Carla feels that we all make mistakes and why not learn from it or grow from it ? She likes to encourage young men and women to do better , so that when the opportunity presents itself , she likes to speak to youth groups of all ages . It ' s rewarding to see kids change their mindset of police officers or look up to them .
Carla states : " I used to question , ' Why me , Lord ?' I found that bringing closure to family members of victims was the most rewarding feeling a person could ever have . To be a part of their healing process and help them move forward does something within my soul . Because of this , I like to think that I have a strong faith in God ."
Matthew 5:9 KJV : " Blessed are the peacemakers ; for they shall be called the children of GOD ."
Colossians 3:23-24 : " And whatsoever ye do , do it heartily , as to the Lord , and not unto men ; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance ; for ye serve the Lord Christ ."
" I look at my job as " we work for GOD ". I learned that a long time while training in NC . At first , I didn ' t understand , but now I do . We speak for the unspoken , those that do not have a voice . ( babies , murdered victims , elderly , etc ..)" Carla states .
When asked how she balances her career and other hats she wears , Carla shares " Balancing this type of career can be hard at times , being a single parent at the time , and raising a young black male . Even though I had the support , it was sad seeing all these young black men throw their life away over something silly . You must stay prayed up in this line of work . I would constantly talk to my son and still do , even though he is now 20 and attends South Carolina State University . I still worry , so we keep an open relationship . I want him to be informed , so I talk about my cases to him ."
Carla also shares that her and her husband ( Michael Roberson ) are in the same line of work . They met at work and started out on the same shift in 2008 . They will be married 3 years this June ! She states : " He has been my number one supporter since day one . He understands my long days and nights . He pushes and encourages me when I want to give up . We push each other .
" With so much that has gone on in the world in the last two years with officer involved shootings against our black males , we started a non-profit . Bridging the Gap 1 by 1 ( Bridgingthegap1by1 . com ) , where we speak and educate the youth and adults about what to do should you encounter law enforcement , why law enforcement do what they do , and why it is important to respect authority , etc . We have spoken to several youth groups and did different scenarios to help them to understand the concept . Communicating and educating is the big key to this ."
Authentically You Magazine 46 # AMothersJoy