29 - (Un) Certainty

In the light of the uncertainty we've all faced over the past few years, still not one of us thought we would be where we find ourselves today. Open warfare has broken out in Europe. In the year 2022.

There is nothing to be said, other than the fundamental: war, invasion, the taking of innocent lives - these things must be condemned in the strongest terms.

I happened to be in Europe, attending to the passing rites of a family member from our world into the next. I heard the news on the morning of the funeral, and it felt like I too, had passed into another world, as if the flight had somehow transported me not only across an ocean, but into an alternate reality where the unthinkable was happening. Many of us still cannot fully grasp the senseless conflict.

Rather than languish in this mindset, focused on things that are well ut of our hands, we must refocus on things that are well within our control. Our Faith, and our actions. Recall the Third Keystone, which reminds you to Uphold the rights and autonomy of others as you would your own. It is our obligation to uphold this principle, and do what is within our power. None of us are free until all of us are free.

This is no panacea to the conflict, but can act as a lodestar for an individual's actions. Certainly not advocating any of us take up arms, but we should each consider what we can do to help. Whether it be donating to the cause in other ways, sending humanitarian aid, raising awareness, or even just discussing these events and their impact in our communities. Blindness and inaction helps only an aggressor.

Also, be mindful and sensitive that objective truth can be hard to come by in our digital age, and particularly in a conflict where marketing and spin seem to have taken center stage. Consider carefully things you hear and see from all sides, and hold steadfast to your moral compass. Remember that protection of the innocent should always be paramount, no matter which side they are on.

We keep our hearts open and our words alongside the oppressed, in striving for an end to this senseless conflict. The Ukrainian people deserve better.