Sheriff’s prayer calms church
Published: April 3, 2006
When there is dissension among the flock, sometimes a sheriff’s got to pray.
At least that’s what Sheriff Mike Blakely did Sunday morning to restore peace at a southeastern Limestone County congregation.
Blakely, a member of a Church of Christ, was on his way to worship services when a deputy called for backup at another type of church.
Blakely said someone had called the Sheriff’s Department about a physical altercation that broke out when members arrived for worship.
The sheriff said that out of respect, he did not want to identify the congregation publicly.
When a deputy arrived at the church, Blakely said, part of the membership was in the parking lot and things were “pretty heated.”
“A majority of the church didn’t want the preacher there, but some did,” Blakely said. “Someone made the comment that if the preacher got in the pulpit, he was liable to get shot.”
Blakely said that when he got to the church, he asked the members to meet inside so he could offer a few words. He decided that to help them work out their differences, he should turn to God.
“I didn’t know who to call on to pray,” Blakely said. “I was worried I’d call on someone who would offend the other side.”
No need to pull out the handcuffs. Instead, the sheriff bowed his head.
“I prayed that I didn’t think the Lord would want people to act like this,” Blakely said. “I prayed that the Lord would touch their hearts. I was going to ask for an ‘Amen,’ but didn’t have to. I got some, ‘Amens’ and ‘Hallelujahs’ and some ‘That’s right, Sheriff Blakely.’ ”
Blakely said he simultaneously was offering a silent prayer to God that his words were helping.
“My words were sincere, and it seemed to calm everybody down,” the sheriff said.
It would appear that in Limestone County some days, it takes more than a badge to be sheriff.
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