Living through war brings trauma. Ears become sensitive to noise, loud sounds make people jump, and fear can easily take hold of the mind.
Recently, one evening, our city was under heavy attack, so we went to the basement of our shelter for safety.
At one point, there was a loud explosion, and I heard an IDP woman scream. She is blind and was very frightened. Fear consumed her. Her son and husband were trying to calm her down and help her get safely to the basement.
A little later, a young mother came downstairs carrying her 5-month-old baby in her arms.
Together, we sat in the basement and waited. Eventually, things settled. The IDPs returned to their rooms, while we stayed and slept in the basement.
That night reminded me more personally of the fear and trauma this war has brought upon Ukrainian civilians.
This has been the reality for the people of Ukraine for four years. Four years of fear, uncertainty, and sleep deprived nights. The sad reality is, even when the war ends, the effects of trauma will remain for many people.
But Scripture offers hope. It reminds us that fear can be overcome through faith, prayer, and trust in God’s love and power.
