Daily, I feel like I am watching a slow-motion rape of an independent nation by another — even as news reports the fierce Ukrainian resistance and all nations in the world save four condemned the brutal assault.
For all the Bible I say I know, why do I keep thinking these events Ukraine are not supposed to be happening? Especially after living through the last two years when trouble was a byword!
A Couple of Reasons
First, I am still a child of the Boomer generation who thinks humans are always on an upward trajectory to better times.
Second, what I know of the world is . . . shallow.
These past two years of upheaval have shown me how little I really do know of history and human nature. *
Or bullies. (On the Enduring Power of the Malevolent)
Third, Russia hasn’t done to me and mine what they have to other Ukrainians, yet.
But remember Syria? (Seeing Myself in Another’s Suffering)
This Time is it a Wake-UP?
When COVID started, I heard Dr. Tony Evans describe the crisis as God putting the church in time out — to think about spiritual realities. (Calm and Crazy)
He said,
Worry is when the situation is controlling me, dictating my well-being.
Don’t permit legitimate concern to become illegitimate worry.
Look for spiritual truth in the midst trials: physical, and medical.
Crises can create caring!
Yes, but . . .
As the world turns — this miraculous blue marble on which we live is a wobbly, scary place! (Putin, The West and The Myth of Progress)
Face it, I had more options for my safety with COVID than I do with what is unfolding everyday in Ukraine!
So, I went back to the book Habakkuk; it so worth reading, and the prophet takes me back to Dr. Evans’ final point:
Crises can create caring.
Right NOW —
What can I do — give — give up — so others can help? How much? How am I praying?

Reading this Psalm Aloud Helps
Lent is a good season to consider what I will take on, and as well as let go. How grateful I am for the goads Lenten devotionals are. Like this one:
Let the shadow of the cross be [my]teacher. (Journey to the Cross, Paul David Tripp, page 20)
That shadow sheds a whole lot of light — on dark places and times I thought could never come again, in Ukraine of Europe or here. (John 16:33)
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*Garening and Reading
I will come back to read through the links after I finish my homework. Yes I enjoy taking a break here at Autumn’s Garden. I always appreciate your emphasis on perspective through the scriptures. As I type this, I have windows thrown open and breezes blowing through the house, what could be more lovely than a sunny, windy, early spring day?!! But it is not so for many today. Thank you for sharing your wise thoughts in such lovely writing and colorful happy paintings.