living loved

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand…For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. – Isaiah 41:10 & 13

I had the privilege this summer while at the beach to meet a beautiful family while their son-in-law, Alex, was fishing. He caught a skate fish, Sukey fell in love with it (of course), and then we became fast acquaintances. We quickly found out that Alex was from Ukraine, and through a series of events, he was unable to get back to Ukraine to fight alongside his brothers and sisters and church family of Ukraine – and this troubled him. We learned about how he was doing his best to help here. We learned about his sister having to flee. We heard stories about the Ukrainian people and the atrocities of war.

God is good.

I’ve been in touch with Alex since June, and through conversations have tried to figure out a way for us to be able to help in some small way this war that the world has forgotten.

God is good.

Throughout these conversations, a lost email, another email being sent to JUNK, a random “let’s clean the junk folder” search, and then finding an email from Pastor Jenya from Ukraine one week ago when I was led to clean out that junk box, here we are ready to do something, anything, to help these people…

God is good.

Yesterday as I ran a very conflicted run and asked in a very matter-of-fact tone, God, where are You? I need you to answer me so clearly right now through all the noise, and as I crested the top of the hill and the sky opened up, it was split in two: one half calm and serene, and the other half a storm was brewing, the rain was coming.

God is good.

God is good – when it is calm and serene and when the storm is overwhelming and powerful and loud – God is still good. God is good in those pictures sent by Pastor Jenya of their wide open grave sites to hold the Ukrainian heroes, the pictures of the aid that a little church in Ukraine is sending to the front lines of battle, and God is still good in every picture of the beauty and ashes all around us. God is good.

Then, where is God? God is with you. God is with every juice bottle that is sent, with every warm pair of socks, with every calming breeze and peaceful thought that goes beyond understanding. God is in every warm smile, open arms, and small gesture. God is love. And although man gets in the way, God still loves. God still tugs at our hearts to choose Him. Choose love. Choose action over complacency. Choose peace.

War is big. God is bigger. This isn’t about sides. This is about helping a fellow brother and sister in need.

So, I ask you, faithful reader, please consider giving. Please consider praying for the people who get caught up in pride, war, ugliness and those who are stuck on the battle front, the casualties, the loss, and those who just want peace.

If you are willing to give, lead a fundraiser, have me share about Pastor Jenya and the ongoing war in Ukraine, or want more information, please reach out to me at: undoctrinateddaughter@gmail.com.

God was, is, and will always be so, so good.

XOXO, Loni