In one short week the entire world has changed. The images more and more shocking. The pain and suffering unimaginable against a peaceful people. Over 1.5 million fleeing and millions more in harms way. In this destruction and desperation there is however amazing power. Tuesday 7 AM EST it was riveting to watch President Zelensky address the EU Parliament. One man facing the world with a determination more powerful than Putin’s bombs. He not only gives his people strength, but all of us hope. As terror reigns down on a free people, we are heartbroken for the tiny children dragging their stuffed animals and little backpacks in the freezing cold, leaving their fathers behind. The huddled masses yearning to be free are filling the screen. The shocked men- many boys, most never in any battle- accountants, teachers, chefs, businessmen- all rallying behind this fearless leader as they now must fight for their home. An image this morning of a bombed out school is enough of a story to tell of unadulterated evil most of us have never seen or believed could happen today. One brave man is the voice of this small threatened nation and as he stands against the aggression and tyranny we can hardly believe our eyes.
We are not however, surprised by the profound strength of the human spirit. You may not be fleeing bombs or find yourself displaced and separated from loved ones, but you also have had to find courage in the face of a demon. What has entered your life to inflict pain or suffering you may now believe pales in comparison to the terror we are witnessing, but is is no less real for you. I love President Zolensky’s example because he didn’t catch the ride…. he stayed to fight. You didn’t lie down and just accept your struggles. You are not a victim. I see “you” everyday and you push back. You steel yourself for the campaign and you believe against all odds that you will be successful.
Every victory starts in this way. And no one does it alone. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Ukrainian people. Putin is strafing and bombing old babushka wearing grandmothers (reminding me of my own). I want to clobber the evil bully myself, not the Russian people. The world’s hopes are on the shoulders of the Ukrainian President. We cannot become immune to the images. Our altruism is enormous and never a time more critical. These challenges are inspiring us on a personal level. One single person can stand up for themselves against any threat- cancer, a despot, unimaginable evil. That single hero inspires us all and if we cannot fight, we can support. Let’s reach out to help those suffering. Stand with Ukraine is not a bumper sticker. It is action and a rallying cry. You can be a force for good and for humanity. Thank you and may God Bless you and the people of Ukraine.
So many organizations and individuals are helping and I encourage you to seek them out. Here I have also included A and A+ rated (Charity navigator) options helping Poland and Ukraine.
International medical corp (A): http://www.internationalmedicalcorp.org
Catholic relief Services: (A+) http://www.crs.org
Mercy Corps: (A) http://www.mercycorps.org
Operation USA (A) http://www.opusa.org
Project Hope: (A+) http://www.prohope.org
Save the children: (A-) http://www.savethechildren.org
US fund for Unicef: (A) http://www.unicefusa.org
United help Ukraine :(A) http://www.unitedhelpukraine.org