My pastor called me this morning with the tragic, awful news. One of our instructors, and a good friend of mine, was killed this morning. His name is Michael Bailey, and he was a member of the Chicago Police Department. One of the many news articles can be found here: Chicago Police Officer Shot And Killed.
This story is tragic on so many levels.
He was only weeks away from retiring from the Chicago Police Department. He was killed because some punk thugs wanted his 2010 Buick, a gift he bought himself for his upcoming retirement. He was killed on his very own block.
As a Tai Chi instructor, Mr. Bailey had very few peers. He taught theories and applications on Tai Chi that made everyone comfortable, from the most seasoned martial arts professional to senior citizens. I had the honor of assisting him with instruction on several occasion, and even filling in for him a few times. He was a humble man, and he always kept his spirits up. He was a man who knew God, and was led by faith. He always taught about the love that one can express through Tai Chi and the Internal Arts, a love that could overcome any foe or opposing force. He taught that if you smile while doing your Tai Chi forms, the joy that is on your face would make its way to the inside and then resonate out. He taught about the peace that could be achieved through Tai Chi, prayer, and meditation.
He has given me rides home from class on numerous occasions, and he was always willing to share his knowledge. His legacy in the self-defense classes is irrefutable, and he made a definite impact on the lives that he touched. I'm a better student, a better instructor, and a better person for having him in my life for the brief time that God allowed.
Am I angry? Absolutely. My first instinct is to demand vengeance for our fallen brother. But this is one of the times where our Biblical instruction becomes more than just catch-phrases to make us feel better. The scripture that comes to my mind right now is the one that instructs us to lean not on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). There's no earthly way to understand why a police officer, just weeks from retiring from one of the most dangerous jobs there is [especially these days] was taken away by gunfire. There's no earthly reasons as to why some young punks would prey upon someone because that someone has what they don't, and these thugs feel that they have a right to it by use of force. When we lean on our own understanding of this tragic death, all we come up with is answers that involve vengeance, hatred and wrath. But when we go to God and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us and strengthen us, He gives us the peace that transcends all understanding.
This is a time where we go to our weapons of spiritual warfare, as outlined in Ephesians, Chapter 6. We must pray for the Bailey family and for the Chicago Police Department. And we must even pray for the assailants in this case. I believe that one of the best ways to continue Michael Bailey's legacy is to love one another, and teach one another. Continue to pray for each other, and continue to share the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. Michael's work on this side of the river (as my pastor says) is done, but our work continues. We honor God and the legacy Mr. Bailey left behind by continuing to strive for peace, and continuing to make our communities better, one block at a time, one neighborhood at a time.
We must ask God to continue to strengthen us. We may cry and shed a tear as we reminisce on the good times we shared with Mr. Bailey, because his impact was just that great. But even as we mourn, we remember the scripture in Psalm 30:5 (KJV): (W)eeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
We will miss you, Michael Bailey.
"Well done, good and faithful servant... Come and share in your Master's happiness"
-- Matthew 25:21 (NIV)
