The challenges we face today in this moment and in this time are historic. Angles from many stories compete with truth which is buried deep within the debris of our collective souls. Answers come sparingly, if at all, as the sharp edge of the pendulum sweeps ever closer. What shall be our role in the ongoing catastrophe that is war? Each person must decide for themself.

Many responses reflect the deep heartfelt compassion that accompanied Christ and a resulting determination to rebuild a better world from the ashes, one that inches ever closer to divine ideals of truth and light. For some it leads to recognition that all war is sin, a rather harsh though appropriate indictment of our inability to shape culture in ways that provoke peace instead of violence.

Near the other end of the spectrum lies a just war rationale that demands immediate action in response to the vagaries of war, a response where might is right and the one with the biggest club wins. Cluttering the edges are a multitude of concerns anchored in the movement and forced displacement of untold millions worldwide. Most never saw it coming. The “refugee” label, once conferred, is not easily shed, a difficult lesson we are loathe to acknowledge. For in our western collective experience, it is still seen as a reality that lessons learned apply mostly to others and not ourselves.

There are no single simple answers. We tend to imagine that the individual solutions we concoct represent the most effective appropriate responses. In truth, answers come slowly – painfully at times. Lessons learned might not apply beyond current events. What works today is not what will work five or 10 or 20 years from now.

It comes down to each individual setting aside self and the petty grievances we nurture in order to make room for the moving of the Spirit and other faith elements in our lives. Combatants, refugees, politicos and others search for lowest common denominator understandings in attempts to make sense of it all. In the meantime, it is incumbent on us to respond as best as we can with integrity, compassion, hopefulness, and no small amount of courage.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9, NIV). Rise to the challenge by doing what you are able; rendering aid, conferring grace and standing firm in the breech when called upon. Be open to new revelations and understandings. Faith has a way of finding us in our most vulnerable moments. Let us respond with compassion and love where we can. It can make all the difference.

“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? (Mark 8:36)” There is enough to do for everyone.