In the Eyes of a Ranger...

The unsuspected stranger - better know the truth of wrong from right!

Long ago are the days of Walker: Texas Ranger! I remember expectantly watching as Cordell Walker and James Trivette would chase down the bad guys. Chuck Norris and Clarence Gilyard quickly became my favorite Saturday night actors! Sure...the show was a little quirky, but it was fun. And, the good guys always overcame staggering obstacles to chase down, beat up and put away the bad guys!

I've always had a heart for heroes of the West. Wyatt Earp, Doc Holiday, Bat Masterson, Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie and more were men I looked up to. But, the more I learned about the Texas Rangers...the more intrigued I became. I have visited the Texas Ranger Museum in Waco, TX. I have a coffee mug with one of their most popular mottos on it, "One Riot...One Ranger." So, upon hearing that on this day, October 20, in 1835 - Texans approved a resolution to create the famous Texas Rangers...well, I thought I must honor their tradition of excellence and service!

As I mentioned, on October 20th, 1835 (in comparison - the Battle of The Alamo took place from February 23 through March 6, 1836) Texans approved a resolution to create the Texas Rangers, a corps of armed and mounted lawmen designed to “range and guard the frontier between the Brazos and Trinity Rivers.” In the midst of their revolt against Mexico, Texan leaders felt they needed a semi-official force of armed men who would defend the isolated frontier settlers of the Lone Star Republic against both Santa Ana’s soldiers and Native Americans; the Texas Rangers filled this role. Over nearly 200 years, the Rangers have transformed from a small militia into modern-day Texas’s official state police force.

Of course, many Rangers have stood out because of their bravery and loyalty. Their willingness to serve the public good has stood the test of time. Their commitment to protecting that which is good, defending the law and law abiding citizens - all while taking on criminals - is deserving of our respect. Here are just a couple of well known Texas Rangers:

Texas Ranger, John Coffee Hays, was born in Tennessee and arrived in San Antonio, TX in 1837, shortly after Texas won its independence from Mexico. By 1841, at the tender age of 23, he was a Ranger captain. A fearless fighter and skilled leader, Hays won his fame defending Texans from raids and attacks by both Native American (Comanche) groups and Mexican bandits. More than any other man, he would come to symbolize the Rangers of the Texas Republic era. During the Mexican War (1846-48), Hays’ Rangers scouted, defended U.S. supply and communication lines from attacks by Mexican guerrillas and fought alongside regular U.S. army troops, earning a national reputation for their bravery.

Texas Ranger, Ben McCulloch, had followed his neighbor and family friend Davy Crockett from Tennessee out to Texas in 1835. He came down with the measles and didn’t make it to the Alamo before its fall, but joined Sam Houston’s army for the Battle of San Jacinto. After joining the Rangers, he fought courageously against Comanches at the Battle of Plum Creek and other engagements and was named Hays’ first lieutenant. During the Mexican War, McCulloch earned the distinction of chief scout for future U. S. President and then current General Zachary Taylor in the army.

Yes, Law Enforcement agencies like the the Texas Rangers deserve our respect. Men and women who put their lives on the line to protect good and punish evil are part of God's plan for civil authorities. In the Bible, the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 13 details concerning the necessity for civil authorities in each and every generation, nation, language or culture. Having proper authorities to keep restraint and deterrence in society is essential. Anyone that pretends that evil and evil doers do not exist is not helpful. More importantly, that attitude is an affront to God!

Agencies like the Rangers are another reason why it is paramount that we recognize the necessity of honoring true heroes!Thank you, Texas Rangers for your storied and steadfast history! May God bless your agency, each Ranger and your families! May God bless America...if we return to honoring Him, His Word and His ways! God can make order out of chaos...He has done it before. I pray the He will do it again, soon. Blessings!

Bruce