Chief: distraught by violence, calmed by God's promise

Editor's note: With permission, the Southeast Missourian is republishing the following essay written by Cape Girardeau police chief Wes Blair, originally shared as his Facebook status following the shootings in Dallas.

By Wes Blair

I walked out onto the beach this morning broken-hearted, angry, and, if I'm to be completely honest, afraid. Broken-hearted that my brothers and sisters were gunned down simply for wearing the badge. Angry that our government and media intentionally fuel hatred toward our nation's police officers. Afraid for the 79 police officers under my charge who face the possibility of being slaughtered and knowing I'm mostly powerless to stop it should evil knock on our door as it did in my hometown last night.

But walking onto the beach reminded me of something bigger. As I watched the waves from the massive Gulf of Mexico crash against the shore and waited for the sun to rise, God reminded me that He is still in control. Many days it does not seem like it, but He is and His reign is forever.

There is nothing man can do to stop the sunrise every morning. We are too feeble to calm the waves. We cannot stop a single cloud from floating across the sky. These things are totally beyond our control and squarely in God's hands.

Through the beautiful sunrise, God reminded me that I belong to Him. Man may be evil and this world is full of strife, hatred and horrific acts we will never understand. He never promised us bliss on earth; quite the opposite. However, He has promised us an eternal life with Him and all his glory when our numbered days on this planet come to an end. All we have to do is choose to accept it.

I do. Do you?

The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Psalm 103:19