Word In Black’s series “Takin’ it to the Streets” provides a snapshot of people of faith making a difference in the places and spaces where they work, play, and stand on business. We look for people who understand their faith should pervade every aspect of their lives.
Nora McKeller, 34, grew up in a family that worshiped and prayed together regularly, so she learned the importance of that as a child. She began her criminal justice career as a police officer nearly a decade ago and has served as a senior deputy sheriff in Suffolk, Virginia, for six years now.
“I became a deputy sheriff because I wanted to be part of something bigger than I am. I struggled to find out who I am. I believe a lot of us go through that,” McKeller tells Word In Black. “I found I’m the type of person who thrives in chaos. When others are in a panic, I am calm. I love solving problems, and above all, I love finding out the root of those problems and fixing them.”
Read on to find out how her faith influences her career choices, and how she turns work into worship.
WORD IN BLACK: How long have you practiced your faith?
NORA MCKELLAR: I’ve been saved since I was young. My faith in life is doing the will of God! Being a Christian makes me a follower of Christ, living according to the word of God and letting the Holy Ghost create the person I need to be. My faith carries me through some difficult times. It brings me out of them, too! I’m being equipped to do whatever God has prepared for me! The first time I knew I wanted to become a Christian was when my Father preached a sermon titled “Do you Believe?” After he preached that sermon I dedicated my life to the Lord at a young age.
WIB: Does it ever put you in conflict at work?
NM: It allows me to deal with work situations without anger or anxiety. I am still affected by these things but I do not let them control me or get the best of me in my relationships at work. I have a positive attitude about challenges and I deal with issues honestly and openly knowing that my life is not in anyone else’s hand but God. I trust the Lord with my professional career as much as with every other aspect of my life.
WIB: How does it facilitate work relationships?
NM: My Christian-based faith has shown my co-workers how much I lead by example, and they look up to me because of my good ethics and morals. They often turn to me for advice and look at me to lead them through any situation.
By working in the jail, we also facilitate relationships with inmates to some extent.
In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus exclaimed, “I was in prison, and you came to visit me.” Having a job in criminal justice, we must abide by professional standards, but we can still extend empathy and compassion to incarcerated individuals, while also providing an exceptional example of what it means to lead a life by Christian morals.
