I had a really difficult time writing my blog this week. Like many people, I am horrified by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the atrocities being inflicted on the Ukrainian people. Although it’s not the kind of thing I normally write about, I thought it was warranted at this time. To not even acknowledge it felt like I would be closing my eyes to all that was happening there, or being dismissive of something that is already having world-changing consequences.

But what could I say about it? What am I qualified to say?

I am far away from the actual fighting, where civilian targets are being bombed, and innocent people are being shot in the streets. Where numerous everyday people are taking up arms to defend their country, and others are fleeing their homes, trying to get their families to safety.

I could tell you how devastated I am by the horrors of this war, and all the death and destruction it is causing. Or I could talk about the heroes I see – like the Ukrainian president, who has rallied the troops and inspired the world. The journalists who, in spite of the bad rep much of the media has today, are putting their lives on the line in order to report what’s going on throughout Ukraine and in surrounding countries. Or even the children who are traveling hundreds of miles on their own, or who are sending drawings and letters of thanks and encouragement to Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines.

I could also tell you how guilty it makes me feel to even be saying how devastated and horrified I am by this war, when I’m sitting here talking about it in the warmth and safety of my home, in a country where the high price of gas is the biggest complaint many people have.

Although I always try to make sure there’s an uplifting point or message in whatever I write each week, I just couldn’t come up with one this time. Maybe it’s because I’m trying to make sense out of a senseless situation. Maybe it’s because I have so many conflicting thoughts and emotions that nothing logical or encouraging can rise to the surface. Or maybe it’s just because this situation is so scary – for the people of Ukraine, especially, but for the rest of us, too.

Whatever the reason, I’ll spend the time in between now and my next blog praying – that relief and resolution will come to the people of Ukraine. That the seemingly impossible goal of peace and acceptance will start to spread throughout the world. And that along the way, I’ll discover something inspiring and uplifting to write about next week.

March 20, 2022
©Betty Liedtke, 2022

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