Alexei Navalny has died.
That is what the news is reporting today. Navalny is a hero of rare proportions. He bravely stood up to the despicable predations of Vladimir Putin, and he paid the ultimate price for it. Many Russian citizens are mourning his loss, and some will follow in his martyrdom by protesting his death.
I am a student of history, and I see the repeat, over and over, of the results of authoritarian repression. Like the canary in the mineshaft who gives her life to warn of impending danger that others do not yet see, men like Navalny give their life to highlight the danger of leaders like Vladimir Putin.
We in America have the “luxury” of simply giving some passing attention to such heroism. We note the injustice and sadness of his death, yet this news cycle will pass, and we will go on with business as usual. That will be to our detriment.
I talk with my clients about the need to redeem pain into gain in order to give meaning to the pain and suffering. My prayer is that the suffering and sacrifice that Alexei Navalny will not go unredeemed.
Prayer: Lord, help us to more clearly see the evil around us, Amen
Reflections of a Counselor 