These days I have been at a loss for words. We are well into February and my monthly blog post has not been written.
What does one say when the world as we have known it suddenly seems to be so threatening? I am a senior and my days are numbered, but what of the years my children and grandchildren have left? What will it be like for them? Will they lose their democracy and their freedom to be who they were created to be? Will they have to leave their home for a safer place? Many in our neighboring, democratic country are forced to do that right now.
I am reminded of a wall hanging I gave to a daughter for Christmas and I ponder the words:
I think about my maternal ancestors, the Epp family, standing under a tree for a family photo, before they left their comfortable life in Ukraine. It was the only home they knew and suddenly it became too dangerous for them to stay. They had lost their father to a typhoid epidemic a few years earlier. My grandmother and her young family chose not to join them on the trek to Canada. That decision caused a lot of suffering and loss for her family. She was reunited with them in Canada in 1944.
My grandmother, second from left in the photo below. She has my mother on her lap, her son beside her, my grandfather behind her.
It is good to remember the past and learn from it. I gave each of my grandchildren a memory box. Grandson Ivan is remembering his Opa with some of the memorabilia he has collected.
"Hang tough through a cold spell"
Elfrieda, I feel those same concerns and uncertainty for my children & grandchildren, our country & world and all its people.
ReplyDeleteThank you for bringing some light and hope to this heavy time.
I always enjoy reading your blog.
❤️
Thanks, Helene! It’s an uncertain time, kind of like walking on jello!
DeleteElfrieda, I am thankful that the dread I felt at reading the opening ends with light and hope.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I am not an ostrich, sticking my head in the sand, but I try not to awfulize either. Making memory boxes for your grandchildren is an awesome way for them to honor their past as they face an unknown future.
I see that you have been blogging since 2012. No one would blame you if you skipped a month here and there. ((( )))
Marian, you are such an encourager! Love the word awfulize!
DeleteI can’t believe I’ve been blogging that long! It’s in my DNA by now!
You named what I feel too, Elfrieda. I have not yet blogged about the last month. I have only been writing every few months. Right now I am prioritizing calling my senators and representative in the House. Pray for us here and we will pray for you and the whole world!
DeleteYes! So often prayer is the last resort when it should be the first!
DeleteThank you for this Elfrieda. I think we’re all feeling that dread and uncertainty. I’m reminded of Jan Arden’s quote, “Worrying is like praying for what you don’t want”. I certainly don’t want to do that and I also don’t want to be an ostrich. Finding a balance can be a tough thing to do.
ReplyDeleteOh , I love that quote! When I have no other words I pray “help me help me!” May God help us all to get out of the mess we are in!
DeleteAlso, I was inspired by your wall hanging, and discovered these Think Like A Tree cards.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like they are currently available to UK shipping addresses. I’m looking for a Canadian source.
Anyone?
Sorry having issues sharing a photo of the cards.
ReplyDeleteThey are called Think Like A Tree - Natural Principles Cards
Thought they might make nice gifts.
I saw it listed as a book by that title, Helen, but couldn’t find any cards.
ReplyDeleteThankyou for addressing what we are all probably feeling these days. We can all choose to do our little bit during these uncertain times and together we can make changes and revive hope .
ReplyDeleteOne of my favourite songs written by CHUCK NEUFELD (Tom Neufeld’s brother) says it all.
“ My voice alone can’t sing the song of peace
My feet alone can’t walk to liberty.
My eyes alone can’t see the way ahead
My voice alone can’t shout to make them hear
My ears alone can’t hear the freedom bells
My voice alone can’t heal the hurting world
But if 2and2 and 50 make a million
We’ll see the world come round
We’ll see the world come round!
Thanks for sharing Elfrieda……🥰Ruth
Thank me you, Ruth. That song is so encouraging!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your concerns and this witness of resilience, Elfrieda. I'm still praying, Make haste to help us, O God.
ReplyDelete---from Psalm 70. --April
DeleteThank you for that Psalm, April! That is so often my prayer as well, but I always want to emphasize the “make haste” part! Sometimes the answer lies in just waiting!
DeleteI love the Epp family photo. My Oma is the 14 year old girl standing on the far right, wearing a white blouse. I also like the, 'Think Like a Tree' sentiments. Like you, I fear for what is happening around us and wonder what I can do. I know that sitting back and wringing my hands won't help. I suppose speaking out when I can and joining in with like minded, positive people is better than nothing. Thanks for putting out this blog. You are doing something!
ReplyDeleteRobbie
If we all do our little part, then certainly change will happen! Thanks for your encouragement, Robbie.
ReplyDelete