Nurturing Communities: The Power of Serving With a Caring Heart

Before getting further into the message, an untimely and death occurred two days before Christmas when a Delaware state trooper was fatally gunned down. As I watched the news, and the hearse carrying the trooper’s body, my heart was heavy and sad; then I began to pray. I thought about the people who were close to him and especially his family.

The thought of this heinous crime and how his family would endure this during the Christmas season. I also thought about the law enforcement officers in my town, and they as well as all those first responders lives are in danger daily. From that I find it more important than ever to honor those who serve us across the nation, and when it comes to my borough, I will share about the Lindenwold officers who serve with a caring heart.

This story stems from “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” that is celebrated in October. At a council meeting I saw this friendly police officer wearing a pink badge, and it was very impressive. There was a conversation between the two of us, as to why they wear pink badges during “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” 

He allowed a photo to be taken of us, and from that brief conversation, a friend and I went to the police department; he was told what had transpired at the meeting, and that I write messages (stories) about different things around the community which would have a positive influence.

During a recent conversation with a few of the officers, I was further enlightened as to how they became involved. Other towns were celebrating and the Lindenwold officers also began commemorating cancer  awareness. At first this was a man thing, but Lindenwold had a female officer; they didn’t want to leave anyone out, so it went from there to breast cancer, on to all cancers, which are national initiates.

The Lindenwold policemen also make individual donations to two foundations; The Valerie Fund which provides comprehensive care to children with cancer and blood disorders at eight pediatric hospitals.

No Shave is a fundraising campaign built to support cancer education and awareness. Every November, we invite you to grow your hair, raise awareness, and support cancer advocacy, education, and research. Pledge the dollars you’d normally spend on grooming and hair care to support the cause. Together, we can build a vibrant community committed to change—one hair at a time. Sacrificial donations are another means of exemplifying caring hearts.

Thanks to our Lindenwold policemen, who serve our community well.

You are to be commended for your service. You are physical angels who have been put in place by God to protect our community (Romans 13:1-5), and your service is well accepted and appreciated. Not only do you enforce the law, but you are a part of us. The proof is your presence in the Borough of Lindenwold, New Jersey. As the community continues to cooperate with each other, including the police department, we are in a happy and safe place. 

On behalf of caring citizens with grateful hearts.

Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org