Recently, hurricane-force winds blew through the Southern California valley where I live. The damage was unexpected. Shocking. Towering old trees fell, uprooted with a force that lifted sidewalks. I saw one that crashed into a house. But the damage was minor compared to when war’s fierce winds began to blow in Ukraine.

These horrific winds have blown into our lives in an unexpected way. Imagery of ferocious bombing against civilians is so shocking, it explodes the peace in our world no matter where we live. What once was stable ground for freedom has been blown out from underneath our feet. Despite Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine being on the other side of the globe, for many of us it feels much closer. What are the implications for us?

Incomprehensible Aggression

This war is impacting Americans in ways far beyond higher gas prices. Even before Russia invaded Ukraine, a New York Times article described how Putin’s aggression is different in ways that impact democracy.

A Russian invasion of Ukraine would look like the kind of war that has been largely absent in the past 80 years and that was once common. It would involve a powerful nation setting out to expand its regional dominance by taking over a neighbor. A war like this — a voluntary war of aggression — would be a sign that Putin believed that Pax Americana [international rules set up in the 1940s that promoted global stability] was over and that the U.S., the European Union, and their allies had become too weak to exact painful consequences.

As Anne Applebaum has written in The Atlantic, Putin and his inner circle are part of a new breed of autocrats, along with the rulers of China, Iran and Venezuela: “people who aren’t interested in treaties and documents, people who only respect hard power.”

The article continues on to describe how Russia’s aggression may influence China to be more aggressive with Taiwan. Another article speculates on the same scenario and expresses concern as to the potential impact on the Philippines. I wonder, where does it stop? I also can’t help but wonder if someone who admires Putin’s “genius,” and calls him “very savvy,” might also be an aggressor inclined to ignore treaties and demonstrate “hard power?” John Bolton, Trump’s National Security Advisor, thought Trump appeared likely to pull out of NATO if he’d won a second term. What would have happened in that scenario? Wouldn’t America have been all the more isolated and other nations all the more vulnerable?

Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie tweeted insightful thoughts:

How can anyone with any understanding of the world call Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine “genius” and “very savvy” as we watch him unite the rest of the world against Russia in nearly an instant?

Beware of Bullies

Putin certainly has no respect for diplomacy in ways reminiscent of our nation’s former president. In the midst of the fierce winds of war, Americans, especially Christians, need to give serious consideration as to the leaders we support while the rest of the world watches. Words matter and once spoken aren’t easy to recant, especially when ulterior motives (such as maintaining a voting base) come into play. We need to ask ourselves, are we really standing on biblical principles that value life? How about the lives of those in Ukraine? Or are some among us following a factious leader despite this admonition in Titus 3:10.

Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning.

What could be more divisive than continual ridicule of anyone who doesn’t agree with a particular position. Maybe I’m wrong, but don’t many countries open the door to communism through civil war and the desire for Someone to come in and bring order? I can’t help but wonder if nationalism is being touted above Jesus Christ. Romans 12:17-18  calls followers of Christ to

respect what is right in the sight of all people. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people [emphasis mine]. 

That doesn’t mean we don’t do what we can to stop global bullies from committing horrendous war crimes. In reality, that is even a form of love. It also means we pray for them. We can want the best for Putin, asking God to help him turn from his wicked ways and repent of his sins. The hurricane-force winds of war are now uniting Americans against him and his brutal regime. Shouldn’t that also be uniting Americans to bring about better governance in our own country rather than exacerbate problems by cheering acts of division? Shouldn’t we be intent on putting our support behind people of integrity and wisdom, those willing and able to hold diplomatic discussions with our allies rather than trying to bully them into submission?

Withstanding War’s Fierce Winds

Following leaders standing on the solid rock of Truth and Justice while seeking God’s wisdom strengthens and unifies nations. However, AP’s fact checking of Biden’s State of the Union address indicates that he has as much of a problem with truth as the previous administration. Besides that, I do not understand why he keeps telegraphing America’s plans to our enemies. No wonder Putin perceives America as weak. Now he knows America’s military won’t have boots on the ground. He already knew about our horrific withdrawal from Afghanistan while leaving valuable friends and equipment in the hands of our enemies.

There are much wiser leaders on the horizon for our nation, and we need to get behind them. Politically and otherwise. Included are the journalists who value truth and human lives. According to Business Insider, John Bolton’s memoir, A White House Memoir, The Room Where It Happened claims that

in a 2019 meeting in New Jersey, Bolton said Trump suggested that journalists should be jailed more easily and forced to give up their sources, calling reporters “scumbags” and saying they should be “executed.”

That’s reminiscent of Putin’s treatment of journalists. Trump often made such gross overgeneralizations, and that type of thinking is extremely dangerous to freedom.

Some great communicators risk their lives to report on the situation in Ukraine. Others write poignant accounts to help us understand the impact of war even for those outside of the conflict. A colleague of mine with Evangelical Press Association, professor Michael Ray Smith, described the thoughts and feelings of Ukrainian students at Lithuania’s LCC International University where he teaches. For many of them, it’s as though a tree has crashed right into their living rooms. They fear for the lives of their families as well as for their country. Americans should be making their concerns a priority and many are. Among the most important weapons are our prayers to Almighty God for His intervention, and His protection against something similar happening here. Instead of focusing on political issues, hearts and minds need to turn to Jesus and biblical truth.

Looking to the One Who Saves

Difficult circumstances often transform lives for the better. When we see people realize that only our Creator can fix our circumstances, it has a unifying force and cultivates hope. Many who know God’s goodness are praying for a Ukrainian miracle. We know the Lord does those. We see God’s creative power in a sunrise. A baby’s giggle reveals His lovingkindness. A YouTube video of Marines worshipping Jehovah displays the kind of unity that transcends differences. (Their camaraderie puts a grin on my face, every time I watch it. I’m convinced their enthusiasm makes Jesus smile too.)

Such military marvels remind me to stand firm on my convictions regardless of the world’s circumstances. So does my Windblown Girl Lladro figurine. Whenever life’s fierce winds blow, she stands strong, confident on an immovable foundation.  For several decades I’ve used her as a model for my behavior.

My next writing project is a booklet offering tools that can help you stand strong, too. I know they work because even when my world exploded and I lost what meant most to me, these biblical principles gave me the ability to keep going. That’s the message of The Windblown Girl, but for the sake of story, most of the “how-to’s” weren’t included. Now, I’m eager to identify and share them with you. If you want to make sure not to miss this booklet, please sign up for my free monthly e-newsletter. Subscribers will be the first to receive “Standing Strong When Life’s Fierce Winds Blow,” (working title) as soon as it’s finished.