David and Goliath

It seems appropriate that our children visited Michelangelo’s marble statue of David yesterday…(from the hotel where they’re staying…David was just a stone’s throw away.) Everything the Israelites had…the philistines wanted to obtain…it’s a lot like what is happening today…With Russia and Ukraine. But they fought their war a little differently back then…if we are to believe the scriptural writing…each side sent out their strongest warrior…and he would do the fighting. The philistines sent out Goliath…the preeminent warmonger…confident that in all the world…there was no warrior stronger. For 40 days Goliath taunted the Israelites…for he knew…and they knew he was much too strong…until a young boy with a sling and five stones…his name was David…came along. The culmination of the story is certainly well known …David slew Goliath…brought him down with just one stone. David was not supposed to win that battle…everyone, except David, was convinced…giving hope to every underdog whose faced a mightier opponent since. Proving the amount of size and strength a person has…although an important part…is not as important as the size and strength of the courage in one’s heart. My prayers are with you…the people of Ukraine…in the midst of a battle unlike any battle you have ever seen…as you…the modern day David…face off against the stronger Russian philistine. As you come face-to-face with your giant… may the courage in your heart never stray…and just like David may you win your battle in an unusual and surprising way. So one day when my children visit Ukraine…as I have no doubt they will do they will seek out the landmarks of your great country… and stand in awe in front of a marble stature sculpted to look like you.