Recently, we have displayed in our front window at Stephens Photography a crudely constructed sign that states, “We are Ukraine.”
Originally it was a knee jerk response to the news that Vladimir Putin’s Russian military had invaded the sovereign country of Ukraine. Gently, gingerly and graciously people have been asking about the sign, so we think we need to make this public explanation.
The Ukraine people, standing up to overwhelming odds is so inspiring we wanted to express our solidarity. In support of President Zelenskyy’s courageous leadership. To his response, when encouraged to run for safety said, “I don’t need a ride, I need ammunition!” This guy sounds and acts like Winston Churchill in a T-shirt. Perhaps Patrick Henry and so many Yankee patriots 250 years ago. Standing up to tyranny reminds us of who we are and how we got here.
At the same time, we are so encouraged to see a reuniting of nations, institutions, businesses, communities, friends and families in this cause. Even both houses of Congress had nearly all members of both parties join in support, to send the message that, “One nation … run by one guy … cannot choose to gobble up another nation.”
This also reminds us to be grateful for our inheritance, a constitution that provides us with the opportunity to pursue life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
The battle in Ukraine is like life, a moral battle. Its moral rightness makes this a just cause. This battle runs right through the heart of each of us.
That is why we are praying for all those engaged in this terrible conflict. Praying also that this thing can bring a measure of reuniting these United States of America.
That is why the sign is in our window — “We Are Ukraine.”
Mark and Susie Stephens
