Blessed Are the Meek

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." - Matthew 5:5

Most firefighters I know can relate to the above picture. Many of them have had to keep their shoulders back, eyes forward, and mouths shut while being berated, I mean molded, by their drill sergeant. While it was in their best interest to do so, they were getting a true exercise in meekness. Every fiber in their being wanted to smart off or fight back, but they chose not to. We always have a choice.

We often equate meekness with weakness. In reality, the opposite is true. To be meek is to have the ability or right to do something, and refraining for the greater good. Being meek takes a great deal of inner strength and restraint. It is choosing to keep your mouth shut when you want to let someone have it. It is walking away from the mouthy and belligerent antagonist. It is allowing your inner strength to trump your physical and verbal might. Let us imitate Christ who as God had the power to destroy His earthly enemies, yet kept his mouth shut, and endured extreme physical pain for the sake of the world.

Just because we can doesn't mean we should. May we have the wisdom to know when and how to display our strength. Oh that we would value inner strength and restraint over reckless might. May we keep unity and peace at the forefront of our minds. May we choose the way of Christ over all else. May we rule over our emotions. May we be meek and in turn be blessed.

May the LORD bless you and keep you!

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

Soar

"but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:31

It was nice to gain my hour of sleep back this past weekend. However, it is not nice having darkness swoop in before dinner. I've been ready to go to bed at 8 every night this week. The darkness and ensuing tiredness seem to correlate with the ongoing election battle. Never in my career has there been a more stressful time for HFD. I know most of us are experiencing a mental fatigue like never before. 

One thing is for certain, this world will let you down. Our city officials have and will continue to let us down. We should all have the mayor and city council be our pallbearers so they can let us down one last time. Even the people we love and trust let us down from time to time. It is easy to lose hope when elections,  court cases, and life don't go our way.

God is the only One who won't let us down. He Always follows through with His promises.  He hasn't let me down yet. We should focus our hope on the sure thing, Him. In fact when we do, He gives us the strength to face everything that comes our way. His Word promises that we will SOAR. Are you tired of just getting by? Are you ready to soar? Then, put your hope and trust in Him. 

-Sr. Captain Bobby Delgado

HFD Chaplain