Believe It! "Ordinary" People Can Achieve the Insurmountable

This post contains content pertaining to faith. Even if you’re not a believer, I hope you find some value in it.

The 12 Apostles always seemed above reproach to me. I’m certain those gorgeously-crafted stained glass windows at Church making them appear larger than life, had something to do with it. It wasn’t until I started delving more into their lives that it become apparent how imperfect they truly were.

There is indeed hope for the rest of us.

They were considered “common” men, lacking in formal education and prestigious titles. Yet without these flawed, ordinary men, Christianity would likely not exist as we know it today.

Despite their faults, each of these men, who Jesus Christ handpicked to spread His word, had unique God-given skills and temperaments. Where Simon Peter was bold and a natural born leader, Philip was analytical and more cautious. While Matthew was a tax collector (despised by the Jews at the time, with good reason), Simon the Zealot was staunchly anti-Roman.

I’m bringing up the Apostles not just because it’s Holy Week, but because in many ways our lives mirror theirs. And because it’s applicable to how we approach our advocacy.

We don’t need a law enforcement background, prestigious titles, connections, or power to advocate for police officers and public safety.

We also don’t have to be perfect.

All it really requires is a desire to serve, and to find a way to match your unique temperament and skill sets to where it can best make a difference.

Don’t compare yourself to others. What can you contribute to this cause that’s unique and special?

Here are just a sprinkling of ideas to jumpstart the brainstorming process. Note that these activities represent different skill sets and temperaments.

• Throw an appreciation party for your police department;

• Write op-eds;

• Sign up as a volunteer with your local police department (if they have a program) or with a national nonprofit police organization. If you can’t volunteer, consider offering financial support.

• Volunteer to help with an event like National Police Week;

• Lobby for bills;

• Attend city council meetings to speak up for your local police;

• Go on ride-alongs to get a feel for the issues your local police agency faces;

• Organize a group project to send thank you cards to police officers. One of our coalition members, Henry Morris Hollywwod Morris takes it a step further by visiting police departments across the country to pay respects and offer a customized plaque when an officer has made the final sacrifice.

Your contribution doesn’t always have to be obvious, either. Whenever we do something to support police officers and advance public safety (whether it’s obvious or done behind-the-scenes), we’re making a contribution.

For a deeper dive on the 12 Apostles, one resource I can highly recommend is a book called Twelve Ordinary Men: How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness, and What He Wants to Do with You, by John MacArthur. As of this writing, it is available for free via Kindle Unlimited on Amazon.

Wishing you a Happy Easter and a Happy Passover.

For the Blue is a solutions-based initiative. I’m just an American patriot asking questions. I don’t work with any political party and I answer to nobody. For me, the health of the nation, due process (including for police officers), the rule of law, and respect for individual liberties, will always transcend party affiliation. I welcome your thoughts, even if you disagree; though personal attacks will be ignored. You can reach me at fortheblue@substack.com.