Stand For Something

Invasions, displacement, death, and destruction.

Images from the news terrify and haunt us.

And these are only IMAGES to us; from a place where it is a reality.

We in the U.S. haven't known this terror since the day of 9/11/2001. And, while the memories hold on for life, the EVENTS of that devastation were for only a day.

Many of our forefathers have fought for liberty, freedom, and a multitude of other important causes in the past. They have shown bravery, courage, and selflessness in doing so.

Maybe, this time, it's our turn.

The Ukranian people need help right now; they need support.

A few of us on U.S. soil may know someone from Ukraine; fewer of us can point to it on a map. It doesn't change that we can spare a few moments a week to pray for peace for Ukraine; to pray for the strength of their people to fight back; to financially support AID for THEIR efforts against Vladimir Putin's invasion.

Support for Ukraine can BEGIN with the caveat of prayer for peace, unity, and strength for those affected. It can begin with a blue and yellow ribbon on a lapel. It can begin with a YouTube video or Social Media post expressing outreach. It can even begin with a t-shirt.

If we have the power to do MORE, should we? (For instance, with that t-shirt, do the FUNDS go to help the efforts in Ukraine?)

Everyone can do SOMETHING to aid the Ukrainian people; and everything coming from a generous heart can only help. There are those of us with the power to do MORE to help; and those with only the means to do a little bit. We can all do our parts.

Make no mistake; the devistation in Ukraine does NOT erase problems in everyone else's "own backyard;" be they "inflation," "rising gas prices," "health care woes," "disunity/disharmony," or a "mental/emotional health crisis." We are quite capable of remembering our own struggles at home, and at least taking a moment for the struggles of our neighbors from other lands, and juggling to do what we can to correct both.

Additionally, while this is Vladimir Putin's power play in Ukraine, a play for power that has most likely gone on for far longer than many outsiders probably realize (remember Crimea?), it does not mean that ALL of Russia stands behind him. There ARE very likely Russian people opposed to their leader's efforts; but not every nation is a democracy where the the people may speak, let alone ACT, against their leader. The despicable actions in Ukraine are of Putin's doing and HIS mindset, not the average Russian citizen's.

Ukrainian people have taken notice of their needs. Many have stood gallantly for freedom in their own homeland by the means that they have in their corners. And we, the news viewing public, can sit back and cheer over images of Ukrainian people standing for their freedom and innocence; even as we can also weep over images of the destruction and devastation.

The prices at the pump DO hurt us in North America; without question. Rising inflation, coupled with a faltering market, DOES hurt us.

Does paying more at the gas pump, rather than turning to foreign powers for oil imports right now, hinder Putin's efforts to take Ukraine in anyway by hurting his own economy in turn? If "yes," paying more at the gas pump right now could be a place to start rather than turning to Russia for any aid right now; and, therefore, aiding and abetting what a madman like Vladimir Putin is doing to the Ukrainian people.

Every nation right now still has its personal woes and problems that need fixed in their own backyards. We can still spare a little (prayer/sacrifice/economic woes/moment's thought) to understand that there ARE people hurting more than us. And if we cannot help them physically or fiscally right now, can we at least pray for peace for the nation, strength for our foreign Brothers and Sisters struggling for their freedoms and livelihoods right now, celebrate WITH them as good news arises, and WEEP with them through the sad news?

My Ukrainian Brothers and Sisters, I can't offer much beyond the written word (and even then, I sometimes say the wrong thing). I will stand WITH you in solidarity for the day that you are FREE.

"люблю і підтримую тебе"

[lyublyu i pidtrymuyu tebe]

(I love and support you).