My Faith Story

Six years ago my father retired after more than 30 years of working in law enforcement. For twenty-two of those years he was the sheriff of Manitowoc County. It was a stressful job in many ways but he served faithfully and honorably. He was only 32 years old when he was elected as sheriff but he quickly earned the respect of those within his department and those within the community. Even the people who didn’t like my father and disagreed with him on most issues could not deny that he was a man of integrity.

When it came time for his retirement, friends and co-workers insisted on throwing him a huge party. People from all over the state were invited and came to celebrate with him. Over 500 people filled the room. Even the governor, who was unable to attend, sent his regrets and a letter of thanks for his many years of service. As he stood to give his speech in front of the mayor, the city council, the county board, his fellow police officers, his family and friends, I wondered what he would say. I remember thinking how much my mother had looked forward to this day, but she was no longer with us.

After losing his wife only 9 months earlier to cancer, he started to address all those who had gathered to honor him. The first words out of his mouth were, “Tonight I want to thank God for the many blessings in my life. I thank God for my children who are sitting by my side. I thank God for my wife who recently passed away. I thank God for all who have supported us and prayed for us during her illness and who helped financially with her medical bills. I thank God for the opportunity to serve in this community. I thank God for each of you who is gathered here tonight…” He went on and on and on. I cannot count the number of blessings he listed nor could I ever remember each one. His entire speech was one of thanksgiving and praise to God for the many blessings bestowed upon him.

This was not a church meeting. This was not a worship service. This was a retirement party. A gathering of people from all different walks of life who had come to honor him. All night people had stood to give speeches praising him and thanking him. And at the end of the night, my father stood and praised God and thanked God.

My father’s faith and his witness to me and everyone else in that room has had a profound effect on how I view the world. When I start to feel sorry for myself or get angry with God for the struggles in my life, I remember the words of my father. He taught me that regardless of what we feel or what we experience in this life, God’s name is worthy to be praised. God’s name is blessed whether we are on the mountaintop or in the valley. God’s goodness and faithfulness are everlasting whether we believe it or not.

Becky Kocourek

August 2006