A HOLY WAR?

The sights and sounds of war continue to fill the media, no matter where we look, read, or listen. The sight of so much destruction fills our hearts with dread. As someone of the age that remembers the newsreels of World War II, and has vivid memories as a young child kissing my father goodbye as he climbed into the taxi at night with a duffel bag over his shoulder on his way to join the war, the current war in Ukraine fills me with dread. Korea and Vietnam were as terrifying as well, but for some reason this seems much worse. Seeing so many cities reduced to piles of rubble brings up memories of the Nazi devastation of cities across Europe. 

The refugees fleeing Ukraine bring back images of those trying to escape many war-torn countries. It is somehow easier for me to relate to the Ukrainian people, perhaps due to the whiteness of their skin. They look like me! As they flee in record numbers, some never able to return to their homes or family members who have stayed behind to fight the oncoming Russian forces, I find myself asking how on earth they have the strength and courage to make that trek. Mothers with small children and babies. As a mother, I remember the work involved with tending to little ones on a daily basis. Diapers to change, bottles to warm, food for nourishment. We don't see pictures of moms stopping along the way to change a dirty diaper or breastfeed a crying infant. The small children seem so brave, even stoic. I think they must be in shock and I long to comfort them. 

(unherd.com)

The latest count of those who have left Ukraine for safety is four million. Countries such as Poland are beginning to feel the pressure of so many more people in need of shelter, medical care, and even basic necessities such as food and medicine. Thank God for the people, charities, and organizations around the world that are doing their best to minister to the unfortunate victims of this monstrous invasion and the monster behind it. It is hard to believe that Putin claims to belong to the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) since childhood. A Christian church! How can he sanction the devastation he has brought upon the Ukrainian people and live with himself? Does he somehow equate what he is doing with a Holy War of some kind? That he is "saving" the Ukrainian people by bringing them into the fold of what once was the old Soviet Union? Who knows. I feel certain his military advisors have not told him of the bombing of the building clearly marked with a big Red Cross on the roof. Or the number of civilians - even children - who have been killed, or the loss of his own soldiers who's bodies have been left behind. If he knows, and continues this brutal war, then he is the modern version of Hitler.

(Alexei Druzhinin/TASS)

Putin crossing himself. What is he thinking? That this is only a good photo op? He can certainly see the camera.

(Alexei Druzhinin/Pool Photo via AP)

                                                        

(9news)

Besides the devastation of Ukraine, we are also privy to images of the protesters against the war in Ukraine being arrested and dragged off the streets of Russia. It is almost a death sentence in Russia to speak ill of Putin or any of his exploits. It most certainly can result in a prison sentence. Human beings are the same everywhere with their desire for freedom. Physical freedom is number one. Russians are a long way from experiencing the freedoms that exist in a democracy. Why have they allowed this dictator to remain in office? Are their elections just sham? Probably. However, if enough younger generations continue to seek a life free from fear of even attempting to have a change of regime, maybe Putin can be removed from power. Maybe when the sanctions begin to affect the average citizens, they will rise up and have the courage to use their numbers against such a destructive, self-serving, oligarch-favored government run by Putin and his cohorts.

In the meantime, let us stand behind what our President Biden and all the peace-loving nations are doing to assist the brave Ukrainians in their strong resistance to the evil destruction of their country.

Peace to all,

Marilyn