Best of Times, Worst of Times

March 1st, 2022

Best of Times, Worst of Times

It is spring, the “best of times” and it is war the “worst of times”. The words of Charles Dickens ring so true right now. There is so much to say and not enough words to say it all.

Today the sounds and sights of spring are filled with hope and joy.
Today the news of war brings sorrow and despair.

I seek words from others to give voice to the best and worst of now. I also seek information about how to help in this war emergency. And last, I give prayers to all involved.

Words for the Best of Times

Blossom by blossom the spring begins
Algeron C. Swinburne

The earth laughs in flowers
Ralph Waldo Emerson

It must be a great disappointment to God
if we are not dazzled at least ten times a day
Mary Oliver

May you be drenched in hope
Clarissa Pinkola Estes

Words for the Worst of Times

Hate has caused a lot of problems in the world, but has not solved one yet.
Maya Angelou

Will people ever be wise enough to refuse to follow bad leaders
or to take away the freedom of other people.
Eleanor Roosevelt.

I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen
its brutality, its futility, its stupidity.
Dwight D. Eisenhower

How to Help

A Washington Post Article from Feb 27, lists organizations that need donations

Voices of Children   Charitable foundation based in Ukraine that serves psychological needs of children affected by war.

Kyiv Independent – Free Press Journalism based from inside Ukraine. Latest in depth reporting on what is going on in Ukraine.

José Andrés Chef who provides food around the world to people in need.
Here’s how to donate

Razon For Ukraine Non profit whose efforts are to promote democracy. Right now providing lifesaving supplies to Ukrainians.

CARE Teamed up with People in Need to help with the emergency in Ukraine

Sunflower of Peace  Boston based non-profit bringing medical and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

Ukrainian Volunteers and Armed Forces Fighting back against Russia invasion of their democratic country. Donate directly.

Prayers for All

My prayers are for all those who are living, and who have died, in this horror of war. May the prayers and actions I take end this evil war.

Please send your prayers.

May all our prayers and actions transform hearts filled with hate into honoring & loving others. May the insanity of this war end now.

PEACE & HEALING TO ALL