Anger, Sadness, and Solidarity—Prayers for Ukraine
Posted by Rev Roger
Posted on February 26, 2022
Dear Congregation,
I hope this finds you well. I am fine, but I can’t help thinking about the people of Ukraine. The unprovoked Russian invasion of that sovereign country is destabilizing to all of Europe. It is a danger to peace around the world. And of course, it robs millions of Ukrainians of the basic rights of dignity, safety, and survival.
This is what war does.
For families, children, and elders in Ukraine, life as they know it has been crushed. Of course, Vladimir Putin is causing harm to families in Russia too, as he orders young people who are military service members into harm’s way to extend his imperial dream. It is disgusting.
In my distress about all this, I try to pray. For me, prayer doesn’t mean causing things to change by my thoughts, though I’d welcome that if it were to happen. But I pray to be clear about what I feel.
Here is what I mean. For the outrage and grief of it all, I sigh. I say words of lament. For all those who are in danger, I long for peace. When there is no peace, I pray for their strength. For those officials in the US and Europe working to turn back Putin’s aggression, I send wishes for wisdom and resolve. For those Ukrainians confronting the invasion by physical resistance, I pray for safety. I hope for the miracle of a Russian retreat. For all who are terrified or grieving, I pray that they may know they are not forgotten.
And for all of us here in our confusion and helplessness, I ask that we might have the courage to bear witness. At the least, let us bear witness.
Take good care, and keep in touch. Rev. Lucy and I hope to see you soon.
Love,
Rev. Roger
[From the Feb. 25 Weekly Message email]
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3 Responses to “Anger, Sadness, and Solidarity—Prayers for Ukraine”
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Thanks, Janet! There are additional organizations in a post I have made on this list of Updates, which I got from the UU Service Committee website.
I am hoping for some guidance about how to help the people of Ukraine. I would trust the research of the UU organization. I have already found fundraising scams, obscenely playing on people’s outpouring of sympathy for suffering and courage of Ukraine. I want to give, but I want it to count. I would be happy to try to help with the research, but don’t know if I can trust the validity of what I find online. Do you have more resources to do research how to help? Thank you.
Here are some organizations that I’m aware of who are helping Ukrainian refugees: UNHCR, UNICEF ( both run under the aegis of the United Nations), CARES – my.care.org, and World Central Kitchen – wck.org