Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chaplain Lisa Lerner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Chaplain Lisa, thanks for joining us today. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?

We are honored to work alongside law enforcement couples to help them navigate their relationships in a negative world. One couple was so wounded from hurting each other over things that neither could change or control. We had the privilege to teach communication skills, with the knowledge and understanding of Hyper-vigilance. This was life changing for them. They went from getting a divorce to a happy thriving couple that loves each other deeply. Watching that change occur was priceless!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I married a Police Officer in 1989. I had no idea what that career would do to us and it was so different that what I expected. This job is a calling, and it can destroy you and your marriage if you don’t figure out how to navigate it. We had many challenges arise in our marriage that came from outside influences; shift work, Deadly encounters, poisoning while on duty eating dinner, family and friends who don’t understand when he disappears while shopping or at an event… and much more. Many things are different when you live a Police life. I learned early that I could not do this alone and sought out other police wives. We met regularly and talked about ways to make all of the challenges work for us instead of against us. As time went on my experiences drove me to share the Knowledge with as many police families as we could. We started Bless The Badge in 2001. We began seeking out ways to come alongside officers and their spouses to help them understand the consistent challenges of Police life that were not their fault. Just learning to identify and navigate those things that neither could change or control solved and prevented common issues. After 35 years now of having the honor of being a Police wife we travel nationwide teaching our well built, street tested Tactical Relationship Training. We never charge a fee for any conference or couple counseling. It’s our passion to help officers and their families live their best lives now! A healthy support system for an officer makes him a happy, productive officer on the street. That helps our community tremendously.
We are looking for sponsors who are willing to donate to cover our travel expenses. We get calls to come many places and they or their agency have the funds to cover our travel. We are a small 501c3 that puts every penny back into our mission to reach as many police families that we can. we are grateful for this opportunity to present Bless The Badge.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I’m the police community it is very difficult to earn their trust that allows you to speak into their lives. My husband was a street Cop and I was a Police Chaplain but that only goes so far in reaching other Cops and their spouses in personal relationships. This is true I’m sure in other careers like doctors, pastors, or any other profession where you can only connect and be vulnerable with one who walks your walk, and talks your talk.
Our experience of living their lives and overcoming successfully the same challenges they face built our reputation through the years.
It wasn’t easy and it took a lot of time. One family at a time the word spread that Bless The Badge was legit. What you see is what you get and we don’t do this for the money – just like them. We went from one couple at a time and a small event here and there to nationwide conferences and counseling couples online coast to coast. It’s been an amazing ride and we now have couples working with us to help carry the load.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Faith in God. Resiliency. I know for myself, and can speak for my husband that we are still here and thriving together because of our relationship with Jesus Christ. No doubt. You have to know that you are called to this. If you come for any other reason, this job will eat your lunch and walk on the bill.
You won’t survive it emotionally for sure, As we have seen in the increase of suicides, you won’t survive it at all. Yet this job is a necessity for the survival and stability of every town and community in the world. We have learned that society either loves you or hates you. I’ve never understood why someone can cuss and fight them and try to even kill a Cop, yet when they are in trouble,, or hurt they call 911. They are in a no win situation most of the time. Those who love them watch and hear all the negativity and violence toward them and have to daily conquer the fear that today might be the day he doesn’t come home.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blessthebadge.net
• Instagram: Blessthebadgeministries
• Facebook: Bless The Badge Ministries
• Twitter: @blessthebadge
• Youtube: Bless The Badge