We in the United States have not had a war on our own soil since the Civil War of the 1860s. Even the terrible violence on some of our city streets as a result of protests or even gang warfare is not like the violence that comes with war, with the invasion of a foreign force. I can’t even imagine what it must be like to be in Ukraine at this time.
The last time I even used a gun was in my high school rifle club. The guns were 22s that had to be reloaded after every shot. We had targets. I wasn’t such a great shot. I thought of this as I saw the photos of Ukrainians learning how to use AK-47s to protect their homeland against Putin’s monstrous invasion. What would I do?
I then remembered the graves of the Finns who died fighting in the Winter War. In a small village there were the graves of five siblings born about two years apart who had been killed within a a year of each other. How many graves will there be in Ukraine, in Russia because of the lust for power and glory?
Prayer for the Day
Trying to contain our concerns and fears of war and its consequences,
We ask you, O god, how long will this madness continue?
Holding our breath with every piece of news we hear from Ukraine,
We gasp as we see women and children hiding in shelters.
Grant, O God, that the leaders of those attacked and attacking
Will find a way to talk, to stop the unleased dogs of war.
In the name of the One who calls us to peace,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
“It’s terrible. But we’re sticking around to help.” A number of men in her neighborhood had formed their own self-defense unit. “If nothing else, I can make them sandwiches.”
- From a woman in Kyiv
“This night the enemy will use all the forces available to break our resistance. This night we have to withstand. The fate of Ukraine is now being decided.”
- President Volodymyr Zelensky
I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Yes all who are incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced;
Those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish.
You shall seek those who contend with you but you shall not find them,
Those who war against you shall be as nothing at all.
For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand, I say, “Do not fear, I will help you.”
Isaiah 41: 11-13