By Kelly Burke
A Life Between Two Callings
I was born into ministry. My father was a Baptist pastor, and our family moved from Lower Alabama to Tallahassee, Florida, where he took his first pastorate. So I grew up in church, like many of you—some seasons stronger than others, but always tethered to faith.
I spent 25 years in law enforcement, retiring as a captain with the Tallahassee Police Department. After retiring, I went on staff at my church and eventually began working with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s Rapid Response Team. You’ve probably heard of Samaritan’s Purse—those are the people in orange shirts who show up after disasters. The blue shirts? That’s us—the chaplains. We come alongside to provide spiritual and emotional care.
In 2014, the Rapid Response Team launched a division specifically for law enforcement, and that’s when things really clicked. It was a beautiful blend of my two passions: law enforcement and faith. Since then, I’ve served in cities like Ferguson, Baltimore, Dallas, and at the site of the Pulse Nightclub shooting. Not because I’m fearless, but because I care deeply for first responders—and I know what Jesus has done for me.
A New Kind of Badge
Today, I serve as the lead chaplain for the Tallahassee Police Department. It’s a volunteer role, which means they can’t technically tell me what to do—but it also makes a statement. It shows the new recruits and young officers that someone who’s walked in their shoes still cares enough to show up, unpaid, and say, “You matter.”
Let me tell you, it’s one thing to wear a badge. It’s another thing entirely to carry the burden. This job is good—but it’s hard. And the world, the enemy, and our own hearts can converge in a way that knocks even the strongest of us to our knees.
But here's the hope: we are not alone.
Verses That Anchored My Soul
I carry two verses with me everywhere I go. They are my anchors:
Psalm 73:26 – “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Life will fail you. Your own strength will run out. But Jesus? He does not.
Moments That Shaped Me
Let me share a few moments when God met me at the end of myself:
The Night Before It All Began
Before I started my career in policing, my small church prayed over me. One dear lady pulled me aside and said, “Kelly, I’m so sorry. This job will change you.” She spoke of cynicism, bitterness, and regret.
That night, anxiety gripped me. But then Psalm 73:26 came back to mind. It was as if the Lord said, “Am I still not God? Do I not love you? Have I not promised to be your strength?” Peace followed. I slept like a baby.
My Wife's Heart Transplant
Six months after our first child was born, my wife needed a heart transplant. One night, I watched the color leave her face. As doctors rushed in, I stood alone in a hallway, terrified. Once again, the enemy whispered, “What are you going to do now?”
But God spoke: “Can you do more for her than I can? Then trust Me.” Three days later, she received a new heart. That was 35 years ago this past November.
Losing a Brother in Blue
In 2002, one of my closest friends and fellow officer was shot and killed in the line of duty. I had just spoken with him earlier that day. He sang “Victory in Jesus” with youth at church before walking into a scene that took his life minutes later.
I asked God, “Why him? Why now?” And once again, I was reminded: The thief comes to kill, but Jesus came to give life.That verse didn’t take away the pain, but it anchored my soul.
A Second Surgery in 2020
In January 2020, my wife needed another transplant. She made it through surgery—but that night, I found her room filled with medical staff, alarms blaring. I was alone in the waiting room, the only one there due to COVID. God spoke gently again: “Let everyone else rest. I’ve got this. I’m here.”
And He was.
The Real Invitation
Why am I sharing this? Because I want you to know that the presence and the power and the love of Jesus are real.This is not theory. It’s not religion. It’s relationship. It’s rescue. It's redemption in the darkest places.
First responder or not, you will face trials. But when your flesh and your heart fail—God can still be your strength.
He is:
The One who sees you.
The One who sustains you.
The One who overcame death itself.
Significance and Security
Billy Graham’s team teaches this simple truth: everyone in life is searching for two things—significance and security.
Significance: You want to know you matter. Jesus proved you do by dying for you.
Security: You want to know it will last. Jesus proved it would when He rose again.
He invites us into life, abundant and eternal. Choose Jesus. Choose life.
He’s in the midst of your struggle right now, arms wide open, whispering:
“Come unto me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
And that, my friends, is more than enough.
