Confession

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

One of my favorite things about fire station life is sitting around the table sharing life. Every morning and evening we (hopefully) share a meal together and talk. We solve the world's problems, vent, and laugh. We talk about anything and everything rather frankly. 

As believers in Christ, James tells us to confess our sins to each other. For some reason this is something extremely hard for those of us who are truly trying to follow Christ. Before we were in Christ we had no problem boasting about our sins. We actually wore them as a badge of honor. My Protestant children had no clue what the above picture is. When asked, one said, "A coffin?" True Biblical confession is a lost art.

We don't confess our sins because we don't want to admit our faults and failures, because they really become true once the words leave our mouths. We may feel that we are weaker and less than. Maybe we fear judgment. Some of us have been vulnerable before and a trusted friend used those words of confession against us. Whatever the reason, we must all remember that we are all sinners(Romans 3:23), and our temptations are common to us all(1 Corinthians 10:13).

James says that healing comes from our confessions. We don't have to carry the weight of our guilt and shame. We don't have to let it keep us from church and away from God. That weight causes so much inner turmoil which can lead to anxiety, depression, and isolation. Christ desires for us to be free. We all need that one person with whom we can share our deepest darkest secrets. That person who will then pray for us and encourage us to follow Christ and keep us accountable. Who is that person for you? Chances are that person is struggling with the same things you are and will not treat you like you have the plague. Let us find our people and in turn our healing in confession.

-Be Blessed,

Senior Captain Bobby Delgado

HFD Chaplain

Eye For An Eye

"You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 

39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also." -Matthew 5:38-39

An eye for an eye has an interesting ring to it. Our primal, self protective instinct likes the idea of administering swift, equal justice. Our logical self says eye for an eye is both archaic and barbaric. It is more vengeance than justice. Gandhi says following it "makes the whole world blind." Rick Warren says, "hurt people hurt people."

The saying is found in the Old Testament books of Exodus and Leviticus. It was meant to remind local judges to administer justice fairly and equally. It was not intended for individuals to inflict the same pain they received. That attitude of retaliation has led to endless cycles of violence, abuse, and war.

Jesus, who always holds us to a higher standard, tells us to "turn the other cheek." He is not instructing us to be the world's punching bags because we are His followers. He is telling us to show true grit when we are insulted and offended. He is asking us to end the cycle of hatred and abuse. When we retaliate the violence is sure to escalate.

This world, which is perpetually offended, could use a whole lot of turning the other cheek. Instead of jumping on our keyboards to lash out digitally against a seemingly mild offense, what if we said nothing. Someone cuts you off and gives you the middle finger, so what. Keep driving. There is no honor to defend against people who do not know or care about you. Your spouse or teenager is having a bad day and says some mean things out of anger, we've done the same. Our family's future is dependent on us all exhibiting grace. Jesus is asking us to grow thick skin and to be the adults in the room. He is asking us to do as He did. He stayed on the cross taking every form of verbal and physical abuse possible for the good of all mankind. That is the true measure strength. 

-Be Blessed

Senior Captain Bobby Delgado

HFD Chaplain

Own It and Learn

"As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly." -Proverbs 26:11

Every year for the past 8 years, Facebook and wonderful firefighter brothers remind me of this most ridiculous blunder. It had been another busy day saving lives(or maybe disregards) on Squad 18. We stopped for gas at the Valero on 45 and Dumble, which was customary. We went inside, while the pump did its thing, for caffeine and snackage. Our stay was extended as the other guy in the photo was looking at maps and planning for his trip to Wisconsin or somewhere. Whatever the case, I hopped in the war wagon, put her in drive and left. Just as soon as we started to move, we all heard a loud POP. I put her in park and looked at my now infamous blunder. Cameras were out immediately and here we are today. 

I have yet to make that mistake again. I might actually be just a little paranoid. I was a fool for doing it the first time. I'd be labeled far worse for a second. For the longest time I tried to blame the mistake on the distractions of the moment and busyness of the day, but the truth is, I did it all by myself and must live with the consequences of annual ridicule.

I wonder what mistakes in life we continue repeating? What other sins are out there that we continue to run to instead of from. What excuses do we make to cover our tracks. Who/what are we blaming other than ourselves? How often do we who are brave, strong, professional, educated, forgiven, and compassionate play the part of a fool?

May we learn from our mistakes and take the proper actions to never repeat them again. May we turn from sin and run towards Christ. May we own our stuff and properly place blame where it belongs. Let us grow in maturity, faith, and humility.

-Be Blessed

Senior Captain Bobby Delgado

HFD Chaplain