February 24, 2022

How long ago it seems since my last post. June 25, 2020. I need not belabor what these intervening years have wrought. During them I lost my appetite for blogging. Perhaps it was what I term “pandemic fatigue” that blocked my desire to weigh in on issues, to offer a word of encouragement, a prayer. Whatever, let me proclaim on this fourth day of 8-0, the start of my eighth decade, I am back!  Officially an octogenarian, I realized this morning that my thoughts matter more than ever. I have the privilege of chronicling a new era. How awesome is that!  With more well wishes, gifts and accolades these past four days than any one person deserves, I am thankful for God’s grace of longevity. It has its rewards; but it also comes with responsibilities. As a believer, I sense God leading me to do more, to sacrifice more, to lead by example more, to be not just a reader and hearer of His word, but more importantly, a doer. To worship Him in spirit and in truth by speaking power to truth as the Holy Spirit so leads.

Is there significance in my return to Peace in His Presence on the very day the headlines and cable stations shout of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia? President Biden has addressed the nation. Sanctions are in place against Russia for what is termed their unwarranted actions against a sovereign nation. Russian citizens are protesting the start of war against a neighboring country; and being immediately arrested for so doing.  The Ukrainian people are bewildered and afraid as Russian troops march into their cities. Europe once again is poised for conflict that has the potential to create chaos and havoc far beyond its borders.

With our own demons dancing on our backs, what are we called to do in times such as these? As a nation? As individuals? As a community of Christian believers?  On a recent birthday month outing of my choosing, I visited with family members the Museum of Biblical Art in Dallas. An enlightening, sobering, thoughtful place that speaks to the experience of being both Jewish and Christian. Covering our biblical past and present the exhibit forces introspection of who one is, what one stands for, what one is willing to do to make a difference. Two quotes in the Holocaust section made me linger for more than a moment. “To be indifferent is to lose our humanity.” and “Take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.”  We have no way of knowing yet if this moment in Europe is on the cusp of repeating a period in human history that haunts us still. As people of faith, let us employ our most powerful weapon, – Prayer. And follow it up with voices and actions that say, “NO!” We will not be indifferent. We will not enable the oppressor with neutrality. We will trust God to show us His way in this season of open aggression and war.