Bill proceeded to tell us that while he was in heaven, he could see all the peoples on earth. He said that he could clearly see and hear a lady in China praying. He understood her prayer and at the same time, he could clearly hear every other prayer uttered simultaneously. He was incredulous! Could hardly believe what he saw and heard...and had always wondered just how God could possibly hear each prayer up until that very moment.
As he went on to relay some of the other sights, smells and sounds of heaven...needless to say, we were also a little "incredulous". But there was no mistaking that this big old once burly man had clearly experienced something quite incredible! I can hardly explain what it was like to sit and listen to this. I know, I know, some will say, "what a nut case!" and I will be the first to admit that at one time, I may have thought that very thing. But the proof was always in the pudding with this man.
He would catch teenagers in the act of doing no good and take them aside and more than likely extend his long arm of the law around their shoulder and explain that, that sort of thing is just not what they want to be doing. He would then often enough tell them why. He showed patience and perseverance with the young folks, and would most likely send the adults off with a warning instead of a summons. Handcuffs rarely came out and if they ever did, I can guarantee that the offender would get a testimony along with it.
Of course, that was then and this is now. And chances are a criminal caught in wrong doing would sue the law officer who would have the audacity to try to "straighten them out" with "Religion!"... but there are many many older folks walking the streets a little straighter today because of Bill's righteous approach to keeping the law.
He was never bashful about his faith. Would definitely tell anyone who would listen. And I remember he always arrived with a handful of helpful and encouraging tracts or printed scriptures to leave behind.
A law enforcement officer who was worth his weight in gold! Someone with integrity and compassion. Because he'd been allowed to see eternity once. And for Bill, once was surely enough!
Thanks Bill, we'll see ya on the uptake!
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