Share-Your-Story Friday. Cheryl from PA

cheryl_from_PA
The time I find most profitable to memorize scripture is when I am walking my dogs around my neighborhood. I carry an 8 ½ X 11 sheet of paper with a larger portion of scripture written on it (a chapter or Psalm). I read a portion and then recite it out loud over and over as I walk along. The dogs are a good cover so the neighbors don’t think I am crazy. I like being outside and memorizing a Psalm such as 19 where I can actually see the heavens declaring “the glory of God.” I can also turn parts of this Psalm into a prayer as I walk along, “Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me.” Furthermore, it is a good time to lift my neighbors up to the LORD as I pass their homes.

This practice of scripture memorization renews my mind and prepares me for work. I have been a police officer for 23 years. I am assigned to the patrol division in a busy department outside of Philadelphia. At work, I carry laminated 3 X 5 index cards of scripture in my uniform pocket. I review them during down times such as when waiting for a tow truck to get to an accident scene or for a court proceeding to begin. Having God’s word in my heart at work is invaluable. Sometimes I have no idea how to handle a situation but will remember my James memory work. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” I then turn this into a silent prayer before acting. James also says, “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” This verse reminds me to actively listen to victims, complainants, and co-workers instead of swiftly speaking and/or getting angry.

The scripture I store in my heart provides constant nourishment throughout my twelve hour shifts. It helps me survive the streets and view situations more from God’s perspective. It also makes me more sensitive to the Holy Spirit and what He wants to accomplish in the lives of all whom I come into contact with.

17 comments to Share-Your-Story Friday. Cheryl from PA

  • Susan M.

    Awesome! Thank you for the encouragement, and I LOVE knowing that one of our police officers “out there” is hiding God in her heart and looking at her day through HIS eyes! I am a busy homeschooling mom, and you have given me further encouragement that I, too, can find ways to fit Bible memory into my day!

  • Thanks for sharing, Cheryl!
    Now when I see a police officer, I’ll think of you reviewing verses in the midst of traffic accidents and gaining sensitivity and insight for each and every challenging situation! Very encouraging!

  • Richie

    Cheryl! How awesome to read your story! I love that your dogs are your “cover”! So cool that you pray for your neighbors as you walk along. Thanks for sharing your daily routine. I am curious as to what methods are effective for others. I’ll bet James is one of your “go to” books in your profession. I miss you, CT! Keep up the great memory work!

  • Paulette

    Cheryl,
    Thank you you for sharing your story today. It is a great remainder to be praying for the officers we pass on the streets. Thank you again for your story,it is very encouraging!!

  • cathy blair

    Cheryl!! what a treat to open up Janet post this morning and find your beautiful smiling officer photo. I love knowing that before reacting you seek God’s wisdom in your dealings with people and difficult or emotional situations. How wonderful would it be if all our officers and people in positions of authority or teaching or law did the same thing. You give a whole new deeper meaning to the name of our scripture memory group “the word warriors”! I look forward to seeing you again soon as your schedule permits it. 🙂

  • Chérie

    Hi Cheryl, thanks so much for sharing. I loved the visual of an officer with scripture cards in her pocket. So awesome. My Uncle is a retired police captain, and I grew up knowing about the dangers, stresses and sometimes humor of the job. I loved hearing how you incorporate memorization into your work day. I so love finding out:
    •how people got started memorizing, 
    •how they have sustained the discipline, 
    •what they are currently memorizing, 
    • how they memorize
    •how they work it into their day
    • what their memorization goals are for the future.
    KEEP MEMORIZING!

  • Ginger

    Dear Cheryl, what a comfort to know we have an officer like you in our area! I am sure your witness and walk impacts many. It is an honor to have you in our Word Warrior group.
    Looking forward to seeing you again real soon!

  • Holly Steadman

    Cheryl–this is so encouraging! I can’t wait to have my 15 year old son read your testimony! I will never (and soon, neither will he) look at a police officer the same. I will remember your wisdom, tenacity and fervor in the Word as you serve. May Holy Spirit bless you and equip you as HIStory rushes forward.

  • Sue Bond

    This is beautiful Cheryl! Thank you for writing, posting and showing us the practical ways scripture memorization has taken root in your life. May the Lord bless you and keep you safe and protected in your work!

  • Janet Pope

    Hi Cheryl, Thank you so much for sharing your story with our community. We are all so proud of you and thank you for your public service. As you know my son is also a police officer so I especially appreciate your work on behalf of others. You are a true servant, to God, and to mankind. May the Lord raise up more like you.