The Final Inspection
The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.“Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?”The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
“No, Lord, I guess I ain’t,
Because those of us who carry badges
can’t always be a saint.I‘ve had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I’ve been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.But I never took a penny,
That wasn’t mine to keep….
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I’ve wept unmanly tears.I know I don’t deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.If you’ve a place for me here,
Lord, It needn’t be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don’t…..I’ll understand.There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.“Step forward now, policeman,
You’ve borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in hell.”
Categories: Chaplain Ronnie Melancon, Dr. Scott Silverii, Personal Perspective
To my son and every police officer , God Bless you all ,you see the good ,the bad, and the ugly,and deal with it with highest amount of professionalism may God protect you all .
🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏🙏🙏🙏
I feel that this prayer is very touching and makes me understand what police officer s go through they have to be very tough it’s sad in this very cruel world we live in at times
I have 32 years as a police officer. This says it all. My father walked a foot beat. We all feel this way and this prayer touches us all in ways most people cannot understand or comprehend. For my father, God bless you, may he rest in peace and walk a beat in heaven. Thanks Pop for all you did for me.
What a beautiful prayer. My lovely husband passed away on Sunday 27th December 2015
after 30 years in the police.
We thank You Lord God for this grace in which we stand, grace to keep Thy Ten Commandments. O Holy Trinity one God have mercy upon us and upon all the Churches and the whole wide world.
Loving dad. Sergeant son. Greatest admiration for my finest son, only son. May the lord be with him every day. I tried the best I knew how. You showed me how great fatherly love is. Always learning. I’ll always be there.