Thoughts and Prayers

I recently had a conversation where someone told me about the thousands (or maybe there said hundreds of thousands) of people praying for the situation in the Ukraine.

I didn't think that was enough. The response to any kind of tragedy seems to always be "thoughts and prayers." Perhaps church people who don't have contact with those outside of those walls don't understand how empty and meaningless that comes across.

The Bible says that faith without works is dead. To me that means that "thoughts and prayers" without action is not enough. 

I find prayer confusing sometimes. I see Christians throwing it around like it's a vote and if enough people pray then the "right" outcome will come to pass. Some say "prayer moves the hand of God," others say "prayer changes you." Probably both are true, but I'm not sure if they're in the Bible.

I pray because I believe. Jesus said we could ask for anything in His name and the Father would hear, so I pray. I do think that prayer changes me - it puts my, and the world's problems into God's hands rather than mine. But this is also what I think makes people think they "did something," when all they did was think or utter some thoughts and prayers...

What does action look like other than thoughts and prayers?

- donating funds

- donating time

- donating energy

Calling and writing MPs, MPPs, the PM and asking for Canada to be involved in protecting innocent lives. Ask them if engaging in a war will help, or mainly put more young people at risk. Ask that they put Canadian lives first, and that they only take actions that will decrease the risk of widening war, not increase it. 

Finding out how to welcome refugees - any kinds - and gather items for them. This could cost nothing other than your time and gas to collect free items to furnish a home.

I know WMTC will have tons more ideas of what activism could look like - I look forward to your comments!