Bad Water
In this world, Christians are meant to be sources of Christ’s living water (John 7). Each of us is called to stand up for what’s right. But when we cave in because we’re scared or intimidated, we suddenly have nothing to offer this world.
Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked. (Proverb 25:26 NIV)
Standing up for what’s right can be tough at any age. Too often we let fear control us. Our minds focus on all the bad things that could happen.
But there’s one cop who’s intensely grateful for the courage and kindness of five strangers.
An Incident in Kentucky
During a anti-racism protest in Louisville Kentucky, a police officer became trapped by an angry mob. Officer Hinshaw managed to get his back against a wall, so no one could attack him from behind. But the rage and number of protesters increased. Fear gripped him. The infuriated crowd edged closer. Standing alone, he knew if one person attacked him, they all would.
Suddenly, an unknown black man wearing a red facemask stepped toward the officer. Then unexpectedly, he turned and faced his fellow protesters. Four other men quickly joined him. Linking arms, they formed a human shield around Hinshaw.
And they saved him. Despite the hostile roar of the crowd. Despite the danger. The last one to step in was a shopkeeper, who saw a weak spot in their protective ring.
But one man acted righteously first.
He stood alone, protecting the cop. The image shows a slender black man, not physically big enough to intimate anybody. To side with the cop was incredibly risky. Because he made himself a target too. But he still did it, not knowing if anyone else would join him.
One protester’s heroic action inspired the other four.
A few minutes later, Hinshaw’s squad arrived and got him to safety.
But he knows the men who truly rescued him.
My Personal Philosophy
Righteous people stand up for what’s right—no matter what the cost.
My image came from Pixabay.com
Resources:
Sapphire Pool is a hot spring in Yellowstone National Park.
Here’s the article about the five men who formed a human shield around Officer Hinshaw.
