As the Russian – Ukraine conflict continues, the world is seeing pictures and videos that attest to the violence and despair being inflicted upon Ukrainian citizens.
But in the midst of war there are those moments which can inspire people and give them hope that all is not lost. For example, in his famous book, Man's Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl chronicled the lessons he learned from surviving his time in a Nazi concentration camp. Some of those lessons were reflected in the following observations:
“Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how'.”
"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
“But there was no need to be ashamed of tears, for tears bore witness that a man had the greatest of courage, the courage to suffer.”
The “courage to suffer” is reflected in this story that was sent to me about how, as several Ukrainians gathered in a bomb shelter, Marta Smekhova gave comfort to a talkative little girl.
In talking to her, Marta learned that this little girl, Amelia, had a dream. She wanted to sing in front of a large audience. So Marta told her that since there was a large audience for her in the bomb shelter, this was Amelia’s chance to fulfill her dream.
So Amelia started to sing “Let It Go” from the Disney hit Frozen. Now I invite you to watch this video because I can’t even begin to come up with the words to describe what it must have been like for the people in the shelter, people experiencing the courage to suffer. As she sang, the room grew silent as the people in the shelter stopped what they were doing. Oh and after she was done, they broke into applause and gave her a standing ovation.
Amelia’s song has had an impact. After getting permission from Amelia’s mom, Marta posted the video online and (are you ready for this) in almost no time, it has over 16 million views. And with many others (including some of the stars from Frozen) sharing this inspirational video, perhaps this video can motivate all of us to never forget that even the smallest acts can make a powerful difference.
Perhaps this is why the the composer of "Let It Go", Kristen Anderson-Lopez sent this beautiful tweet.
After the video went viral, a lot of people expressed concern for Ameila’s safety. Will she have other opportunities to use that beautiful voice of hers in the future?
Her mother has informed people that Amelia and her 15 year-old brother are safe and living in Poland with their grandmother. And one of the realities of this conflict was expressed as her mother Lilia shared: “I was so sad to wave goodbye to my children, but it was the best thing to do to make sure they are safe.” What struck me about Lilia’s comments is that she has a hope that her kids will have a better future.
With that thought in mind, please allow me to get a bit personal. With the number of people in our audience, there may be one or even a couple of readers that are experiencing some very challenging issues in their lives. Maybe that person is you. Figuratively speaking, while you’re not in a bomb shelter, have you have been dealing with some storm clouds?
If you can identify with those words, perhaps reading Man’s Search for Meaning, or Amelia’s video can inspire hope. For me, when those clouds gather, the words from Jerimiah and Philippians have been invaluable. For in Jerimiah, we are reminded that “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." And in Philippians, we are told to "never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn."
If you'd like to reach out for some personal encouragement in dealing with storm clouds, share a message below.
