Щоденник пастора | When Rockets Fall and Fireworks Rise This morning the sky is crying ov...

When Rockets Fall and Fireworks Rise This morning the sky is crying over Ukraine. We are crying too, because last night my country was once again on edge. Last night there were rockets and drones again, alarms and explosions that make walls and hearts tremble. Again the frightened, tear-filled eyes of children in shelters. Again the black roses of smoke slowly unfurled their petals above the rooftops of the capital.On this same day, across the ocean in the USA, the evening sky will bloom in a different way: cascades of fireworks will shower rubies and gold, as if someone were painting joy on the canvas of the night. People will also hear explosions, only from fireworks. They will also see projectiles flying, only decorative ones. People will applaud, shoot stories, embrace each other - and we rejoice that they will have such an opportunity.We sincerely congratulate America on Independence Day and thank you once again for your help and support, in a case that someone thinks we thank too little.Of course, you are not obliged to do more. But God has blessed you with a leadership role in this world - with resources, influence and possibilities that can protect the vulnerable and uphold peace and justice. We are not making demands, we appeal again: let your generosity become as loud as your fireworks, so that we receive help not simply to survive, but to win.You also ought to be more grateful. Thank God that you have what we pray for every night - a peaceful sky. Rejoice in your silence, for it is the blessing of freedom. When you embrace each other this evening, remember in prayer those who at this moment are embracing the cold concrete of a shelter instead of a warm blanket. When your children admire holiday fireworks, remember that children in Ukraine are learning not to distinguish the colors of fireworks, but the sounds of “missiles” and “drones”.And do not forget that somewhere near you live Ukrainian children who fled Bucha, Kharkiv, Kherson. For them these fireworks are not a celebration, but a flashback. Hold them, ask why the sparkle of the sky makes them flinch on a holiday. And perhaps something inside you will shift when tonight you see how your fireworks frighten a Ukrainian child.This morning the sky is crying over Ukraine. We are also crying and praying: Lord, have mercy on our land. Grant one thing - a peaceful sky - to those who celebrate and to those who survive.Peace to you and to us. For as long as we merely survive, your celebration cannot be complete.P.S. Americans spent roughly $2.8 billion on fireworks for the 4th of July based on WalletHub’s and other recent reports