US Memorial Day: The Sounds of War Echo

To our friends and partners in the United States of America... The sounds of war echo around us, and news of casualties frequently arrives at our doorsteps. It often feels like a dark and hopeless time. Yet even amid this strife, we remember that a great cloud of witnesses surrounds us: the saints and martyrs who have run the race of faith before us. They cheer us on as we continue the fight for justice and righteousness. The sacrifices of the fallen remind us that freedom is a prize that must be continually won.

On this Memorial Day, we also remember the "cloud of witnesses" from Hebrews 12 who have gone before us and now surround us as we run the race of faith: «Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.»

We live in a world where war is an ever-present reality, and our fallen heroes are a testament to the courage and dedication of those who have gone before us. While we grieve the loss of our loved ones, we are strengthened by the knowledge that their legacy will live on in our hearts and in our actions. The cloud of witnesses calls to us: «Be strong and persevere! You do not struggle alone. Fix your eyes on the Author and Perfecter of our faith, Who endured the cross for the joy set before him. Take up your cross daily, and follow in His way.» 

Though the road ahead is uncertain, we find courage, knowing that the Lord of Hosts fights for us in this reality and the spiritual one. His love pierces through the fog of war. His eternal arms sustain us through each trial and loss. The battle belongs to the Lord. The dead in Christ shall rise first. Though they have passed from our sight, they live on, waiting for the final victory over the last enemy. May their memories spur us on to continued faithfulness, relying on the One who is able to keep us from falling. The God of Peace will soon crush the Ancient Enemy under our feet.

On this day of remembrance, we give thanks for the cloud of witnesses who have lightened our path. We honor their sacrifice and hold fast to the hope of resurrection in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Let us honor their memory by continuing to run our own race with perseverance, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Let us also pray for peace in Ukraine and other countries torn by the war, that the sacrifices of those who have gone before us may not be in vain. May we never forget the cloud of witnesses who have paved the way for us, and may we always strive to live our lives in a way that honors their memory and brings glory to God.

For those of us living in Ukraine with ongoing full-scale war, this cloud of witnesses includes our own family members, friends, colleagues, and fellow citizens who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our freedom. They have run their race of faith with courage and endurance, standing as a testament to the power of sacrifice and love. Our mission has not changed. May peace be with us as we continue to fight for justice and righteousness, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and relying on the strength and comfort of the great cloud of witnesses who surround us.
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Taras N. Dyatlik, Ukraine
29 May 2023

We are all vulnerable to pain and hardship

Today is the 26th of May. Thirteen massive and brutal Russian missile attacks on Ukraine and various major cities have left the country in a state of constant terror. The attacks occur every other night, usually under the cover of darkness, shattering the peace that we all long for. The blaring sirens outside your window prevent you from sleeping peacefully like your dog does, leaving you feeling exhausted and drained in the morning.

The impact of war on the human spirit is profound, and it is impossible to suffer perfectly. Even Christ, the epitome of strength and resilience, experienced moments of despair, despite never once faltering in His commitment to His mission. Suffering is a universal human experience that is both deeply personal and profoundly transformative. While suffering not perfectly... we remain made in His image... even if we cannot always reflect His image at specific steps from Gethsemane to Golgotha... It reminds us that we are made in the image of God and that we are all vulnerable to pain and hardship.

In times of suffering, it's natural to want to retreat into ourselves and hide from the world. But as humans made for community, we learn to resist this temptation and reach out to others who are also struggling. In doing so, we embody the image of God and minister to one another, finding solace and comfort in our shared pain and fellowship.... Reach out to others in your suffering... who are also hurting on the way to Eternity through the Valley of Death at the Silent Planet... Reach out to others in your anguish. Our shared agony produces fellowship amid the war, even though it may sound peculiar...

Do not despair in your suffering: moments of doubt and anguish are human, as we remain made in His image... Our suffering is temporary, even if it takes a dozen years... even though it is painful... God created us for Eternity, ultimately... As we cry out to Him in our pain and despair, we are free to be human, expressing who we are, and what we experience and feel... only in that humanity can we find comfort and peace in His love and grace...

Suffering leads us to personal growth and transformation. It is the Way Up... When we face who we are in the war context or arduous circumstances, we can learn about the distance between God and us that His love and grace cover as the Bridge... The way to Golgotha is the Way Up, not Down.. The Way Down is from the Cross through our Death on the Way to Resurrection... While we are alive and suffering, it is the Way Up... Even if someone else is carrying your cross to the place of your crucifixion... As a human being in the image of God, I am called to grow and mature on the Way Up continually... to become more like Him... even in suffering... even in death... even in the resurrection...

Remaining human in the image of God means acknowledging our vulnerability and limitations while also recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every human being. It means responding to suffering with compassion, empathy, and a willingness to help those in need: on the way to Golgotha, Jesus noticed weeping women and stopped to comfort them... As human beings made in the image of God, we are called to follow Christ's example of this sacrificial love: amid our pain and struggles to pay attention to those who.... suffer less than we do.... 

We look for lessons in our suffering that we can write in our Road Journal. Difficult times shape and mold our character, strengthen our faith through overcoming doubts, and teach us compassion through paying attention to those who suffer less... or more... As human beings in the image of God, we are called to trust in His promises and to look forward to the day when He will wipe away every tear, which so many people do not see because of their joy, or because of our blood... 

We suffer imperfectly, but... with God's help, we persevere... we will persevere... Our Mission has not changed... Peace be with you, and I wish you a Silent Night.. 

-- -- 

Taras N. Dyatlik, Ukraine

26 May 2023

Оголене коріння

Сьогодні я вийшов на невелику прогулянку до лісу, недалеко від місця, де ми проводимо весняну сесію миротворчого проекту "Діалог в дії". Я довго стояв біля цього дерева, торкався руками його оголеного коріння, розмовляв з ним. Хочу поділитися з вами тим, чим дерево поділилося зі мною. Шануймося ❤️