From Ira Kapitonova in Kyiv (Day 448):
Praise the Lord from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and mist,
stormy wind fulfilling his word!
Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars!
Beasts and all livestock,
creeping things and flying birds!
Psalm 148:7-10
When I read today’s psalm, I knew what to share.
A few days ago, Russian invaders killed in Bakhmut a Ukrainian photographer, Denys Kryvyi, while he was rescuing his wounded brothers-in-arms. Denys was known (and recognized with multiple awards) for his love and mastery of showing Ukrainian nature via photography. Back in 2021, he said that showing and popularizing the beauty of Ukrainian nature was an honor for him.
According to the Institute of Mass Information, Denys Kryvyi is the 58th media worker who died as a result of Russia’s aggression.
It may be tempting to think that war is about two professional armies fighting each other, with the strongest defeating the weaker one in the end. However, we’ve seen that this is not so. Thousands of Ukrainians who defend our land at the front lines are not professional soldiers but ordinary civilians who volunteered or were drafted to join our troops. So, when we lose someone in a battle, we not only lose a soldier, we lose an artist, a photographer, a teacher, a scientist, a musician, a journalist, a writer, an entrepreneur, an athlete, a minister, and the list can go on and on. This war destroys not only our “today” but also threatens our “tomorrow,” which is why we, those living, must double our efforts to fill every day with life and make sure all the sacrifice was not in vain.
And it is true not only for Ukrainians or those in Ukraine. If you don’t want to let the enemy win, fill your corner of the world with love and life – plant flowers, create a painting, bake a pie, write a book, invest in the new generation around you. Don’t be afraid to discover what God is calling you to, and be faithful in responding to His call.
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)
Voice of Ukraine 
4 responses to “5/18/2023 – “When we lose someone in a battle, we not only lose a soldier, we lose an artist, a photographer, a teacher, a scientist…””
Sharing your message with others here at Northwoods Prwsby. Church, USA
LikeLike
Psalm 65
1 Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed.
2 O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.
3 Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.
4 Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.
5 By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea:
6 Which by his strength setteth fast the mountains; being girded with power:
7 Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.
8 They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.
9 Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it.
10 Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof.
11 Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.
12 They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side.
13 The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing.
LikeLike
Your article is so thought-filled. These are the implications of war that are overlooked . Moreover, I take to heart your advice on how to live in the face of such evil.
LikeLike
Thank you, Ira, for your thoughtful message. Praying daily for an end to the aggression against Ukraine. Please, Lord, bare Your mighty arm!
LikeLike