Page 19 - Publishing Inspiration Christmas Card 2022

They have invited me along, but I am struggling in my heart to feel
much like celebrating.”
She paused briefly and then said some things that I thought
were even more profound.
“I have watched in this country and wondered if it could
someday face an enemy that might destroy it. The military here is
strong, but I wonder if the enemy might come from within. I have
watched people try to limit the vote of those who oppose them. I
have seen lots of hatred and anger. The only thing that enables
Ukraine, a small country compared to Russia, to stand against them,
is the unity we have had in joining together to fight.
“I’ve wondered if a country as powerful as the United States
were to let division and differences get in the way, could it open a
door for an enemy to gain power? I wonder if that enemy will be one
right here, citizens who may try to overthrow the government to take
power or retain power.”
We talked for quite a while. As she shared her feelings, she
seemed to gain more courage to face the unknown ahead of her. But
it was her parting words that made me think the deepest about our
own freedoms.
“If I have learned anything from watching my own country
and then living here,” she said, “it is that no one can take peace and
freedom for granted. If those are lost, it is hard to get them back.”

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