There are a number of armed conflicts going on in the world right now including in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, Eastern Europe, and now war has exploded between Israel and the Palestinians.

Yes, I understand that the terrorist organization Hammas has inflicted terrible damage on the Israelis. The conflict is not new, but this attack has escalated the situation to outright war.

While there is much to analyze and understand about the history of this conflict, what grieves me is the same reality of every war. It is the weak, the vulnerable, the poor, the youngest and oldest human beings who are suffering the most.

No matter the cause, just or not, war dehumanizes everyone, and causes irredeemable suffering for the people least involved in the infliction of the violence.

So this week, I am weeping yet again, and feeling helpless and useless. If you are feeling any of that, you are in good company. Let us support each other as we figure out where to put our energy and resources.

In wisdom and grace,

Rev. Ruth