23 March 2022

Dear Stalwarts in the Spiritual Fray,

I received a text about an immediate prayer alert. Vova is on patrol in the area of our village. He sends a short message to his wife. Pray. Danger. His wife, Natalie begins to hear gunfire not far from the house. A half hour later I received another text. All are safe, but the enemy has escaped. The danger is ubiquitous, the danger is imminent.

Someone sent me the following poem. I am sorry that I don’t know the poet or I would acknowledge him.

Pray for Ukraine

I woke up warm and safe in my bed
While someone else heard bombs overhead.

I jumped into a nice hot shower
While someone else has lost all power.

I hugged my family, we were altogether,
While others said good-bye, perhaps forever.

While I fear the money I will spend,
Others fear losing the country they defend.

In the time it took me to write this post
Many have lost the things they love most.

So when I bitch and want to complain,
I will stop myself and pray for Ukraine.

We are thankful to each of you standing with us in prayer. As we receive news we will keep you informed.

Only by grace,

Jim