I never fail to be impressed by the beauty and majesty of Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), like this one that I spotted a week ago at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. This eagle had chosen a high branch as its perch and appeared to be surveying the situation from on high.
As I noted yesterday, I continue to be deeply disturbed and shaken by Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. I’ll pose to you the same question that I posted last night on Facebook and make the same request—that we pray for the Ukrainian people, who are suffering in so many different way, and that we pray for peace to prevail.
“Would you selflessly be willing to take up arms to defend your country, your freedom, and your way of life against an aggressor that invades your territory and seeks to destroy your nation? I feel nothing but admiration and respect for the brave Ukrainians who continue to fight with courage and determination against overwhelming odds. Please join me in praying for all Ukrainians as their country continues to be attacked by Putin’s forces.”
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
That’s a hard question, Mike. I know what I want the answer to be, especially when I look at that eagle.
I definitely is a tough question and I suspect that the truth is that we don’t really know how we would respond. Most of us like to believe that we would do the brave, heroic, self-sacrificing thing, but that sense of resolve is unlikely to be tested and the choices would not be easy. It breaks my heart to see Ukrainian men drive the women and children to the border with a neighboring state to get them out of harm’s way and then turn around to take up arms to try to defend their country, knowing they may be sealing their fate. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
The situation in Ukraine is very distressing. None of us can afford to be complacent because Putin won’t stop at Ukraine. You pose a tough question. I’d like to think I would but, until faced with that situation, it’s hard to give a definitive yes.
Thanks, Michelle, for your thoughtful comment. American’s are fortunate that we have not had a foreign attacker on our soil in quite a while. I suspect that most people prefer not to ponder the question too deeply, but would almost certainly come to the same conclusion that you did.
My brother says resisting the inevitable is futile. I, on the other hand, would fight to defend my homeland until they pried my weapon from my cold, dead hands. (an ongoing discussion for decades….and I do love my brother more than words can convey).
The actions of the Ukrainian forces show that some calculation may have been premature when they figured that a quick Russian victory was inevitable. The conflict is becoming more protracted and Ukrainian resistance is still incredibly fierce. I spent 20 years in the Army and was never asked to put my life on the line, but knew that it was possible that I would be called upon to do so.
Thank you for your service, MIke.
Thanks. I retired from the Army in 1997, so it has been a while since I served in uniform, but my service definitely influences the way that I think about many international issues like the current situation in Ukraine.
I worked as a civilian physician on a military base while my husband was active duty. I have nothing but respect for those who serve…and the families who serve with them. Now I am eyeing my six children wondering how this crisis might change their lives. No choice but to breathe deeply and carry on.
2nd image is stunning – that beak curling downward – we could use a giant beak of that sort to swoop down on Putin’s troops – though in my heart I know that many Russian soldiers are as distressed about what’s happening as are the Ukraine citizens. Perhaps a giant beak could snag and dispense with the actual culprit. Perhaps the collective responses from multiple countries will nibble away at Putin’s capacity to endanger his own and Ukraine’s citizens.
Beautiful shots, Mike. Joining you in prayers for the Ukraine. May cooler heads prevail.
Amen!! I’m absolutely in awe of these courageous citizens.