Shot? Not.

Yesterday morning TG taught our adult Sunday School class.

He occasionally performs that office for our pastor.

His lesson had to do with essential things to teach your children, or, if they are gone from the home, your grandchildren or any young people who may come under your sphere of influence.

Two of the things he stressed were the importance of learning respect for God-ordained authority, and being taught a solid work ethic.

I had to chuckle because our son, Andrew, age twenty-seven, was sitting beside me.

Andrew is one of the hardest-working people I have ever known. I'm not sure anyone could keep up with him, although I admit my girls are diligent workers too.

Eight days a week. There's not a slacker -- or a tattoo -- among them.

Their dad and I have been known to deliver an honest day's work for a day's pay as well.

And we did teach our children the concept of God-ordained authority -- starting with us as their parents -- and the necessity of having and demonstrating respect for authority throughout one's life.

So why did I chuckle during the Sunday School lesson? You may be wondering.

Because when Andrew arrived and slid into the pew beside me that morning, he had an announcement.

I got pulled over on the way to church, he said. And I didn't get shot.

Well, many in today's ultra-whiny race-baiting society may say. That's because you're white.

No. It's not because he's white.

It's because he stayed in his vehicle and did exactly as the law enforcement officer told him. And then some.

Then some?

Yes.

You see, Andrew carries concealed. Legally. As in, he was armed.

I first asked why he was pulled over. Speeding?

No. He changed lanes in the middle of an intersection. That's a no-no. A moving violation, as it were. A ticketable offense.

I wanted to know how he handled the whole thing, in light of the fact that he was packing heat.

He told me that first, upon pulling over and stopping, he rolled all of the windows down in the F-150 pickup.

Then, he said, he put both hands high on the steering wheel.

When the officer appeared at the driver's side window, Andrew said, Officer, I'm armed.

He lifted his elbows. The policeman peered in and got a visual on Andrew's holstered Glock. His eyes scanned the rest of the vehicle's interior.

That's fine, he said. Just don't reach for it. Then: Where are you headed?

To church, said Andrew.

You should know at this point, when Andrew is bound for -- or at -- either work or church, he strongly resembles an FBI or Secret Service agent. He's lean and fit. Dressed in a sharp suit and tie. American flag lapel pin. Clean shaven. Regulation haircut. 

All that's missing is the telltale earpiece and wire. Plus he doesn't talk into his wristwatch. That I know of.

The outcome? Andrew was dismissed with a warning. No shots were fired.

But then, he didn't exit the vehicle. He didn't give the officer any guff or disrespect. He didn't hold the loaded weapon in his hand. He didn't walk backwards or forwards or sideways or any way. He remained in the driver's seat with his empty hands in plain sight.

No matter what color his skin, I promise you that if my son had gotten out of the truck and walked towards that police officer armed with a loaded gun -- in his hand or not -- and refused to obey direct orders, the chances would have increased exponentially -- and quickly -- of his being stopped with deadly force.

I don't suggest that every single time an officer ever shoots a person on the side of the road or in a parking lot or an alley, that it's one hundred percent justified.

I do say that unless you were there -- and sometimes even if you saw a video -- you don't know exactly what went down.

And I do say that the average person who gets up every morning, takes a shower, dresses, goes to work, declines to break laws, minds his own business, and, when confronted by an officer of the law for any reason whatsoever, does exactly as he is told, is not going to get shot.

And I would like to say that all of those who believe people get shot by law enforcement just because they're black and for no other reason, were probably not taught the simple things my husband outlined in his Sunday School lesson.

More's the pity.

Work hard. Every day. Obey God-ordained authority. Every time.

Although truth is stranger than fiction and I admit that on any given day anything can happen, if you observe those rules, the probability is higher than you likely need it to be that you won't get shot by a cop.

And that is all for now.

=0=0=0=

Happy Monday

Comments

[sally]

Good going, Andrew! Just as it should be, and, oh Jenny don't we wish everyone would be respectful to everyone!

You have such a wonderful, beautiful family. And, raised up as it should be. :)

Love the photo!

xoxo

[Mari]

Exactly right - both TG's lesson and your comments. If more people would teach this to their kids, this country would be in much better shape.
Love the photos - such a good looking group!

[Judy Miller]

Amen.

[Cheryl Arment]

Exactly! You said it well! You have a beautiful family, and you taught them well.

[Donna (Texas)]

As James Bond would say...I'm licensed to carry...well, that's not exactly what he would say but that's what I say. I'm legal and so is my hubby. It's like underwear, I'd be lost without it!
And changing lanes in the intersection is always a no no...
Now...Adorable kiddos!
hughugs

[irene]

Well said. My husband was a police officer for 35 years, and only pulled his gun out once (in a confrontation). He did pull it out for practice, but for the most part shootings are a rare occurrence in a Police officers life, TOO much paper work.

[Barb]

Well said, Jenny. Where has respect and responsibility gone in America? I'm not saying authority is always right, but no use challenging it from the get-go. Your family is super-photogenic, that's for sure.