YOU EXPLAIN IT
August 1, 2026
A couple of weeks ago I had one of those unscientific life experiences. I have had more than I can recall but I thought this one was worth sharing. I hope I am right. Recently I was the sole usher at a Sunday evening worship service at my church. I was not a happy camper. I have a detailed, “old school” manner of seeing the world the way that I think it should be and on this day things were not going as I would have liked. My much-loved traditional church organ music had been replaced with an electric guitar and a singer who added their “artistic flair” to the point that few in the pews could follow them as they attempted to sing traditional hymns. The heavy chapel doors that elderly people have trouble opening were another source of my pain. For years I have tried to work with church leaders to get something done about the doors. I’ve been unsuccessful despite the fact that the church has spent over $50 million on enhancements. It was raining like crazy this day and many people arrived carrying umbrellas, which made the struggle with the heavy doors more difficult. I was unhappy with what was going on but kept a smile on my face as I greeted people and handed out the evening worship service bulletins.
My sources of stress made me want to leave but I repeatedly reminded myself that I had accepted the role. I have never walked off a job in my life and didn’t want to start now. Throughout the evening I kept thinking that I was there for a reason for at least one person and I should put my personal opinions and feelings aside and do my job.
A Dallas police officer was present for security purposes and he sat in the back of the chapel. He looked very, very tired and seemed to be preoccupied. I also thought it was interesting that he kept both hands inside of his bulletproof vest. I thought that maybe that was just his posture habit because it was not cold in the building.
After the service I was picking up service sheets and trash left in the pews. I was surprised to see the police officer standing with me in the front of the chapel. I apologized to him for me being short and direct with him during the service when I asked him to show a little girl where the restrooms were because I could not leave my post. I shared with him that I am direct and “old school” and he said he understood. He then shared with me that he had had a long day. He still had his hands inside of his bullet proof vest as we talked. He said that earlier in the day, he had pulled the dead body of a young girl out of a car and cut his hands. He showed me his hands. I immediately declared to him: “You are the very reason why I am here tonight. We both serve in different ways. God bless you for what you do. We both do what we do because we care.” I then gave him one of my gold challenge coins and acknowledged him for making a difference in the lives of others. He was speechless and looked shocked but managed to thank me for the coin and my show of appreciation for his service as I walked off, headed for two rum and diet cokes to go with my Sunday night dinner.
I was humbled that I had accomplished my Sunday night mission of making a difference. I am so very amazed how God puts me in touch with people and situations where I can make a difference as long as I follow my heart and keep my eyes open. I cannot explain it because this has happened to me countless times where I have crossed paths with people hurting or in need. I am so very thankful for the opportunity to serve. I pray that most of the time that my good overcomes my crusty nature. Thanks be to God from whom all blessings flow!
Written by KING AEROSPACE Founder, Jerry Allan King-Echevarria.