Volodymyr Zelenskiy is a name heard round the world
If the “shot heard round the world” in the opening volley of the American Revolutionary War left a lasting impression, then Volodymyr Zelenskiy — president of Ukraine — is these days the “name heard round the world.”
As my 6-year granddaughter famously stated, “Everything has a back story.” Zelenskiy's story has its “glitches and glories” just like everyone else.
Whatever is there, one “glory” has lit up history. His famous declaration — when the US government offered to evacuate him following Russia's attack — “The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride.”
What is this really saying? “I may be the President. I may have access to privileges. I may have an escape route, but I'm not going anywhere. I'm living in the battle — fighting every way I can with and for my countrymen and if I die alongside them, so be it. I am one of them.”
I bring this up because personal sacrifice is humanly difficult — even a small one. It's as basic as I don't want to voluntarily let go of satisfying things I'm accustomed to — foods, lifestyle, income, position, privileges. And if it's letting go my life, well, sorry, but I'm deeply accustomed to that.
The Bible's story of the rich man who wanted to inherit eternal life through his good deeds is an example of the pull of personal comfort. He thought he'd done all the good he possibly could. But when Jesus told him to sell everything he owned and give to the poor and come follow Him, the man “went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.”
An interesting contrast is the story of the widow who dropped two mites in the temple treasury — each worth one-fifth of a cent. Jesus noticed and said she had given more than the rich because they gave from their surplus, but she gave from her poverty, all she had.
A third story is brothers, James and John, two of Jesus' disciples who came to Him asking, “We want you to do for us whatever we ask of You.” Sounds like rubbing a genie lamp. Both wanted a place of prominence in heaven. They still had not comprehended Jesus' teaching, “The first shall be last; and the last shall be first.”
It seems embedded in human nature to want all I can get and to get all I can want. And once in place to polish and protect it, and not let it slip away. Certainly not to hand any of it over voluntarily.
Zelenskiy is Ukraine's hero. He's needed to speak, and guide, and direct, and motivate, and negotiate. He may not wear combat gear, but he is fighting just as passionately as those who are. And they know it; they know that he is with them and of them, not “above” them. Not trying to be first — willing to forsake his comforts; not walking away because he's in too good a place to let anything go.
People like this will always inspire, and attract loyalty. Because the ones they serve will see they choose to make that personal sacrifice for them. It is possible for each of us to be this kind of humble hero in our own lives. Maybe it takes a “Zelenskiy moment” — or maybe it is as quiet as two mites dropped in a box that only God sees.
However it happens I want to be there when it does.