Lisa Worthey Smith, author, writing and speaking coach/consultant: Kristi Neace, Above the Fray: A Four-week Bible Study for Those Special Ladies Married to the Badge

Click to see Above the Fray on Amazon.com

Above the Fray, By Kristi Neace

A Four-Week Bible Study for Those Special Ladies Married to the Badge

Type

Topical study - walks the reader through the many facets of law enforcement life and emotions, with scriptures to help offer solutions

Who might benefit

Law Enforcement Wives/Girlfriends/Significant Other

Sample

Worried? Nah, Just Scared to Death!

Week One – Day 1

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” Psalm 56:3 KJV

You know you’re a police wife if...

I’ll bet you’ve read those little ditties on social media which include this phrase, but if not, each one gives a silly situation that only someone married to the law would understand.

One of them goes something like: You know you’re a police wife if your best friend, mom, sister and co-workers continually ask if you worry about your husband. Duh. We would not be human (or not love our husbands) if there wasn’t a moment in time we did not worry.

Let’s face it...law enforcement is a dangerous occupation, and we’ve all read the stories of officers not making it home to their families, or we’ve watched in horror at news reports of an officer using deadly force amid public outcry.

So how do we keep our worry in check?

How do we keep our sanity and not cave in to our fears when it seems as everything around us is falling apart?

Let’s take a look back at some other folks who were struggling with worry and fear. Read the passage then answer the question.

John 20:19-27 – What did Jesus tell his disciples three times while they were in a locked room, hiding from those who might want to harm them?

What does this say to us today regarding our present circumstances?

Acts 1:12-14 – What were the disciples and women doing during this time of persecution and waiting?

How important is it that we pray when feeling worried or uptight, and why?

Looking back at your questions, the first set of scriptures revolve around the disciples immediately following Christ’s betrayal, crucifixion and death.

Jesus had been well-known throughout Jerusalem and the surrounding towns, and was never without his beloved entourage. Just as in law enforcement life, these individuals were living in a glass bubble and everyone knew who they were.

After witnessing such horrific and hurtful acts of violence towards their beloved teacher, the disciples were afraid and hid themselves in a locked room. We can rest assured there were no bumper stickers linking them with being a Christ-follower; no “I’m with Jesus” t-shirts. These men (and women) were scared and fearing for their lives.

Yet, Jesus knew the anguish they were going through. He cared deeply for them just as He cares deeply for you and me today. So much so, that He made it His mission to personally comfort and reassure them.

“Peace be with you!”

Those words rolled off His tongue with authority and confidence, yet they were more comforting than a mother’s embrace. Jesus was alive and He wanted them to let go of their fears, knowing that He had overcome the worst human fear of all...death.

Can you just imagine? Have you ever been scared and alone, not knowing what to do or where to go, and then, out of nowhere, someone you love deeply comes to your rescue? Ahh...what relief!

A number of years ago, I had traveled by myself to a conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Now, I’m not one who likes to travel alone, but I was part of a women’s ministry team and was speaking at a break-out session. I made the 4-hour trek by myself. Late that evening, after the conference had ended for the night, each of us made our way back to the hotel except for me. It was late and I was tired. A blinding rain was falling which made it harder for me to see. I was in unfamiliar territory and without a GPS. The plan was for me to follow behind a friend of mine; however, in all the confusion, I missed my turn. I was lost, and now found myself on an interstate going towards Wichita, Kansas. To say I freaked puts it mildly. I got off the interstate and entered a...let me see...not so good part of town. Visions of being hacked to pieces and thrown in the river taunted me, and I felt sad that my officer husband would never know what happened. Sigh. I worried. I began tearing up. I prayed. Finally, I stopped and called my man. His calming voice on the other end of the phone soothed my fears. Though my anxiety had pretty much taken over, he gave me enough sense to get back on the interstate and find my way back to where I had started, and eventually to the hotel.

Have you ever had to face a frightening situation, but God somehow reassured you that everything would be okay? Explain here:

In Acts 1, we see the men and women again, huddled together in the upper room. This time, however, instead of imagining them wringing their hands and pacing the floor, they were actively seeking a solution through prayer.

Sweet sister, there are going to be many occasions when fearful and worrisome times come your way. There will be those calls when your husband leaves for a hostage situation or a pursuit; when all chaos breaks loose and it seems as if the world is coming for your man...and you, with daggers and torches. Don’t be shaken.

Those are the moments when you must spring into action. Prayer is your weapon of victory. Not only will God fill you with His overwhelming peace, but He will give you the level-headedness to make wise decisions, to not overreact, and/or to wait patiently for that “all’s clear” call after the fact.

When I was a little girl, my momma always quoted this simple scripture to me, and it has served me well over the years, so I want to share it with you, What time I am afraid, I will trust in you. Psalm 56:3.

Join with me as I pray over our officers today, for our peace and assurance to know that He has your back.

Dear Father,

Thank You for being a loving God who comforts us and is concerned for our peace of mind. I pray today that You will shelter our officers and keep them hidden away from the enemy who wants to destroy them. I pray that You will help us know that even in the dark times, we can trust You to see us through. Lord, give us clear direction and help us to always find our solace in You.

In Your Son’s Holy Name, Amen.

See you tomorrow, friend.

Kristi

About the author

Kristi Neace is a seasoned author, blogger, speaker and Founder of Badge of Hope Ministries. She has been a guest on numerous media outlets such as CNN, Breitbart News, The Hard Line, BOTT Radio, Larry Connors USA, and many others in regard to civil unrest and the law enforcement response. Kristi has served for over 17 years in women’s ministry and is an avid Bible teacher. She and her husband reside in Missouri. They have three grown children/spouses, and two grandchildren.