First Responders

Dear God: When we’re little it’s fun being first. First in line for lunch. The first one to open our Christmas presents. The first person to make it to the finish line in a race. But, as we grow and mature we realize that being first is not always the best thing. During company layoffs no one wants to be the first one to lose their job. Or, no one wants to be the first in their family to get sick, break a leg, or worse yet, to die!

Thank you for first responders—those who willingly put themselves in harm’s way to help the rest of us. For starters, this includes fire fighters, police, paramedics and members of the military. When the bell rings these people step forward to keep us from harm. Today I’m thinking about September 11, 2001, when over 300 first responders lost their lives in the World Trade towers.We watched in horror as they dutifully went into the towers, and then the towers began to collapse.

The Risks of Being First

It was devastating to realize that we were watching people die! Please be with their families and loved ones as they continue to mourn their loss. And be with those who are still suffering from the effects of that horrific day. I recently read that many of the first responders who survived are being diagnosed with various forms of cancer from their exposure to the dust and chemicals. They simply followed their instinct to save and protect and are now paying for it with their lives!

Thank you God for being a first responder by sending your son Jesus to die for our sins! Thank you for caring enough to let him die on our behalf.

Show us how we can best respond to the needs of those around us. Everywhere we go there are people in need. Sometimes just a smile or a kind word is all that’s needed. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be your hands and feet.

in Jesus name, amen!

If you liked this you may enjoy, The Price of Compassion | First Responder Issues

Rich DuBose writes from Northern California

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