WAR = RAW

Raw feelings of fear get stirred

Raw anger gets awakened

Raw desire to protect the ones you love most

Raw sense of duty to defend

Raw patriotism

Raw call to help

Raw demand for justice

Raw protest for peace

Raw pull to stand up for human rights

Raw push to stop a bully’s desire to dominate

Raw wish to see it all end

War spelled backwards is raw. That’s just how I feel right now—completely raw. Really, what else could I possibly write about this week if not about the current global event? The war in Ukraine has dominated my thoughts and raw emotions. As I sat and watched my husband listen to the radio—via his cell phone—to the announcement that Russia officially began to attack Ukraine—I felt numb. I asked my husband, who is a war history enthusiast, “You see how nothing has changed? Even with all the technological advancements and the passing of time, YOU are no different than those people who sat around their radios in their homes decades ago listening to the announcement of war. How does it feel to be living through war history? Not so great, huh. Now you know why I always say movies and documentaries about war affect me profoundly because although I see the educational value, I fail to see the entertainment value. Living through war scares me.” He sat in silence.

I wasn’t trying to win an argument, but making a point that we have been living in relatively peaceful times in a country that has not had to face the potential of entering a war in a very long time. Our children (and many adults) play war games, which again I fail to see the entertainment value. History tells us that war is ugly, but sometimes necessary to stop tyrannical leaders from taking what doesn’t belong to them. It is my long standing raw—and now very realistic—fear to have to live through the potential of WWIII. However, and God knows we need a ‘however’ in this moment, I came across a poignant and hopeful quote:

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping’.”

Mr. Rogers

I would add to not only look for the helpers, but be the helper—if even in what seems the smallest of ways. What we all need more than ever is positive thoughts, positive words, and positive actions. As raw as it all feels right now, war can be turned inside out and backwards to reveal just how unified we really are—regardless of where you find yourself living in this world. So, join the helpers, find the hope, and BE THE CHANGE.