‘What the World Needs NOW, is Love Sweet Love’

Joanne Eskreis
Aug 28, 2017 · 6 min read
Two Police Officers — Pexels.com (Pixabay.com)

Personal nonfiction perspective of a message received from a tribute to two fallen officers, and how we can come together in love and friendship.

Another senseless killing of two brave men serving their community while answering a call reporting a possible shooting or dispute. They courageously answer the call where the first officer is met with a man concealing a gun. The man took it out and shot him multiple times before he could reach his own weapon in self-defense. He had called for back up where the second officer responded bravely to his fellow officer’s request meeting the same fate. These servants of the law and of God were laid to rest today and I watched the tribute that changed my perspective, moved me and brought me to tears. It resonated a more important message to me…be right with your life and with God. You never know.

The tribute caught me by surprise. It was more emotional than anything I have ever watched and moved me with their message of love, honor, faith, and helping others. The men and women who spoke about these two individual knew them, loved them, were related to them, and spent a lifetime being inspired by them. For me it was a matter of an hour, but it was all I needed to see how important it was to get on board with their message. Through my uncontrollable sobs and pounding heart, I heard their voices through their loved ones and felt their heart and spirit. I saw the greatness in them.

These men and women make a choice to put on those uniforms and walk out into the darkness of danger within the community they serve. They do it with one thing in mind, to protect and serve the innocence of that community, portray the value of morality and humanity, and to help others. A friend and fellow officer of one of them spoke how he helped him through some challenges he was experiencing. He shared how he put his arm around him and said, “Let’s go help someone.”

That was why he did it. That is why they all do it. They go in spite of the unknown they walk into. They go even though they know it is risking their lives. They have one thing in mind. They are helping someone, protecting others, keeping the community safe, and ridding the streets of crime. Crimes committed daily such as murder, human trafficking, drugs, domestic abuse, rape, robbery, serial killing, terrorism and the many other threatening situations they face. They don’t hesitate, they just fight to establish peace for the rest of us and hopefully without loss of life. They do it, even if it means the sacrifice of their own. I remember when I was growing up we looked at these men and women with respect and honor, that is what they deserve.

I heard how these two men lived their lives, gave their lives to God, and had goals for their future. One of the goals for their future included the start of an organization to help kids that are lost, struggle with knowing the right thing to do, and lead them in a more positive direction. I listened to how they were amazing brothers, sons, husbands, fathers and friends, as well as, true servants of what God intended us to be. They were happy doing what they did and being who they were. They made others happy and inspired many. It is senseless that they were killed. They took that job knowing it could happen, but there will never be an explanation to why them or make any sense to anyone. They didn’t deserve to die that way and had so much more to give to the community, their families and our country. The message I got from this tribute was about love, faith, unity, and helping others. Caring about others more than self.

Pexels.com (Pixabay.com)

While watching this I could not help but think about how things are so wrong with our country. I had a lot I wanted to say about the leaders of our country, but decided that wasn’t what I wanted this to be about. I had a few paragraphs and after reading it to my mom, who cautioned me about what I wrote, I decided it was best to continue with the message I received from the example these two men lead by, their message. I wanted it to be about us. I wanted to extend my hand to all of you and pledge that we come together as a united country and work to become what is right with out country.

The message of what we can do individually rang out loud to me as if these men were speaking directly to me. Starting with me, I pledge to put aside my own differences, issues, and personal grievances. I am not going to jump to my own personal opinions and will be open minded to hear what is right for everyone as a community, a country. It has to stop being personal and we need to realize what hurting people need, what bigger problems need to be resolved and how to come together. How can we help someone?

First thing is we need to be united, break down the dividing factors and stop those that are working to divide, but peacefully. We need to see differences as individuality and treat people with love, understanding, and compassion. Each of us are entitled to our individuality and deserve to be treated respectfully. We have so much turmoil going on that we have to rely on each other. We need to hold together, come together, and fight together to right the wrongs of our country. We are a community here, one that is all for one thing. Making it a better country peacefully and for all.

I personally vow to see you all for the individual you are, for the life you live, for how you make a difference, for the impressions you leave, and as a brother or sister of one community in this big country of ours. I see all the goodness you are about, the beautiful families you are part of, the jobs you do, and the friendship you bring. I see your talent, your hearts, personalities, your dedication and the great men and women you truly are. I see you as an ally to make this a better country and community and support you in your efforts. I am so glad to be part of this community. We can all get together and join forces to work at making this great. Let’s show them how it is done.

With that message in mind and the spirits of those great men lingering in my heart, I reach out to you and respectfully honor you. I am blessed to be in this country, and proud to be an American. But most of all, I am blessed and proud to be your friend. I am glad that I watched this tribute. I am glad I was inspired and changed by it. I will continue to be changed by it and follow their example, as well as, be the best I can be.

Pexels.com (burak kostak)

I saw the dedication and devotion they give to their God and realize that is what I need to be doing. I surrender to Him daily, so I need to put that uniform on and be the Christian I claim to be. I am grateful to these two men and all the many others who risk their lives to protect and serve in our country and abroad putting everyone else first. I am putting you all first and want you to now that I love you and am thankful to and for you. God bless you all.

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Joanne Eskreis

Written by

Writer of fiction, nonfiction, poetry and journalism with a Masters in English Creative Writing. Published in journals, newspapers, and anthologies.

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