Facebook
The beautiful moment projects a scene straight out of John 13:1, when Jesus washes the feet of his disciples.
The last supper had begun, and the devil had already prompted Judas to betray Jesus.
Verse 3 says, “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God.”
So in the middle of the meal, Jesus rose from his seat, wrapped a towel around his waist and began washing the feet of each disciple. They didn’t understand what he was doing, but Jesus later said to them:
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
Martha washed Priscilla’s feet that day—both literally and figuratively. I can’t help but be in awe of the powerful representation it boasts of the way Jesus calls us to love one another.
As a police officer, Martha says sometimes it feels as though the whole world is against her “blue family.”
“We are hated and wished to be dead. We are called racist murderers, robots and pigs. Yet, out of the public’s eye…we get on our knees in the dirt to show love by washing the feet of those others would reject. Moments like these are the reason I am so passionate about what I do. I have never felt closer to Jesus than when I don my uniform and serve those who just need to be loved on.”
Despite the difficulties it brings, Martha says there is not a doubt in her mind that God wired and created her to be a police officer.
Facebook
“Though we are despised and rejected, my heart remains at peace because I know I’m doing God’s work. As is every man and woman I proudly serve beside. This is the side of police work you don’t see. This is our everyday shift. Don’t forget that we are human, and we are called to serve as well as protect.”
In the days since Martha first shared Priscilla’s story, the cop has learned that unbeknownst to her, Charleston County EMS has been making daily checks on the woman under the bridge for the past month. They wrap her wound in bandages, but she removes them later on because they “get dirty.”
“They provide her with more medical care and attention than I am able to. They also feed and clothe her (today she told me “don’t I look sexy in my new dress?”). I don’t know exactly who responds to her, but they are the ones who deserve the recognition. They are the real representations of Jesus and should be thanked a hundred times more than I.”
Martha says she’s been encouraged by the support of her post, but merely hopes it spreads a much-needed positive message about first responders. She says Priscilla is doing well, and her foot is now healing after being treated at the hospital on Wednesday.
Thank God for people like Martha, and all of her brothers and sisters in blue who selflessly care for others when no one is watching. Priscilla is blessed to have the community of officers and EMS teams around her, and I think they’d agree to feel blessed knowing her.
It’s a beautiful reminder that in the midst of so much darkness, there is still light.
