Have you ever lived through a war?
This is what my wife asked this morning.
Have you ever lived through a war?
This question was asked rhetorically as we were discussing the event in the Oval Office yesterday.
“You just don’t know the stress and desperation and anxiety and fear – it’s horrible.”
I can’t even imagine.
And I cannot imagine the frustration when coming from a war zone and having to ask for help, using a language that is not native, and being held to a standard by people who have not had any shared experience of war.
Of course I would try to watch my words. Of course I would try to be diplomatic. Of course I will express thanks. But you must allow that my emotion may break through, my anxiety may break through, my fear may break through and I may say things that could raise an eyebrow or two. When this happens, I would hope that you would show understanding and respond with compassion.
This episode made me think of something else – are we obligated to receive thanks when we do what is right? I know we all like to hear “Thank you” when we do things, but I never feel it is necessary when I am doing something that is the right thing to do.
Helping someone when attacked is the right thing to do. That’s what I teach my kids. Stand up for those who are struggling to stand up for themselves. My youngest did this the other day and I was very proud of her. She may not have chosen the right words and maybe not even the right avenue but her motives and compassion were in the right place and I am glad she did what she did.
Those in power could have taken the high road yesterday and understood that it was not a moment to push dominance but a moment to show partnership, understanding and, again, compassion.
Unless we don’t really feel those things…
Have you ever lived through a war?
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