Strength & Courage

When you find that life is taking you on a terrifying ride, stick it out; soon you'll realize the ride is over. I love the way the lady in this video is laughing. I'm not sure what she's laughing about--exactly, but I have to guess she thinks it's funny how the boy is screaming out. She knows the ride is just about over and he's going to be fine; in fact, he will be a bit more courageous if he steps on the ride again someday. Maybe he'll be the one who's laughing next time?

God is similar in this manner; He's right there with us when we're scared out of our pants. He's probably not laughing but He knows that as long as we are in his midst, we will be all right.

Consider the words of the book of Joshua, chapter 1, verses 7-9:

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. 

Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD our God will be with you wherever you go." 

Notice there is a requirement for the protection. Can we obey all of the Law? No--that's what Jesus did and why we need Him. 

Be strong and very courageous my friends, brothers, and sisters...for if you have Jesus on your side, you have nothing to worry about.

Firefighter Anxiety and PTSD?

I often wonder what other firefighters do after a "bad call." We recently assisted a neighboring jurisdiction on a multiple fatal fire involving numerous children. It may be difficult to see how God could allow this to happen. In a perfect world (one without sin and death) God would not allow it to happen. When Adam and Eve sinned, sin and death entered the world and we've been struggling ever since! Even though, God's got a way of making triumph out of tragedy; at the funeral of the 3 kids, numerous people came to faith. Their eternal salvation came on a day of great mourning. You can say, God's in the "Search & Rescue" business. 

It's calls like this one that also make us question our actions; if we reacted in superior fashion, no big deal; if we didn't, those darn "what ifs" take over. Reject the "what ifs" and encourage the "what nows." What do you do now as a result of the tragedy?

It's important for everyone in emergency services to talk through the questions we are left with. Professional counselors are a great asset, especially if they have experience in the fields we serve in. Our peers can be a great help IF they have learned positive methods of debriefing (avoiding alcoholism and "sucking it up"). 

It may be difficult but I have found that writing is my best friend. When I get a "bad call" (like the recent fatal fire), I write on paper whatever is on my mind. I consider this a prayer to God. I write exactly what I'm thinking (regardless of the content). If I want, I can tear it up when I'm done. I love to tear things up (a side effect of being a firefighter). 

Post traumatic Stress Disorder is serious business. Click the heading to check out more info on firefighter PTSD. Suicide is a real threat if we have been to too many "bad calls" and haven't dealt with the anxiety in a positive fashion. Talk to your fellow firefighters...talk to them often. We have to look out for one another; have your buddy's back--it's what firefighters do best.

Dear Lord, grant my fellow comrades (and me) peace, rest, and strength to endure hardship, death, and the stress of our job. Continue to guide us with your protective hand and lead us not into temptation. To you we surrender...Amen

Time

Sometimes life is silly; sometimes it's sad. As firefighters, we are blasted with intense external emotional events. You might ask yourself "why?" Why am I here? Why did this happen? Most of the "why" questions go unanswered. 

Consider the words from the book of Ecclesiastes Ch.3 vs. 1-12 (emphasis added vs. 12): 

• 1.
 
• There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:

• 2.
 
• a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,

• 3.
 
• a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,

• 4.
 
• a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,

• 5.
 
• a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

• 6.
 
• a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,

• 7.
 
• a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,

• 8.
 
• a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

• 9.
 
• What does the worker gain from his toil?

• 10.
 
• I have seen the burden God has laid on men.

• 11.
 
• He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

• 12.
 
• I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.

On this side of heaven, nothing lasts forever...

Lead the Way

Every good firefighter, driver, and officer knows that in order to be the best,  you have to build up your fellow co-workers. Consider the words of Desmond Tutu on issue of leadership:

- www.firefighterchaplain@blogspot.com

Wheel

Every time I go to the pet store I have to stop and watch the gerbils. My favorite is when they're running in the wheel. I don't really like gerbils but they're funny. They get focused, eyes forward, chin up, and are determined to run like the wind. They fly off, upside-down, and skid sideways; after a minute or two, they're right back on doing it again.



Although life is fast and fun at times, everyone falls off the wheel. When I "fly off the wheel," I find the strength to get back on because I've determined I'm going to keep running. (I run on many wheels...as do you). Strength comes in various packages; sometimes its a friendly smile, an encouraging word, music, a hobby, movies, sleep, goals & accomplishments, the Bible, or a workout. Even though these things can and do encourage me at times, I find that the longer I wait to get back on the wheel the worse I feel.

Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid," (Gospel of John 14:27). Lets run.

If Jesus were a wheel, I'd be a gerbil.
http://firefighterchaplain.blogspot.com/