The Pan Handler
Hello, dear readers, or anyone who'd like to hear me read this in my tone, feel free to do so.
Today, I find myself penning an entry in what I'm dubbing the "Chronicles of the Unforeseen" - a series thrust upon me by fate, much like Moses was reluctantly swept into leadership. Except, instead of parting the Red Sea, I navigated the aisles of Walmart with my brother, in the quaint town of Cornwall, Ontario.
The Encounter: When Law Enforcement Meets Social Justice
We expected a routine errand, but what we encountered was more like a scene from a cheesy '90s comedy: the Cornwall police cruisers, their lights flashing like a disco inferno across the parking lot. "Surely," I thought, "this is but a minor mishap." Unfortunately, what we saw was more like a reversal of roles, akin to seeing the powerful act in an unexpected and uncharacteristic manner – there, right in front of us, were officers engaged in what can only be described as panhandling.
Moral Compass and the Quest for Transparency
In these times, when making ends meet feels like feeding the five thousand with five loaves and two fish, the sight of law enforcement stretching forth their hands was more bewildering than finding manna in the wilderness.
Let me be honest: My relationship with the police nowadays resembles Jonah's enthusiasm for Nineveh – lacking, to say the least. This disconnect doesn't arise from their duty to protect but rather from a departure from the principles of biblical law, replaced by a doctrine of discomfort towards those they've sworn to protect.
Peacemakers or Fundraisers? Navigating the Moral Dilemmas of Public Service
We're taught in Matthew 5:9, 'Blessed are the peacemakers,' yet the peace I witnessed was tainted by an agenda seemingly more focused on earthly gain than heavenly wisdom. Reflecting on this matter for several days has prompted me to question the validity of such practices, particularly in the post-COVID era.
Community Engagement vs. Professionalism: A Conflict Resolution
Why do they solicit money from those in need or create situations where individuals feel pressured to give simply because it's the police asking, especially when such actions could potentially endanger both parties? Especially considering they are conducting these activities on the road.
This behavior contradicts biblical principles and is not appropriate for individuals whose salaries, funded by taxpayers, are meant to uphold a higher standard of conduct. If I were to attempt similar actions, I would likely face arrest or fines for endangering public safety. So why do law enforcement officers receive a pass on this? Is it a case of 'laws for thee, not for me'?
Divine Intervention and Social Responsibilities: Seeking a Path of Righteousness
If they wish to fundraise, they should do so through conventional means, like everyone else, rather than soliciting on public roads and using public equipment and resources. And employing police officers on the street to panhandle seems like a waste of taxpayer money, don't you agree?
Furthermore, we often hear about the importance of officer safety. Yet, if safety were truly a concern for these panhandlers, why were they standing on the roadside, putting themselves and others at risk? It seems rather counterintuitive, doesn't it?
Conclusion: The Good Shepherd and the Meaning of Justice
Now, I have seen and witnessed people being accosted for proclaiming salvation, while officers solicit donations under the guise of law, would make even Solomon ponder the meaning of justice.
In an age where sin is celebrated with rainbow flags, and righteousness is mocked, the act of shaking down God’s people for silver betrays a need for repentance and return to the Lord’s ways.
As written in Ezekiel 33:11, “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live.”
Thus, my unexpected journey through Walmart’s lot became a reflection on society’s need for divine direction. May we all seek a path that leads not to the love of money, but to the treasures stored up in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Like the Cornwall police were doing.
Author's Note: Tim
I really do appreciate the people who have read this blog or listened to it. If you'd like to watch the video that shows the video of the panhandlers, please do so by clicking the YouTube video. If you'd like to see us grow, please share this blog, our videos, and our podcast everywhere, and subscribe as well. Besides that, we can always use your prayers, as I pray for you who come and read or listen to me. God bless you all.