Out of the Two comes One

Back in 1989, as a very mature 26 years old, I was both ordained into the ministry and sworn in as a deputy sheriff in Orange County California. I joined the staff of the Eagles Nest Christian Ministries – under the leadership of Dr. Gary Greenwald- as his leader of Youth Ministries. At the same time, although several months apart, I pledged an oath to uphold the laws of the great county of Orange under the leadership of then Sheriff Brad Gates, not to be confused with his distant relative Daryl Gates who was the Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department. Since that time people often, ask me how I can do both jobs and not confuse their missions or become hypocritical in the service of one or the other. For me this has never been an issue. You see, I see myself as a Christian first. Christian before a law enforcement officer, Christian before husband, or father; and here it is—Christian before a Blackman in America. Christ first, Christ always, Christ only. This reminds me of the time when I was testing for the position of sex crimes investigator. My supervisor, which shall remain unnamed, pulled me aside to voice his concerns. In his typical fatherly tone, he expressed his concern that my being a Christian would disallow me to see anyone in a bad light, thus inhibiting my ability to judge rightly a sex offender as evil. He saw my Christianity as a hindrance to the performance of my duties. I took pleasure in explaining that my faith is what gave me the proper understanding of the true nature of what it meant be man…that all of us were evil by nature and it was only the grace of God that set any of us apart. Well that was almost 10 years and many hundred investigations ago: Water under the bridge as we say. In this new post, I would like to explore with you my journey through this blended world of mine. As in all things, I would love to hear and share your thoughts. Out of the two worlds came one unique perspectives, it makes for a wonderfully exciting adventure. Come along for the ride and let’s see what we see…. Just saying.