SHIFT 34...ReFlections of a 32 year Firefighter Career...
It is often said that two things you don’t talk about at
work are politics and religion. “Religion is
incredibly personal and even more polarizing than politics, so keep it to
yourself.” Or,
“You shouldn't discuss your religious
beliefs or your thoughts about other religious beliefs at work. Religion is a
very personal issue and people are very sensitive about it. They don't want to
hear that you disagree with their religious beliefs or that you believe your
religion is the one in which everyone should believe.” I’m sorry I simply
believe this advice to be hogwash. Many hold to this opinion because “religion”
is just a fragment of who they are. They have work, they have family, vacation,
finances, etc, etc…and they have “religion”.
This ‘religion’ thing really becomes a hangup for some. Likely because there are those (on both sides) that get a bit to excited about it.
Maybe
I can explain my philosophy using a ‘firefighter’ analogy. A firefighter
is what my vocational identity is, but there are several pieces that come into
play to shape that identity. In my job I must know
fire science, building construction, hydraulics, operating a fire pump,
extinguishing a fire, how to recognize and control a dangerous situation,
medically…especially as a paramedic…how to care for patients, medications and
algorithms. Then the firefighter is to keep his or herself physically fit, look
sharp, provide tours of the fire house and trucks, and educate the public. The firefighter
is constantly involved in continuing education in all the above and at all
times maintaining what we call response readiness, responding at a moment’s
notice…day or night. Oh, and let’s not forget, swab a floor, cook a meal, and
clean house. But wait a minute…I’m a firefighter. Yes, but this is what a
firefighter is all about. This is his identity.
In the same way…my life identity…is as a follower of Jesus.
Being a firefighter is just one of many pieces of this particular identity. This life in Christ does not stop depending where I am, who I’m with or what I’m
doing. It is…who I am! It's what I'm about. This identity is shaped in much the same way as a firefighter. There’s much to know, there’s always continuing
education, there’s response readiness, there’s maintaining fitness, there’s
educating those around me and being educated by them. All along…this must be
accomplished with the character of Christ. More than anything, that means
GRACE!  |
| 'Response readiness' is required |
So…because this is who I am, you can’t ask me to keep ‘it’
to myself, or “not discuss my beliefs”. That approach says, tell me about your
weekend, your vacation, your kids’ baseball game, but never talk to me about who you are. But...this is who I am. Sure…I must proceed
with amazing grace, with respect. And hopefully I can live out to a great
extend St. Francis of Assisi’s quote: “Preach Christ always, and if necessary
use words”. His saying states ‘live out the character of Christ daily’. An ‘in
your face’ attitude is not required. Rather I hope that my words might proceed
only after the character and only then when appropriate. At the same time I must
be equally respecting to another. And in this mutual respect we have dialogue.
My ‘identity’ in Christ was there before my career of ‘being
a firefighter’ and I intend for it to be there long after my career. Because of
this we’ve often had bible studies at the ole PAF&R. These studies,
discussions and fellowship began with Duane, Byron and myself and continue to this very
day. My hope is that when I’ve driven away from the station for the very last time that the brothers
here will continue in their ‘identity’ in Christ in such a way that lives will
be left changed by how they live and by what they say.
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