If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.  ~Romans 10:9-10

In my town this week, a police officer was shot, another was killed and a firefighter lost his life, all in the line of duty.  I am in awe of these brave men and women who, knowing the danger to themselves, still run into perilous situations to protect and save others.  To me, these brave people are very much like Jesus - fighting injustice, sacrificing themselves for others, demonstrating true love by helping people unconditionally, regardless or race, creed or wealth.

And yet, no matter how many people they save in this life, will they be saved for eternity?  My hubby is a cop, and I really don't think I could stand the anxiety of his job without knowing with certainty that if he went on before me, he would be waiting to meet me in Heaven.  Knowing that this imperfect earth is not the end, but merely the beginning gives you the courage to boldly love others, boldly defend others and boldly serve God.  If, by contrast, we just sit on our butts, hiding our lights under a bushel and not being the hands and feet of Jesus, we really are no better than coins buried in a field.

I pray that these brave men were believers.  I pray that God might somehow use the tragedy of their deaths for some good.  I pray that their families will be comforted, and that their faith will be ignited or renewed.  And I give thanks that with every generation there are still men and women willing to put on a uniform and defend, protect and rescue us.