I am praying often for the people of Ukraine. I can’t imagine living in a war zone, and I have to admit being relieved that I don’t have to be. The bravery and sacrifice we are witnessing is inspiring. The stream of refugees is overwhelming. As with so many situations in our world, thoughts and prayers, while essential, are not enough.
Some people are giving money to various charities. That is an action that is positive and helpful. I am always impressed when someone is willing to give of themselves to help others. If there are refugees resettled in Youngstown, I hope the church is moved to offer them assistance. I like practical ways to respond.
While I have compassion for those who are negatively affected by the high price of gas, for those of us who can manage, let’s stop complaining about it. Compassion that only lasts until I am inconvenienced isn’t really compassion. I don’t like paying more for gas, but it reminds me that the cost of war and suffering isn’t born by just a few. We are all impacted by the pain of others. And we should be,
Going deeper we might ask ourselves some hard questions about how we solve problems in this country. Violence here is accepted as inevitable. It is not inevitable, it is a choice. Our culture respects power and might. We want to be the ones who wield it. We can’t glory in our own power and point shaking fingers at the power others claim.
If we are really motivated to help end the war in Ukraine, let’s end violence in our own country. Let’s show that mediation and nonviolent action are a viable alternative that we practice until we get it right. Let’s be willing to change and sacrifice in our own lives, putting our time, money and convenience where our hearts are. Life in our own neighborhood could be so much better if we valued all people and treated everyone like they matter.
Thoughts and prayers, though essential, are never enough.