Pierogi
My Little Grandma was from the Ukraine, a largely Polish part near its border with Poland. She immigrated here for a better life, coming through Ellis Island in 1910. She was a very austere woman and married Anthony, who had come over from Poland in 1908. They had twelve children. My father was near the tail end.
All her life Little Grandma never learned English, never used any measuring cups, and never used mixing bowls. She had very little; however, she proudly displayed pictures of the Pope and one of John F. Kennedy on her wall. That I will always remember. She never had much, never needed much, but loved God much. It would be hard to believe that she ever missed Mass.
She spoke only with her children and others who knew Polish, and I don’t think the two of us ever really talked as I learned neither Polish nor Ukrainian. She spoke to me through her food. That was her love language with me and many others. Huge plates of pierogi. Large bowls of potato soup. Golampki by the dozens.
We all speak some language. Have you taken the 5 Love Languages quiz to find out yours or what the language is of those you care about so you can converse better? You may find it at https://www.5lovelanguages.com/.
Her country has now been forced into war with Russia. Neither side is currently speaking any love language. It’s difficult to watch and hear what is going on there and to think of all the innocent people. There is little I can do. But, I can do something important. I can pray.
Take some time to light a candle for the Ukraine and Russian leaders. Light the candle in the name of the God who creates us; in the name of the Savior who loves us; in the name of the Spirit who is the fire of life.
An adaptation of Psalm 72 was part of my Celtic Treasure devotion today. We pray this Psalm.
Give the leaders of the nations your justice, O God.
May they lead their people with truth and compassion.
May they defend the needy and stop the oppressor.
May they be wise as long as the sun and the moon shine.
May they be like rain that falls on the dry ground,
like showers that water the earth.
In their days may right relationships thrive and peace prosper.
It is difficult as humans to say some of these words, to pray some of these words, for the Russian leaders. Yet we are told to love our enemies and those who persecute us. This is a start to loving all people in this situation. We do not condone what is happening; however, we do pray for them that they will turn from their ways, that these blessings will take hold of their hearts and that peace will prosper throughout the world. We pray fiercely and without ceasing during this time.
