What happens when the uniform is gone, but the weight of duty still lingers?

In this deeply personal episode, I share a story that starts in a Kohl’s parking lot—just a normal Saturday—and quickly becomes something much more: a confrontation with old instincts, buried trauma, and the quiet realization that I’m still scanning the world like I’m on a call.

After 20 years in law enforcement, it’s hard to just be. Even off the clock, the brain stays in survival mode. But in that moment, I remembered—I’m not on duty anymore. And I don't have to carry this alone.

This episode explores:

• PTSD and hyper-vigilance after retirement

• The emotional weight of constantly being “the strong one”

• The surprising impact of a short book: The Knight in Rusty Armor

• A mountaintop moment with Romans 13:12 that changed everything

• What it means to trade the armor of survival for the armor of light

We talk about learning to be curious, not judgmental, about your own triggers. About prayer that’s real—not polished or perfect, but honest and raw. And about surrounding yourself with people who don’t try to fix you, but just sit with you.

You’re not alone in this. Not then. Not now. Not ever.

🛠 This week’s challenge: Take off one piece of the armor. Just one. Maybe it’s reaching out. Maybe it’s letting go of control. Maybe it’s telling the truth about where you’re really at.

👊 Stay in the fight, but fight differently—with grace, with truth, and with the God who’s been with you the whole time.

📬 Connect or send a prayer request:
www.missionredeemed.org
lightcatchermn@gmail.com
Facebook: @missionredeemed

“The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” —Romans 13:12