From: Maia Mikhaluk in Kyiv (1117th day)
Today is a day I will forever cherish as one of the happiest of my life—the day I became a grandmother, the day this beautiful, radiant sunshine entered our lives.
Amidst the brutality of the ruzzian invasion, as we lived each moment as if it could be our last—tanks breaking the asphalt on roads in Kyiv suburbs, explosions shaking our neighborhood, Western military experts predicting Ukraine’s fall within days—God gave us joy. He gave us light, hope, and strength.
Briana was born in the darkest of times.
Mykyta and Sasha chose the perfect name for our granddaughter—Briana. This Irish name carries immense weight, meaning not only strong but also virtuous and honorable. God often chooses the weak to confound the strong, to bring forth His power in the most unexpected ways. Even His own Son came into this world as a vulnerable baby.
Over these 1,117 days, we have come to understand the Psalms and hymns like never before. Songs of worship that once flowed effortlessly now carry profound depth, resonating with the weight of our journey.
One song, in particular, remains close to my heart—a melody that captures the faithfulness of God through every trial, every dark night, and every moment of deliverance. Briana’s birth was more than a moment of joy; it was God’s goodness breaking into our devastated lives—flooding us with blessings, light, and strength.
When I sing these words, I see vivid images of nights filled with fear and the fires of war, yet I also see God’s hands holding us in mercy. I see God as a Father and a Friend, ever near. And I feel, with overwhelming certainty, that His goodness has been running after us—all these 1,117 days.
… I love You, Lord
Oh, Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
… And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
… I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
And in darkest night You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a Father
I’ve known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God,
… And all my life You have been faithful,
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God,
… ‘Cause Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
With my life laid down, I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
‘Cause Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me,
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
With my life laid down, I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
‘Cause Your goodness is running after, it keeps running after me
… And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God!
God’s goodness enters humanity through the vulnerability and innocence of babies—a quiet but undeniable force of renewal and hope.
Voice of Ukraine 