needed
Again, and again…despite how he’s treated,
For there’s no greater love than risking it all
To serve and protect, to answer the call.
~Ellen Conner #LEOwife
Diane says
Thanks for writing this.. especially in this current climate. It’s been made so very clear to me lately that we police wives are the only support we have for each other. I usually never leave comments, but your words struck me as so poignant and touched my hurting heart. I’ll be sharing this with other police wives for biblical truths to hold onto during the coming days.
Stephanie says
I love this poem, Ellen. Much needed and so true.