I see images of children forced into the midst of a war. I see pictures of lifeless bodies lining the streets that I walked a year ago. Death and war has overtaken a beautiful country.
Ukraine is in a state of crisis. For years, Ukraine has been governed by a corrupt government who has no interest in what is best for the people. The situation worsened when Russia threatened Ukraine into backing out of a trade agreement with the EU that would have greatly benefited the people. The man who has titled himself as Ukraine's president, Viktor Yanukovych, and the corrupt leader of Russia, Vladimir Putin, have essentially worked together to gain as much power as possible at the expense of the freedom of the people of Kyiv. Soon after, Ukraine legalized dictatorship, taking all freedoms from the people. The people of Kyiv have rebelled against this, and are risking their lives to take control of their country.
Make no mistake. This may not be a major story in America as of yet, but this is an event that will change history. We are witnessing a country that is writing it's futures story. This is a people rising up to take on an identity and fight against corruption. We are watching the birth of a nation.
It is time for us to stand with Ukraine. It is time for us to tell everyone and anyone who will listen what is going on. It is time for us to stand up in support of this great nation and it's people. I urge you to contact your senators. Call them, write them emails, any way you can think of to pressure them to put sanctions on these evil dictators. Though we can do nothing that compares to the sacrifice of the people of Ukraine, let us take what action we can take to stand with this nation.
We must stand firm in prayer for Ukraine. Pray. And don't stop. No corrupt dictator can stand against the King of ALL Kings, leaders, and dictators. Darkness will not prevail, because we serve a Holy God, who will work all things together for good in the nation of Ukraine. I believe that God has massive plans for Ukraine, and His will is to use them. I always have. That belief is part of who I am.
The intentions of evil never prevail against the will of God.
I struggle to put into words the love that I have for this country. From the moment I first stepped foot in Kyiv, I have been drawn back. I couldn't stay away after my first trip there. After spending six months there, my desire is even greater to return. Many times when I talk about my feelings for Ukraine, I get curious looks. Often the question is asked, incredulously, "Ukraine? Why there?" And for a long time I have not been able to answer adequately. There are many reasons that I am drawn to that country, but the task of summing it up into words seems too great.
But I will say this. The corruption in Ukraine has been evident to me since the first day I arrived there. The blemishes of the country stand out at times. And now, it seems to have erupted into a massive onslaught of darkness. Yes, I do see images of children forced into the midst of a war. I have seen far too many pictures of lifeless bodies filling the street. And indeed, death and war permeate the streets of Kyiv. I see all this and it breaks my heart.
But I see something else. I see a nation of people standing together in unity to fight against evil. I see Ukrainians rushing to each others aid, walking into the middle of violence to tend to the wounds of their fellow countrymen. I see a people that despite the brutal and violent attacks from their nations government, has never wavered from remaining peaceful. They have stayed true to simply protecting their freedoms, not lashing out at the people who are attacking their home. I see a nation rising up, and taking hold of its identity, even in the face of massive power that has no intentions for good.
I see beautiful people. And that is why, a year and six days after I left my second home of Ukraine, I am more in love with this country than ever. For in the end, that is the most striking thing to me about Kyiv. The people. They are the reason I keep getting drawn back there, the reason why I see so much hope for that country.
Yes there is death and destruction that encourages hopelessness. But there is a people, so beautiful in their bravery and unity, that in the end, the hope that they are creating will last beyond the darkness.
When all of this is done, the city of Kyiv will be rebuilt. It is a beautiful city, and a beautiful country. But make no mistake. The beauty of Ukraine is found in it's people. They are the hope, they are the nation of Ukraine.
The story of Ukraine is being written. History is being formed. A country is withstanding attacks of evil to ensure that they see freedom. Beautiful beautiful people are doing beautiful things.
In its darkest hour, I stand with Ukraine. Will you?
