This spring has been an absolute whirlwind as we graduated our firstborn. Liliana is going to major in violin performance at the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati this fall. On our way home from a multi-city trip through New York and Canada, we stopped in Michigan City, Indiana, so that she could receive a scholarship award from the Indiana School Resource Officer Association. We enjoyed some quality time with Officer Dino Farrell, our beloved resource officer at Carmel Latin School. And it was Lillie’s privilege to play her instrument for 500 officers and their families.
I have her permission to share the essay that won her this honor. I pray it is a blessing to you. I am so thankful that Lillie is willing to express her faith publicly as she continues to share her battle with fear and anxiety, and how the Lord is her Healer and Protector. He is the Guard at the door.
Can Foxes Open Doors?
by Liliana Fata
As a child, fear was my constant companion. My childhood was often spent dealing with crippling anxiety. I distinctly remember seeing a fox in our backyard when I was around four years old. Instead of experiencing childlike wonder and awe, I nervously asked my father, “Can foxes open doors?” Irrational fear is a common experience for many children. Fortunately, I have, for the most part, outgrown my baseless worry. Most children leave behind childhood fears, but some carry their fear into their teen years or even into adulthood. When fear births hatred for others or for self, this is when something innocent turns into something evil.
Hatred is a poison that can result in violence and, sadly, our country is rampant with hatred and violence. As a high schooler, I now know that my irrational fear that an unwanted power might intrude and cause harm is no longer irrational. Foxes have learned how to open doors. Tragedy can strike at any school at any time. Right now in the United States of America, there is a need for a guard at the door, a shepherd to keep foxes from entering.
Carmel Latin School in Carmel, Indiana, is blessed to have School Resource Officer Dino Farrell standing post as our defender. He provides an example of strength and security as he offers protection for our students and faculty. I often see Officer Dino patrolling the school grounds or sitting in his police car outside the building. He goes above and beyond his regular duties to seek a personal relationship with the students. He encourages us and supports us, and I am proud to say I have found both a guard and a shepherd in him. He is my friend.
As a woman of faith, I see Officer Dino as someone who has represented Christ, to me, who is our ultimate Guard at the door. Jesus declared, “I am the door of the sheep. All those who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:8–11). Here, Christ is proclaiming He is the only way to God, but His role as Good Shepherd implies He is also our protector, shepherding His flock, allowing us to rest easy while defending us from the foxes of the world. He is our safe haven.
The importance of a School Resource Officer is not only to protect against foxes—those predators intending harm—but also to set an example of what a strong and safe shepherd is. His presence during the school day means we can rest. As someone who thoroughly understands the difference between fearing and resting, I will forever be grateful.
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