Read "Think About it..." Online Warrior Stories  | Excerpts | News Articles | Poems
Rear Cover | Reviews | About the Book | About the Author | Order | E-Mail  |  Home


                The Jerk...

I stood at the booking counter one day
       next to a prisoner I hated in the worst way.
In fact, of all the people I had ever arrested
       there had never been anyone I more detested.
There had never been anyone I so wanted to hurt.
       For in every way, he was a seething jerk.

I remember standing there, wanting him to swing
       knowing he had no idea the reaction it would bring.
Yes, there had never been anyone I hated so much.
       All I needed was his mistake. His slightest touch.
I remember I was so angry, I was ready to kill
       and might have, if given my own free will.

Then something happened I didn’t expect.
       There came a Friends voice at the side of my neck.
It was one I recognized from many times before
       the words caught me off guard, they struck at my core.
The words of my Friend who was now at my side
       quickly stole my anger and inside I cried.

I remember saying, "Oh God, is this really you?
       Please don’t say I have to love him too." ?
But the words came back the same as before.
       His words were true and I couldn’t ignore.
I wouldn’t have listened if they came from another,
       the words He spoke twice were, "He is your brother."

This was many years ago but I think of it still.
       Then and now, I’ve chosen to follow His will.
Now in your life there will be those you hate
       if you continue this path it will seal your fate.
But if you let go, if you turn the other cheek,
       you’ll find the Savior’s love can be so sweet.

   "For if ye forgive men their trespasses,
   your heavenly Father will also forgive you."
                  Jesus Christ    (Matthew 6:14)

       Officer Samuel Jeppsen #3751 (Ret) R# 140, February 1st 2003    www.LDSCOPS.com


 

Read "Think About it..." Online Warrior Stories  | Excerpts | News Articles | Poems
Rear Cover | Reviews | About the Book | About the Author | Order | E-Mail  |  Home

S&J Liberty Publishing
P.O. Box 7899
Mesa, AZ 85216-7899
Fax: 480-380-6013