Today I had the privilege of attending the first segment of the Trauma’s of Law Enforcement Training hosted by Concerns of Police Survivors at the Ft. Worth Police Department. Today’s facilitator was Shirley Gibson of Washington D.C.

Shirley’s 27 year old son, Brian, was killed in the line of duty by a gunman on February 5th, 1997. He was a 6 year veteran of the Metropolitan Police Department in the nation’s capital. Shirley served as the national president for Concerns of Police Survivors from 2004-2006. She was the first parent of a slain officer to fulfill that role for the organization. As she shared her story with us this morning, there were few dry eyes in the expansive training room at Ft. Worth PD. One particular piece of her story stood out to me today.

Christmas is incredibly difficult for grieving families. I cannot imagine the added burden of losing a loved one in the line of duty as a result of felonious activity.  Shirley said they decided to invite some of their son’s fellow officers for Christmas dinner. They focused particularly on officers working on the holiday. Twenty officers showed up that first Christmas in 1997. And then Christmas of 2009 rolled around a few months ago. She told us that there were some 400 guests in their home over the course of the entire day last Christmas. Other officers have joined their efforts in putting together what has become known as Brian’s Dinner. Officers on duty have to get their “to go plate” and get back to their assigned areas to work. The line this past year stretched out into the sidewalk and down the block.

Shirley was very honest with our group today regarding her motives for hosting such a major event. She said having young officers in her home is a source of comfort to her. When they hug her and she can feel their badge, vest, and sidearm, it reminds her of her son. It has become an event that benefits everyone on Christmas Day.

Shirley’s story was inspiring to me on many levels today. But really stands out to me is her desire to serve others as she grieves. Yesterday I preached about difficult people that we all have to face periodically. One category of difficult porcupines as I called them includes those who are injured. It is tempting to become the chronic victim. We therefore expect others to comfort us, serve us, listen to us, and perhaps even caudle us. I am not making light of Shirley’s loss. I cannot fathom what she has been through. I simply admire her desire to serve. Her heart is still filled with pain, but she is out there touching other people’s lives. I needed to hear that today. Shirley gave me the gift of inspiration. It was Christmas in April today.