If you’re anything like me, you’ve been watching the news for the last few weeks with a variety of emotions. What’s happening in Ukraine is of course not the only place in the world where atrocities are happening or where refugees are fleeing. I’ve written previous posts about other war, genocide, or refugee situations in the world, and I’ve barely scratched the surface of all the parts of the world which are experiencing them.
But still… it breaks my heart to hear the numbers of women and children fleeing their country, and the men required to stay and fight. That is not the kind of women’s journeys that I enjoy writing about in this blog. So today I’ll focus on the women who are trying to help Ukraine.
A few days ago I read an article (that I can’t find now) about Ukrainian women who are going back into the country after leaving it to help others in various ways. Some are helping with medical needs. Others are helping escort refugees out of the country. Today I found an article about Ukrainian women serving as soldiers or medics or other roles to help defend their country. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/03/18/ukraine-russia-women-war/ Restaurant and bakery owners like Anna Kozenchenko are doing their part to help their people. https://www.bbc.com/news/business-60737248 Even seamstresses are changing what they sew for the war effort, “from wedding dresses to camouflage capes.” https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-europe-60798650 And of course there are female journalists from many countries risking their lives on the front lines or even in the studios. By now, you’ve heard the story of the Russian journalist, Marina Ovsyannikova, who held up a sign on live Russian television to try to spread the truth of what’s happening. Then there are the celebrities leaving Russia in protest, like dancer Olga Smirnova. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-60767490 And hopefully you’ve heard about the women and men in Russia who are risking detainment by protesting their own government in the streets.
These stories encourage me, but I am also afraid for these brave people. If you are comfortable and in your own way, I invite you to join me in prayer. I pray for the soldiers on both sides, for no more deaths and for Russian soldiers to realize what they are doing and peacefully surrender. I pray for refugees to make it to safety. For the truth of the situation to be known and acted upon, and safety for those who are trying to share it. For peace and comfort to the grieving families of soldiers, civilians, journalists, and others who have been killed. For protection for Russians who are peacefully protesting. And I pray for a peace deal that is as good as possible for everyone to come quickly and be the end of it.
Thank you for listening and joining me in prayer. There are many organizations taking donations to help Ukrainian refugees if you would like to help more tangibly.
The Compass Rose Queen 