The Wired Word for 05252025 - CourtneyR.dev's 2nd Brain

The Wired Word for 05/25/2025 ![rw-book-cover](https://readwise-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/static/images/article1.be68295a7e40.png) ## Metadata - Author: [[The Wired Word]] - Full Title: The Wired Word for 05/25/2025 - Category: #articles - Document Note: --- tags: - #VEday - #WWIIhistory - #ChristianFaith Author: The Wired Word Team Source: The Wired Word, May 25, 2025 Reference: https://thewiredword.com (May 25, 2025 edition) date created: 2025-05-23 08:45 --- # Title: 80th Anniversary of VE Day and Memorial Day Observed: Reflections on Sacrifice, Peace, and Rebuilding ## Table of Contents: - [📝 Summary](#-summary) - [📖 Main Content](#-main-content) - [🗒️ Notes](#-notes) - [📖 References](#-references) - [🗣️ Paraphrase](#-paraphrase) - [📰 Newsletter](#-newsletter) - [✅ Action Items](#-action-items) - [🧪 Hypotheses](#-hypotheses) - [📊 Methodology](#-methodology) - [❓ Questions](#-questions) - [🔮 Future Research](#-future-research) - [💡 Implications](#-implications) - [🧠 Learning Styles Assessment](#-learning-styles-assessment) - [📊 Accessibility Assessment](#-accessibility-assessment) - [🌍 DEIB Assessment](#-deib-assessment) - [✅ Logical validity](#-logical-validity) - [🔍 DARVO Analysis](#-darvo-analysis) - [🔍 SEO Evaluation](#-seo-evaluation) - [🎯 Conclusion](#-conclusion) ### References: - The Wired Word. “80th Anniversary of VE Day and Memorial Day Observed.” May 25, 2025 edition. https://thewiredword.com - Fox News, NPR, The Guardian (cited within the article) - Bible Verses: Ecclesiastes 3:8, Isaiah 58:12, John 15:13, James 3:18, Zechariah 8:16-17 ## 📝 Summary: This edition of The Wired Word commemorates the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, marking the end of World War II in Europe. It reflects on the sacrifices made, the fight against tyranny, and the ensuing efforts of peacemaking and rebuilding communities. It connects these historical events with Christian teachings on peace, sacrifice, justice, and restoration, encouraging readers to consider their roles in promoting peace and repairing societal breaches. The article further poses reflective questions and scripture to engage readers in thoughtful dialogue about the ongoing relevance of these themes. ## 📖 Main Content: The article opens with historical context: VE Day on May 8, 1945, symbolizing the Allies’ victory over Nazi Germany and the beginning of peace-building efforts. It highlights official recognition in the U.S. and commemorations across Europe amid contemporary geopolitical tensions. The article acknowledges the massive human cost of the war and honors those who sacrificed their lives. Prominent figures and events are cited, including speeches by UK leaders and solemn ceremonies, emphasizing the enduring struggle with tyranny and the commitment to peace. It references the Marshall Plan as a landmark effort in rebuilding Europe, tying economic recovery to political stability and peace. The piece transitions to Christian reflections, using scriptures such as Ecclesiastes on the natural cycles of war and peace, Isaiah on the link between justice and restoration, John on sacrificial love, and James on the fruit of righteousness and peace. It invites readers to consider personal and communal responsibilities to honor sacrifices, resist tyranny, work for peace, and rebuild broken communities grounded in faith. Finally, the article poses discussion questions aimed at deepening engagement with these themes and concludes with a prayer for inspiration to serve and restore. ### 🗒️ Notes - **Historical Context:** - VE Day marks Nazi Germany’s surrender on May 8, 1945. - The 80th anniversary in 2025 is observed worldwide with ceremonies and remembrance. - The U.S. formally recognized May 8 as Victory Day in 2025. - Memorial Day honors American military personnel who died in service, with over 400,000 WWII American deaths. - **Contemporary Reflection:** - Commemorations occurred amid ongoing global security concerns (e.g., Ukraine conflict). - British and European leaders emphasize courage, freedom, and vigilance against tyranny. - Germans reflect on historical responsibility and the horrors of fascism. - **Marshall Plan:** - Launched in 1948 to aid European economic recovery. - Aimed to restore political stability and peace. - Encouraged European unity and self-reliance with U.S. support. - **Christian Scriptural Reflections:** - Ecclesiastes 3:8 emphasizes the natural seasons of war and peace. - Isaiah 58:12 links justice and rebuilding communities. - John 15:13 teaches sacrificial love as the greatest form of love. - James 3:18 ties righteousness and justice to peace-making. - Zechariah 8:16-17 calls for truth, justice, and peace in community life. - **Discussion Questions:** - Personal experiences of sacrifice and remembrance. - Christian engagement with struggles against tyranny. - The meaning of loving enemies and peacemaking post-conflict. - Role of faith in rebuilding and restoration efforts. - Importance of remembering and teaching history in faith communities. - **Calls to Action:** - Remember and honor sacrifices made. - Promote peace in family, church, and community. - Engage in restorative and reconciliatory work. ## 📖 References: - The Wired Word (May 25, 2025): https://thewiredword.com - Fox News: "Trump Names Thursday as Day for US to Celebrate Victory in World War II" - NPR: "How Europe Is Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Nazis' Surrender in WWII" - The Guardian: "Marshall Plan: US Aid to Rebuild Postwar Europe" - YouTube Documentary: "Harry, Ike & The Fight for Democracy" ## 🗣️ Paraphrase: **Paragraph on Ecclesiastes 3:8:** The book of Ecclesiastes reminds us that every event in life has its proper time, including both love and hate, war and peace. It suggests that these contrasting times are inevitable parts of existence rather than moral judgments, prompting us to understand and respond appropriately to each season. **Paragraph on the Marshall Plan:** After World War II, the U.S. Secretary of State George Marshall proposed a European recovery program emphasizing that Europe's nations needed to lead their own economic rebuilding efforts. The U.S. pledged full support to governments willing to cooperate, aiming to restore economic health essential for political stability and lasting peace. ## 📰 Newsletter: 🌟 **This Week in WordPress and Faith Reflections:** As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, The Wired Word invites us to reflect on the immense sacrifices that shaped history and continue to inspire our mission for peace and justice. Through powerful scriptures and historical insight, we explore what it means to love sacrificially, fight tyranny, and rebuild communities — all themes deeply resonant for open-source advocates committed to collaboration and restoration. Plus, dive into WordPress learning updates, new plugins, and community stories to empower your journey. Join the conversation and build a better tomorrow with us! [Explore more](https://thewiredword.com) ## ✅ Action Items: - Integrate faith-based perspectives on peace, justice, and restoration into community talks and workshops. - Develop WordPress community content linking themes of collaboration and rebuilding to open-source sustainability. - Use historical commemorations as engagement opportunities to foster dialogue on ethical leadership and resilience. - Advocate for remembrance and teaching of history as vital in maintaining community identity and values. - Align messaging about sacrifice and peacemaking with inclusivity and transparency in OSPO initiatives. - Encourage contributor onboarding programs to embrace principles of peace and restoration in community dynamics. - Promote cross-disciplinary learning connecting technological advocacy with broader social and ethical themes. ## 🧪 Hypotheses: - Faith-based narratives on sacrifice and peace enhance community cohesion in open-source projects. - Commemorative events serve as effective catalysts for education on ethical leadership and social responsibility. - Integrating historical reflection with modern community building promotes sustainability and resilience. - Explicit discussion of justice and restoration improves conflict resolution within distributed teams. ### 📊 Methodology: - Qualitative interviews with open-source contributors on faith and ethical motivations. - Surveys measuring com - Summary: May 8 was Victory in Europe (VE) day, marking the official surrender of Germany to the Allies at the end of World War II in Europe. Dear Class Members, May 8 was Victory in Europe (VE) day, marking the official surrender of Germany to the Allies at the end of World War II in Europe. Because the 80th anniversary of this day falls close to Memorial Day, this installment of *The Wired Word* will focus on remembering sacrifices, fighting tyranny, peacemaking and the rebuilding of communities and nations. ![](https://www.thewiredword.com/_img/tww_logo_email.jpg) **80th Anniversary of VE Day and Memorial Day Observed*****The Wired Word*** **for the Week of May 25, 2025** **In the News** Victory in Europe (VE) Day was May 8, 1945, marking the end of World War II in Europe. This year was the 80th anniversary of this day on which the Allies formally accepted Germany's unconditional surrender. Japan's surrender came about four months later, on September 2, 1945. VE Day was celebrated as the victory of the Allies over Nazi tyranny, and it started a process of peacemaking along with the rebuilding of wartorn communities and nations. On May 7, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation designating May 8 as a day for the United States to celebrate victory in World War II, as countries in Europe have done for years. According to *Fox News,* the president signed a proclamation that designated May 8, 2025, as a "day in celebration of Victory Day for World War II." He is expected to issue a similar proclamation for World War I later this year. This year, Memorial Day falls on May 26, giving Americans an opportunity to mourn and honor the military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. During World War II, approximately 405,399 American service members died, including both military personnel and civilians. There were over 1 million casualties in the war, a number which includes the dead and the wounded. According to *NPR*, there were memorials and moments of silence across Europe on May 8, 2025, but the day also included "fears for Europe's future security, amid Russia's war in Ukraine and fraying relations with the United States." In Britain, King Charles III saluted troops and cavalry in a military parade, and observers in the stands included World War II veterans, many with wheelchairs and canes. Neighborhoods across the United Kingdom threw tea parties in the street, and pubs stayed open two hours later than usual, so that people could toast members of the "greatest generation." Speaking at a defense conference, Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the "courage of that lion-hearted generation." He said that World War II was the "greatest victory in the history of this great nation," but added that it was a "victory not just for Britain" -- it was also a victory "for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil." VE Day in Paris included a wreath-laying ceremony in front of a statue of wartime Gen. Charles de Gaulle, while commemorations in Germany included somber speeches about the horrors of fascism. Germans are still struggling with the question of how to take responsibility for the fact that many of their ancestors supported the Nazis. British historian Timothy Garton Ash said that this year's anniversary was overshadowed by fear, feelings of abandonment by the United States, and a realization that the global order established after World War II is crumbling. "The war in Ukraine is by far the largest war in Europe since 1945. We have also discovered that countries like China and India and Turkey and other great middle powers are quite happy to go on doing business with Russia even while it's waging this war," Garton Ash said to *NPR*. "So we're in a post-Western world, if you like." On June 5, 1947, about two years after VE Day, United States secretary of state George Marshall put forward the idea of a European economic recovery plan, to be financed by the United States. Speaking at Harvard University, he called on the countries of Europe to unite in planning their economic recovery. According to *The Guardian*, he warned them that the United States could not do much to alleviate Europe's difficulties until a program had been agreed on by a number of European nations. "This is the business of Europeans," he said. "The initiative, I think, must come from Europe." Marshall's goal was to restore the confidence of the European people in the economic future of their countries and all of Europe. He stated that "the United States should do whatever it is able to do to assist in the return of normal economic health in the world without which there can be no political stability and no assured peace." Marshall promised that any government "that is willing to assist it in the task of recovery will find full cooperation on the part of the United States government." At the same time, he warned that "governments, political parties or groups which seek to perpetuate human misery in order to profit therefrom politically or otherwise will encounter the opposition of the United States." In 1948, the "Marshall Plan" began its work. Both houses of Congress approved the final form of the Foreign Assistance Bill, and President Harry Truman signed it. Ships left New York with cargo that the United States was contributing toward the economic reconstruction of Europe. The goal was to feed people who were starving and to restore Europe and make it self-supporting. President Truman called the plan "perhaps the greatest venture in constructive statesmanship that any nation has ever taken." More on this story can be found at these links: [Trump Names Thursday as Day for US to Celebrate Victory in World War II.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPGLI-2BajtuENxFtFfQBOlJMDQ0thBRFJ295mClFKIMn5CRLF6A2c8R2NMBsq9eiqw7Q-3D-3DwQHR_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyed2jYPnosknw2S7O05l2oPNDy47wFxyWt1k3bHeL8jmcXf2Db2rngkuB941mWeF-2FD1Wp-2Fb4Gq-2FnugunAFfrFFAQT136QI3vfJvqAWNLqXC1FWQTvZPdVrymVJc5T9cdg-2FdtObnYfWj4ZULXf-2BV7kc2XKtqD-2Frnp6Q4ahs1EKvy1AII9RFcE0uLtscOMK89zA3QCU8D0dOoL5TJw3tdvp0wM-3D) [*FOX 5 New York*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPGLI-2BajtuENxFtFfQBOlJMDQ0thBRFJ295mClFKIMn5CRLF6A2c8R2NMBsq9eiqw7Q-3D-3DJ18B_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyeWOwF4oQgrCeKPDe8vaWRDrCzFVufkkA-2FiHF2Te3bHhtWBiiAeR1kBukE4BqBPExQRxNIeuiRGzlJsAC1JHEMT3Ws6vdnOD8864zvak7FyhpiUMcjx3Burtyb8edVenBjuArGKCfJtuUgdNX41ZyFEZzZOvFgX4nCIN222IkBhfQiO5GJwY1CJMA7UHqyGTnFHCDfd-2BiLX9H0Jy9uIJnOrw-3D) [How Europe](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHqYzlFhngTMk0G9-2F-2BQ1rl-2FM1X-2FwKOUCqbHwC0UGbsWcp0Y2uD6r8mHdyGMi3-2BVoqoSCBqlAP8s9rEwvcdlX15taZTFnpJyt85k5txYyW-2BYegKFC_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyefP6x2Y-2FacH8GrSgPwBrJ-2BBhpxn2nk1vXH5gNZinhXzngJgZZk3ce0-2B-2B5Hm5o2fwg58qSsu12zTpIBpSYLjqbcMjaZgteqkYv-2Fv4yEeztRc8Btd6D3O1L-2FDdltjQBO0ArRXmCe5RaNFdvUIVTGMTwr4HaIqTtujmXYXnauve2cwPhCBAGDPZuDm5guIg-2BGpqaNu2SUCOejmHuheOmg9qHn0-3D) [Is](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHqYzlFhngTMk0G9-2F-2BQ1rl-2FM1X-2FwKOUCqbHwC0UGbsWcp0Y2uD6r8mHdyGMi3-2BVoqoSCBqlAP8s9rEwvcdlX15taZTFnpJyt85k5txYyW-2BYe31a__-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyeQmTxhNR4Aj2IntScRgN8SkAq8sbSjvtGqPwIFtHbg9-2BLNVouaeCQTAsfcol84OPIx7GlXKBcq5-2FTbpfsJHnExe5WM8CoreCoXibAHkVS524FEehtFDJ8jfGEJnzy1YIClHBbDupQaEhtFzXSkM3-2B2H9JBXhCWv9fWE0sFWpGBJ1FTEqJrWVT5Tb28NguaCxCBMM1Iiun5pb9W7sdvLQp8M-3D) [Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Nazis' Surrender in WWII.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHqYzlFhngTMk0G9-2F-2BQ1rl-2FM1X-2FwKOUCqbHwC0UGbsWcp0Y2uD6r8mHdyGMi3-2BVoqoSCBqlAP8s9rEwvcdlX15taZTFnpJyt85k5txYyW-2BYec5Na_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyeUNhOyL-2BRwKtfUXcVh1H4yIK1fRYeeWUCNjEje683bXFRNqcJWpmDMAVJ-2FlOAQQIelvYgz-2F-2FJlAuzmD81kh187Nl4LenQ3kXYp82GdLAwwXOod6MfqNt3GCFgNQOfW8qY5sy0bl4aPHgo8Y7zUXnZUEWV-2B4-2F-2BsSNT98GTxVG1j1725klB6AwylZVDdUwTJb-2BlkX1NritiAnKtdX16-2ByJ1Sc-3D) [*NPR*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHqYzlFhngTMk0G9-2F-2BQ1rl-2FM1X-2FwKOUCqbHwC0UGbsWcp0Y2uD6r8mHdyGMi3-2BVoqoSCBqlAP8s9rEwvcdlX15taZTFnpJyt85k5txYyW-2BYerfmD_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyedAg-2FqB8Y-2B18mW3mCw1HwJ2j6uRLNQ3H8NKFTCWfZ8uz5Gq0a6INhVlzcm5hmm-2Fjoo7Yx5-2BBrnIw-2FWFvIZ8VBZEQhhga2P4kRB-2BsaaBnyCLauhtPCwt-2FT9vE7YA7mPDe5WsccKPZNYswKynvMsUteGBMICzEWWQABFBuk8cd-2F7vXFN5Pu9CBmJ4X3x50GcJ216WhtY-2B3J299xoeZuOGW9gk-3D) [Marshall Plan: US Aid to Rebuild Postwar Europe -- Archive, 1947.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPEd8GTVwWweecsmfy3-2FzHzeMVERX5KUEJpTuV8hUHU-2BjQ-2BmU9BCUCciWIErFQlCBKehXnDlh-2FLdk8aYwQNErEB-2BkG8Z-2FJEeWO-2FfNR61X7PplHA1Cstq-2B74ePQOOvBRHTPg-3D-3DzPee_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyeSz3qCCnS9sbRrpIs14cOcXfTh9-2FKtxTCSIu6c3yO63QCC4REOGPsrCfi5l7rdDWXppAVlKdBwRgxT2SVLDewPVS03h8JQr1E2hNGCLnWwtu-2FpO8Jp9kacFAKoU-2FtgNoQsekKnsTkTvwxsgiAD30P-2B7nZmkSgVWQDlkUodja-2FJmh-2FuqcEQV-2FRA6RPFPB7QnZ2BCnPU1Zqb81e2NxbwULZ2c-3D) [*The Guardian*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPEd8GTVwWweecsmfy3-2FzHzeMVERX5KUEJpTuV8hUHU-2BjQ-2BmU9BCUCciWIErFQlCBKehXnDlh-2FLdk8aYwQNErEB-2BkG8Z-2FJEeWO-2FfNR61X7PplHA1Cstq-2B74ePQOOvBRHTPg-3D-3D1qJp_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyecDKPzFCFWwSrCnuRWJteOi5AM-2B4fKPll4JwOStumrvTVJWrf0wn3O-2FXg56M5zyqnxR1Uq0w27IrLFhooPz6xkjtD88c7PYbhnlmNytLVH1s2A3GnFpPe-2ByDX6oh6ynEpmxoyWX-2BMSLqa0CWPU2QvyBP-2F-2Bj0L-2F7FqFkrT-2FeVh-2FpcnPEJUWGNn9tN1w2MMBWg8AB1H8t4TPWigSYH1jOa8Kk-3D) [Harry, Ike & The Fight for Democracy. Winning the War (Full Documentary).](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPXTV2R-2Bm0Kz58iOCQYIq1-2BUOq0-2BriiDm3wobyoF8t6pPbGiKAntdmzdeLA0Rfk1-2Fg-3D-3D8xRW_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyeVRoEuxoLnom4Q1I2x2z4xx5FktwvtPVAdlOs3Jw1R62Dm7c9kPIXpxXRJnWsmpXxsujYKZabXcOHHuFXwKixlXUEPG99JQbuIRq-2BO2h0rZMg7xYG0xBPkm3dPJBUN-2BXbrCr-2FPi4zj5NQ1XnYwyG8-2F-2FjkTovMeW9XkKunYbIkzjJPjKTOD3s5W1QKryiKyGvQQKla4RJqCfZ-2F6hos5PX-2BDg-3D) [*YouTube*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPXTV2R-2Bm0Kz58iOCQYIq1-2BUOq0-2BriiDm3wobyoF8t6pPbGiKAntdmzdeLA0Rfk1-2Fg-3D-3D-gBf_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyeWk0ErCb3QeLLTzEHwpISsRlUTCSzZC-2BZ8NJRjAt9eYVSAVwPHRQFmWiPZLd1d1aNQc6Hj2N5avvlg9PKAju2NLxPdi3-2FIdVb6qbkL8JaR3EbYXFquyQJyJyYC-2FFduGAUWv-2FqL3E3AuTWCTauPWs54LhysjXw18JhKUjNotkXgqSSjQD-2FL4TZ9-2FwHx19nklqfdSBjWQwNMCQmQ-2BQaMUWiLI-3D) **Applying the News Story** TWW Team Member Mary Sells asks, "What, if anything, have we learned about peacekeeping and fighting tyranny in the 80 years since VE day? What does the Bible teach us about our responsibility to live peaceably? How, and/or why, do we accept or reject that mission? What does loving our enemies mean? Does Memorial Day in the United States have significance to Christians as an expression of faith?" Use this story about VE Day and Memorial Day to discuss what it means to remember sacrifices, fight tyranny, make peace, and rebuild communities. **The Big Questions** 1. Have you lost a friend or loved one in military service? If so, how do you honor their memory, on Memorial Day and other days? As a Christian, how do you understand this type of sacrifice? 2. World War II was a fight against tyranny. How should Christians be involved in such struggles, if at all? Where do you see evidence of tyranny in the world today, and what are you willing to do about it? 3. In the documentary [Harry, Ike & The Fight for Democracy. Winning the War](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPXTV2R-2Bm0Kz58iOCQYIq1-2BUOq0-2BriiDm3wobyoF8t6pPbGiKAntdmzdeLA0Rfk1-2Fg-3D-3DlnZj_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyeaYjzMjylw3wHL-2FrYKJS74iRbRBpfBZygBh-2FKEcFK8VwBgxPTbyIr0rAq-2Fvz0PhQQOWTkrQocefRc65jV3gJDnS1VDzs47-2FRW2Z-2FehhVVJwjAwX2CPmIBVr-2BHT-2F0u0Z-2BL4vqRkY5OEJor399at4kKD3YCFJcjrKolxpVcoeCGowEZ56mh5e406l-2Fgf6UvUqmCZ-2FPA-2BlNjXSEufBUjacVm4A-3D), a Japanese-American woman says, "If you don't win the peace, you haven't won the war." What does this mean to you? How can Christians work for peace following times of conflict? 4. What does it mean to love your enemy? What difference, if at all, does it make if they are in a distant land or across the street? Which is harder, and why? How does the church help you with this challenge? 5. The Marshall Plan was an American effort to rebuild Europe after World War II. Why was this important? When have you been involved with efforts to rebuild damaged communities? How is such work connected to the Christian faith? **Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope**Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: **Ecclesiastes 3:8**...*a time* *to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace.* (For context, read [Ecclesiastes 3:1-8](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxwo1yRV2l8a4Gm-2FxomKEKNRzHevmwG3gh7o87jVuZDmVM-2FA5a4p6-2BuevwAJKYWpRAZnXF_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyeROW9jpMBpUro1fccOE3MjERDrKy34QB3GepPa6avPHWMsO9cxvUFhxdsmVVawYgBGi1UNgFhJFhRRS6z8HZaIyspXbjh7uk-2Fhh9BK1KEaO4Tuulg3mh5J3OUdGB3xIe4ZiwO2DM1WW7hg4XTPAN1kXjOQMBsExFhbJJoMBIv6UQBmoRkKhVpkxGaGnv-2BkPGKlPq1gjJZvt8ckFI-2FZX72Mo-3D).) Ecclesiastes is a wisdom book that contains the "words of the Teacher" (1:1), and it presents both traditional wisdom and a number of challenges to conventional understandings of the world. Chapter 3 begins with a poem on the times, which stresses that there is an appropriate time for everything. The Teacher says, "For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven" (v. 1). Since God has determined the natural flow of events in the world, the challenge for humans is to understand the times and respond accordingly. The Teacher says that there is "a time to be born and a time to die" (v. 2), which is certainly true. But this verse also reminds us that there are things in this world over which we have no control. When he says there is "a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace," he is not making value judgments about these times and activities. Instead, he is saying that they are inevitable parts of every human life. > **Questions:** If war is inevitable, how should Christians participate, if at all? If peace is a natural part of life, what should Christians do to promote it? Be specific. **Isaiah 58:12***Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in.* (For context, read [Isaiah 58:6-12](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx8fPDsj5S5hW7hBewUShLxwf-2FF3RyFk5t4lYr-2BrtTMJyVDTpMk2p-2B-2FlYZoISGjxY9RXSK_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyebUBsgpKVmDkplyiWG8zJOQkWDqlTag3MA3jnpXHMqoXDN6VX2cew25rtDRVDWi984gDkbv9UUjpuqBsPLB-2BrvOj1nJ3q2srCp6MTsDSbjEsIhA3c1r-2FnXXwXNWqx8-2BMh1F0m0Qb3VuwWkv4HJx2-2FUcypaOLIqha34QI9wMAFLNAHjAbCgKq14V0qHXeOteD94CfAo54931yaEQz6aO1ezI-3D).) In this section of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking to the people of Israel after they have returned from exile in Babylon. He denounces religious fasts that are not accompanied by acts of justice and righteousness, and says, "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?" (58:6). Not surprisingly, Jesus quotes Isaiah when he begins his ministry in Nazareth with the words, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. ... to set free those who are oppressed" (Luke 4:18). Isaiah goes on to encourage the people to "share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house" (58:7). He then promises that just and righteous actions will result in God guiding the people and satisfying their needs. "Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt," promises Isaiah; "you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in." The people of Israel need this guidance and encouragement as they face the challenge of rebuilding Jerusalem after the trauma of the exile. > **Questions:** Why does Isaiah make a connection between acts of justice and the rebuilding of Jerusalem? When have you seen such a link being made in modern times, following wars or other disasters? When have you been a rebuilder, a repairer or a restorer? How does such activity arise from your faith? When has your church done such work? **John 15:13***No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends.* (For context, read [John 15:12-17.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxT4PTUfd6hE6df7lW-2Bu8M6X5ZDqmmd6bjMoDH8aooD947FQf3sUmmaIpmhzt36yHwq4Ok_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyeXFeogd9GVHmjhvxJdv8CRXqMGbYBwS7Lw-2Bmd45F8bCpduuVptiw8NbWgtMOd5RMa4HT5IvE0MPbpHYxiIuKmpRpkhmHwm68AnleFc32FyUeDKq5vmJyJPuPIf0xagXrnIQFxWqFZ84LH5aQA6Duk9NOLPJXtuPqvnaut21POh1K0xTCT5ydVX0-2BMTt8niLuPSqI-2F-2FnVg5HTsEzHR3leSmA-3D)) On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus gives his disciples the commandment to "love one another as I have loved you" (15:12). He illustrates the sacrificial nature of this love by saying, "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." The Greek word for "friends" is *philon*, which literally means "loved ones." Jesus is communicating his willingness to lay down his own life for his disciples, his "loved ones." Jesus then challenges his "loved ones" by saying, "You are my friends if you do what I command you" (v. 14). He is making it clear that to be his loved one, you have to obey his will and his commandments. Jesus appoints them "to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last" (v. 16), and says that he is giving "these commands so that you may love one another" (v. 17). > **Questions:** When have you seen people lay down their lives for their loved ones, on the battlefield or elsewhere? What impression did it make on you as a Christian? How are such sacrifices connected to obeying the will and commandments of Jesus? Where do you see opportunities to make loving sacrifices in your own life? **James 3:18***And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.* (For context, read [James 3:13-18](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxet2swTq-2BGS6FHLkXI-2BXT4qf9DsDdA0Q03Gi3gZheg7DjQzZI8Fz5qS3w82kphCoPdhlz_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyeRTgUfpZYB8IRm2G2q15BSwtWD6HXr60erb9HtMQNoAzKP7J7IFdYAIEWBTrwA1ppQS8XwB5I6xJFcUgrUN4foEI0EFNINDGrJCHJ0gPetkOJnfOmvbA7HS3ezNstPGS5Yti5xbZRqqUIEqH5gnNoaq7UkgyYXIV5iMb38hMiJawcWP9us6-2B4OUfAwLkZHeX5un9ZK9LnNK5erqITnTv4vI-3D).) James was the brother of Jesus, and was a leader of the early Christian movement in Jerusalem. He addresses his letter to "the twelve tribes in the dispersion" (1:1), followers of Jesus who come from Jewish heritage and live outside of Palestine. These men and women continue to gather for worship, and they have a desire to uphold the "royal law," which James defines as "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (2:8). Beginning in chapter 3, James focuses on Christian wisdom in community relations, and warns the people first about the power of speech to do great harm. He then asks, "Who is wise and knowledgeable among you?" and answers his own question by saying, "Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom" (v. 13). For James, godly wisdom and knowledge are always revealed in good works. He says that the wisdom of the world is "earthly, unspiritual, devilish" (v. 15), while the wisdom of God is "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits" (v. 17). James concludes by saying that "the fruit of righteousness," which can also be translated as "the fruit of justice," is "sown in peace by those who make peace." Here, James makes a connection between righteousness, justice and peace -- as Isaiah (32:17) and Jesus (Matthew 5:9) have done before him. > **Questions:** Where do you see godly wisdom being revealed in good works? Why is it important to hold these two together? Why does James make connections among righteousness, justice and peace? What happens when these three come apart? How can you "make peace" in your family, congregation and community? **For Further Discussion** 1. Memorial Day is a reminder, notes TWW Team Member Frank Ramirez -- a reminder of "how important it is to teach and reteach our history and our church history, because people forget." Why should we remember the struggles and sacrifices of World War II? What is lost when we forget the history of a war fought to preserve freedom? "Moses, Joshua and the prophets are constantly reminding the people of their history," says Ramirez. "Jesus reminds people of their history of killing the prophets." How can your church do a better job of reminding people of important history? 2. The Marshall Plan was devoted to helping Europeans rebuild after World War II, and assistance was offered to both friends and enemies. When was this *not* the case in post-war years? After the Civil War? After World War I? What truly helps the peacemaking and rebuilding process? How can you do a better job of making peace and rebuilding broken relationships? 3. TWW Team Member [Bill Tammeus writes](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPAOLa5ZWR0dgfXuBpANsljbuwPiE71Hjm-2BFQzQZrCymeVxVw1JUrNvD5BIUWdR-2FFCJM0NcqYCmSti4-2BmNsPfVCg-3DkWuc_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyeZ99NBuVTxyWqBkq1BNSOwWz97gZ9L4yVM0l8kAzV-2B5kTh2QKmrNozen3VKecaK54Lg6RIRPure2OH9lxUOMcxS5KPP5zEj7Nv364zkmW9s9rXSAdPsvFWopwhYGfCB0QtZLgHBVw-2F98d63Xkeut-2F1ZegtMHs63kJ-2BfyOdim7l-2B3R8Ezrmb5J8HpSXlz1aV4Qtuc-2FUnMFwuEKXy2Ei0PcB0-3D), "For Jews, the inspiring figures in both the remote and recent past remain as constant companions and role models. They teach by precept and example. Their story is our story. Their courage, wisdom and goodness are a permanent challenge." How is this true for you as a Christian? What inspiring figures are your constant companions and role models? How can you tell and retell their stories for the benefit of the next generation? What happens when you fail to do so? 4. Words from the past can shape our lives today. Speaking through the prophet Zechariah, 520 years before the birth of Christ, God says, "These are the things that you shall do: speak the truth to one another, render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace, do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath" (Zechariah 8:16-17). Which of these words are most meaningful to you? How can you follow these words of God in your life as an individual and as a member of a church community? What benefits would come from putting these words into action? **Responding to the News** Remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their friends and loved ones. Honor their efforts by working for peace in your own family, church and community, and by doing what you can to repair broken relationships and build a better world. **Prayer** We thank you for the gift of life, almighty God, and for the opportunity to serve you in times of war and times of peace. Inspire us to sacrifice for others, to make peace, and to be rebuilders, repairers and restorers. In Jesus' name. Amen. ****Copyright 2025 Communication Resources**** [Unsubscribe From This List](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user_id=14323725&data=pBu3OGP-ODYFiTlQitTBqHORieVSLTzcD0ac59Hcpz5oMDAwdTAwMGfC4z5lrMN0EhImWyoCl-oMqBm8eQaWFfNXlGRt_pFq5kP53hpVzJsL5kb8eEjDbNDwqsebqmt7S40j59HXyK_MqJ-0haDYuIddUIka8fYGloOczm3OHJwQ-TFRm-iUiQumOOoLqXddGKliUX7n9drrP1tz0-wV7OnLwBCygZbsIax1h0Z8tyJjfM2i6LH8g-6z1n-JbE57GaK-5VliiL74lA6Qvie5CC9GC23Ue40Bsj1Asvi1ON0kHk4HsTUF7GdCq8eHxMZnJN4WI5zNcqnTlQis6uKggheIQYovubfT_QSFXEUKDgH1G5LRUYQVqSxA05JYIdVzZa4D2mPnnGsSuzWGUO9NtnWq1VWDCYbWUPZHr7Ndvwvx0zUy_wQv5-vjyiDMLrJJGSZIXLoDCSG0t9U-tq7uH4vfKdJUTtJaITYGi-LLjdKvbgI48oqbyaphGrYrD8Abb5bWVVWYJGXQMVFp3mbmhSfS7wRpzfLrr787eZsLtxi_9Z0Sw1FI3_o2U4ZkrWA2OE_lx-cKI3RRkc0ej1SPWDhmKjkN6hIA_g6RiRmxoezbuFS-et8JttnmL4wwGdJLK1XLI-zuFSk=) <div>Dear Class Members, May 8 was Victory in Europe (VE) day, marking the official surrender of Germany to the Allies at the end of World War II in Europe. Because the 80th anniversary of this day falls close to Memorial Day, this installment of The Wired Word will focus on remembering sacrifices, fighting tyranny, peacemaking and the rebuilding of communities and nations. <center><img src="https://www.thewiredword.com/\_img/tww\_logo\_email.jpg"/></center> 80th Anniversary of VE Day and Memorial Day Observed The Wired Word for the Week of May 25, 2025 In the News <div style="mso-element: para-border-div; border: none; border-bottom: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in; background: white;"> Victory in Europe (VE) Day was May 8, 1945, marking the end of World War II in Europe. This year was the 80th anniversary of this day on which the Allies formally accepted Germany's unconditional surrender. Japan's surrender came about four months later, on September 2, 1945. VE Day was celebrated as the victory of the Allies over Nazi tyranny, and it started a process of peacemaking along with the rebuilding of wartorn communities and nations. On May 7, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation designating May 8 as a day for the United States to celebrate victory in World War II, as countries in Europe have done for years. According to Fox News, the president signed a proclamation that designated May 8, 2025, as a "day in celebration of Victory Day for World War II." He is expected to issue a similar proclamation for World War I later this year. This year, Memorial Day falls on May 26, giving Americans an opportunity to mourn and honor the military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. During World War II, approximately 405,399 American service members died, including both military personnel and civilians. There were over 1 million casualties in the war, a number which includes the dead and the wounded. According to NPR, there were memorials and moments of silence across Europe on May 8, 2025, but the day also included "fears for Europe's future security, amid Russia's war in Ukraine and fraying relations with the United States." In Britain, King Charles III saluted troops and cavalry in a military parade, and observers in the stands included World War II veterans, many with wheelchairs and canes. Neighborhoods across the United Kingdom threw tea parties in the street, and pubs stayed open two hours later than usual, so that people could toast members of the "greatest generation." Speaking at a defense conference, Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the "courage of that lion-hearted generation." He said that World War II was the "greatest victory in the history of this great nation," but added that it was a "victory not just for Britain" -- it was also a victory "for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil." VE Day in Paris included a wreath-laying ceremony in front of a statue of wartime Gen. Charles de Gaulle, while commemorations in Germany included somber speeches about the horrors of fascism. Germans are still struggling with the question of how to take responsibility for the fact that many of their ancestors supported the Nazis. British historian Timothy Garton Ash said that this year's anniversary was overshadowed by fear, feelings of abandonment by the United States, and a realization that the global order established after World War II is crumbling. "The war in Ukraine is by far the largest war in Europe since 1945. We have also discovered that countries like China and India and Turkey and other great middle powers are quite happy to go on doing business with Russia even while it's waging this war," Garton Ash said to NPR. "So we're in a post-Western world, if you like." On June 5, 1947, about two years after VE Day, United States secretary of state George Marshall put forward the idea of a European economic recovery plan, to be financed by the United States. Speaking at Harvard University, he called on the countries of Europe to unite in planning their economic recovery. According to The Guardian, he warned them that the United States could not do much to alleviate Europe's difficulties until a program had been agreed on by a number of European nations. "This is the business of Europeans," he said. "The initiative, I think, must come from Europe." Marshall's goal was to restore the confidence of the European people in the economic future of their countries and all of Europe. He stated that "the United States should do whatever it is able to do to assist in the return of normal economic health in the world without which there can be no political stability and no assured peace." Marshall promised that any government "that is willing to assist it in the task of recovery will find full cooperation on the part of the United States government." At the same time, he warned that "governments, political parties or groups which seek to perpetuate human misery in order to profit therefrom politically or otherwise will encounter the opposition of the United States." In 1948, the "Marshall Plan" began its work. Both houses of Congress approved the final form of the Foreign Assistance Bill, and President Harry Truman signed it. Ships left New York with cargo that the United States was contributing toward the economic reconstruction of Europe. The goal was to feed people who were starving and to restore Europe and make it self-supporting. President Truman called the plan "perhaps the greatest venture in constructive statesmanship that any nation has ever taken." More on this story can be found at these links: </div> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPGLI-2BajtuENxFtFfQBOlJMDQ0thBRFJ295mClFKIMn5CRLF6A2c8R2NMBsq9eiqw7Q-3D-3DwQHR\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyed2jYPnosknw2S7O05l2oPNDy47wFxyWt1k3bHeL8jmcXf2Db2rngkuB941mWeF-2FD1Wp-2Fb4Gq-2FnugunAFfrFFAQT136QI3vfJvqAWNLqXC1FWQTvZPdVrymVJc5T9cdg-2FdtObnYfWj4ZULXf-2BV7kc2XKtqD-2Frnp6Q4ahs1EKvy1AII9RFcE0uLtscOMK89zA3QCU8D0dOoL5TJw3tdvp0wM-3D">Trump Names Thursday as Day for US to Celebrate Victory in World War II.</a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPGLI-2BajtuENxFtFfQBOlJMDQ0thBRFJ295mClFKIMn5CRLF6A2c8R2NMBsq9eiqw7Q-3D-3DJ18B\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyeWOwF4oQgrCeKPDe8vaWRDrCzFVufkkA-2FiHF2Te3bHhtWBiiAeR1kBukE4BqBPExQRxNIeuiRGzlJsAC1JHEMT3Ws6vdnOD8864zvak7FyhpiUMcjx3Burtyb8edVenBjuArGKCfJtuUgdNX41ZyFEZzZOvFgX4nCIN222IkBhfQiO5GJwY1CJMA7UHqyGTnFHCDfd-2BiLX9H0Jy9uIJnOrw-3D"> FOX 5 New York</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHqYzlFhngTMk0G9-2F-2BQ1rl-2FM1X-2FwKOUCqbHwC0UGbsWcp0Y2uD6r8mHdyGMi3-2BVoqoSCBqlAP8s9rEwvcdlX15taZTFnpJyt85k5txYyW-2BYegKFC\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyefP6x2Y-2FacH8GrSgPwBrJ-2BBhpxn2nk1vXH5gNZinhXzngJgZZk3ce0-2B-2B5Hm5o2fwg58qSsu12zTpIBpSYLjqbcMjaZgteqkYv-2Fv4yEeztRc8Btd6D3O1L-2FDdltjQBO0ArRXmCe5RaNFdvUIVTGMTwr4HaIqTtujmXYXnauve2cwPhCBAGDPZuDm5guIg-2BGpqaNu2SUCOejmHuheOmg9qHn0-3D">How Europe </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHqYzlFhngTMk0G9-2F-2BQ1rl-2FM1X-2FwKOUCqbHwC0UGbsWcp0Y2uD6r8mHdyGMi3-2BVoqoSCBqlAP8s9rEwvcdlX15taZTFnpJyt85k5txYyW-2BYe31a\_\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyeQmTxhNR4Aj2IntScRgN8SkAq8sbSjvtGqPwIFtHbg9-2BLNVouaeCQTAsfcol84OPIx7GlXKBcq5-2FTbpfsJHnExe5WM8CoreCoXibAHkVS524FEehtFDJ8jfGEJnzy1YIClHBbDupQaEhtFzXSkM3-2B2H9JBXhCWv9fWE0sFWpGBJ1FTEqJrWVT5Tb28NguaCxCBMM1Iiun5pb9W7sdvLQp8M-3D">Is </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHqYzlFhngTMk0G9-2F-2BQ1rl-2FM1X-2FwKOUCqbHwC0UGbsWcp0Y2uD6r8mHdyGMi3-2BVoqoSCBqlAP8s9rEwvcdlX15taZTFnpJyt85k5txYyW-2BYec5Na\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyeUNhOyL-2BRwKtfUXcVh1H4yIK1fRYeeWUCNjEje683bXFRNqcJWpmDMAVJ-2FlOAQQIelvYgz-2F-2FJlAuzmD81kh187Nl4LenQ3kXYp82GdLAwwXOod6MfqNt3GCFgNQOfW8qY5sy0bl4aPHgo8Y7zUXnZUEWV-2B4-2F-2BsSNT98GTxVG1j1725klB6AwylZVDdUwTJb-2BlkX1NritiAnKtdX16-2ByJ1Sc-3D">Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Nazis' Surrender in WWII. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHqYzlFhngTMk0G9-2F-2BQ1rl-2FM1X-2FwKOUCqbHwC0UGbsWcp0Y2uD6r8mHdyGMi3-2BVoqoSCBqlAP8s9rEwvcdlX15taZTFnpJyt85k5txYyW-2BYerfmD\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyedAg-2FqB8Y-2B18mW3mCw1HwJ2j6uRLNQ3H8NKFTCWfZ8uz5Gq0a6INhVlzcm5hmm-2Fjoo7Yx5-2BBrnIw-2FWFvIZ8VBZEQhhga2P4kRB-2BsaaBnyCLauhtPCwt-2FT9vE7YA7mPDe5WsccKPZNYswKynvMsUteGBMICzEWWQABFBuk8cd-2F7vXFN5Pu9CBmJ4X3x50GcJ216WhtY-2B3J299xoeZuOGW9gk-3D">NPR</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPEd8GTVwWweecsmfy3-2FzHzeMVERX5KUEJpTuV8hUHU-2BjQ-2BmU9BCUCciWIErFQlCBKehXnDlh-2FLdk8aYwQNErEB-2BkG8Z-2FJEeWO-2FfNR61X7PplHA1Cstq-2B74ePQOOvBRHTPg-3D-3DzPee\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyeSz3qCCnS9sbRrpIs14cOcXfTh9-2FKtxTCSIu6c3yO63QCC4REOGPsrCfi5l7rdDWXppAVlKdBwRgxT2SVLDewPVS03h8JQr1E2hNGCLnWwtu-2FpO8Jp9kacFAKoU-2FtgNoQsekKnsTkTvwxsgiAD30P-2B7nZmkSgVWQDlkUodja-2FJmh-2FuqcEQV-2FRA6RPFPB7QnZ2BCnPU1Zqb81e2NxbwULZ2c-3D">Marshall Plan: US Aid to Rebuild Postwar Europe -- Archive, 1947. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPEd8GTVwWweecsmfy3-2FzHzeMVERX5KUEJpTuV8hUHU-2BjQ-2BmU9BCUCciWIErFQlCBKehXnDlh-2FLdk8aYwQNErEB-2BkG8Z-2FJEeWO-2FfNR61X7PplHA1Cstq-2B74ePQOOvBRHTPg-3D-3D1qJp\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyecDKPzFCFWwSrCnuRWJteOi5AM-2B4fKPll4JwOStumrvTVJWrf0wn3O-2FXg56M5zyqnxR1Uq0w27IrLFhooPz6xkjtD88c7PYbhnlmNytLVH1s2A3GnFpPe-2ByDX6oh6ynEpmxoyWX-2BMSLqa0CWPU2QvyBP-2F-2Bj0L-2F7FqFkrT-2FeVh-2FpcnPEJUWGNn9tN1w2MMBWg8AB1H8t4TPWigSYH1jOa8Kk-3D">The Guardian</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPXTV2R-2Bm0Kz58iOCQYIq1-2BUOq0-2BriiDm3wobyoF8t6pPbGiKAntdmzdeLA0Rfk1-2Fg-3D-3D8xRW\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyeVRoEuxoLnom4Q1I2x2z4xx5FktwvtPVAdlOs3Jw1R62Dm7c9kPIXpxXRJnWsmpXxsujYKZabXcOHHuFXwKixlXUEPG99JQbuIRq-2BO2h0rZMg7xYG0xBPkm3dPJBUN-2BXbrCr-2FPi4zj5NQ1XnYwyG8-2F-2FjkTovMeW9XkKunYbIkzjJPjKTOD3s5W1QKryiKyGvQQKla4RJqCfZ-2F6hos5PX-2BDg-3D">Harry, Ike & The Fight for Democracy. Winning the War (Full Documentary). </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPXTV2R-2Bm0Kz58iOCQYIq1-2BUOq0-2BriiDm3wobyoF8t6pPbGiKAntdmzdeLA0Rfk1-2Fg-3D-3D-gBf\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyeWk0ErCb3QeLLTzEHwpISsRlUTCSzZC-2BZ8NJRjAt9eYVSAVwPHRQFmWiPZLd1d1aNQc6Hj2N5avvlg9PKAju2NLxPdi3-2FIdVb6qbkL8JaR3EbYXFquyQJyJyYC-2FFduGAUWv-2FqL3E3AuTWCTauPWs54LhysjXw18JhKUjNotkXgqSSjQD-2FL4TZ9-2FwHx19nklqfdSBjWQwNMCQmQ-2BQaMUWiLI-3D">YouTube</a> Applying the News Story TWW Team Member Mary Sells asks, "What, if anything, have we learned about peacekeeping and fighting tyranny in the 80 years since VE day? What does the Bible teach us about our responsibility to live peaceably? How, and/or why, do we accept or reject that mission? What does loving our enemies mean? Does Memorial Day in the United States have significance to Christians as an expression of faith?" Use this story about VE Day and Memorial Day to discuss what it means to remember sacrifices, fight tyranny, make peace, and rebuild communities. The Big Questions 1. Have you lost a friend or loved one in military service? If so, how do you honor their memory, on Memorial Day and other days? As a Christian, how do you understand this type of sacrifice? 2. World War II was a fight against tyranny. How should Christians be involved in such struggles, if at all? Where do you see evidence of tyranny in the world today, and what are you willing to do about it? 3. In the documentary <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPXTV2R-2Bm0Kz58iOCQYIq1-2BUOq0-2BriiDm3wobyoF8t6pPbGiKAntdmzdeLA0Rfk1-2Fg-3D-3DlnZj\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyeaYjzMjylw3wHL-2FrYKJS74iRbRBpfBZygBh-2FKEcFK8VwBgxPTbyIr0rAq-2Fvz0PhQQOWTkrQocefRc65jV3gJDnS1VDzs47-2FRW2Z-2FehhVVJwjAwX2CPmIBVr-2BHT-2F0u0Z-2BL4vqRkY5OEJor399at4kKD3YCFJcjrKolxpVcoeCGowEZ56mh5e406l-2Fgf6UvUqmCZ-2FPA-2BlNjXSEufBUjacVm4A-3D">Harry, Ike & The Fight for Democracy. Winning the War</a>, a Japanese-American woman says, "If you don't win the peace, you haven't won the war." What does this mean to you? How can Christians work for peace following times of conflict? 4. What does it mean to love your enemy? What difference, if at all, does it make if they are in a distant land or across the street? Which is harder, and why? How does the church help you with this challenge? 5. The Marshall Plan was an American effort to rebuild Europe after World War II. Why was this important? When have you been involved with efforts to rebuild damaged communities? How is such work connected to the Christian faith? Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: Ecclesiastes 3:8 ... a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxwo1yRV2l8a4Gm-2FxomKEKNRzHevmwG3gh7o87jVuZDmVM-2FA5a4p6-2BuevwAJKYWpRAZnXF\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyeROW9jpMBpUro1fccOE3MjERDrKy34QB3GepPa6avPHWMsO9cxvUFhxdsmVVawYgBGi1UNgFhJFhRRS6z8HZaIyspXbjh7uk-2Fhh9BK1KEaO4Tuulg3mh5J3OUdGB3xIe4ZiwO2DM1WW7hg4XTPAN1kXjOQMBsExFhbJJoMBIv6UQBmoRkKhVpkxGaGnv-2BkPGKlPq1gjJZvt8ckFI-2FZX72Mo-3D">Ecclesiastes 3:1-8</a>.) Ecclesiastes is a wisdom book that contains the "words of the Teacher" (1:1), and it presents both traditional wisdom and a number of challenges to conventional understandings of the world. Chapter 3 begins with a poem on the times, which stresses that there is an appropriate time for everything. The Teacher says, "For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven" (v. 1). Since God has determined the natural flow of events in the world, the challenge for humans is to understand the times and respond accordingly. The Teacher says that there is "a time to be born and a time to die" (v. 2), which is certainly true. But this verse also reminds us that there are things in this world over which we have no control. When he says there is "a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace," he is not making value judgments about these times and activities. Instead, he is saying that they are inevitable parts of every human life. <blockquote> Questions: If war is inevitable, how should Christians participate, if at all? If peace is a natural part of life, what should Christians do to promote it? Be specific. </blockquote> Isaiah 58:12 Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx8fPDsj5S5hW7hBewUShLxwf-2FF3RyFk5t4lYr-2BrtTMJyVDTpMk2p-2B-2FlYZoISGjxY9RXSK\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyebUBsgpKVmDkplyiWG8zJOQkWDqlTag3MA3jnpXHMqoXDN6VX2cew25rtDRVDWi984gDkbv9UUjpuqBsPLB-2BrvOj1nJ3q2srCp6MTsDSbjEsIhA3c1r-2FnXXwXNWqx8-2BMh1F0m0Qb3VuwWkv4HJx2-2FUcypaOLIqha34QI9wMAFLNAHjAbCgKq14V0qHXeOteD94CfAo54931yaEQz6aO1ezI-3D">Isaiah 58:6-12</a>.) In this section of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking to the people of Israel after they have returned from exile in Babylon. He denounces religious fasts that are not accompanied by acts of justice and righteousness, and says, "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?" (58:6). Not surprisingly, Jesus quotes Isaiah when he begins his ministry in Nazareth with the words, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. ... to set free those who are oppressed" (Luke 4:18). Isaiah goes on to encourage the people to "share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house" (58:7). He then promises that just and righteous actions will result in God guiding the people and satisfying their needs. "Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt," promises Isaiah; "you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in." The people of Israel need this guidance and encouragement as they face the challenge of rebuilding Jerusalem after the trauma of the exile. <blockquote> Questions: Why does Isaiah make a connection between acts of justice and the rebuilding of Jerusalem? When have you seen such a link being made in modern times, following wars or other disasters? When have you been a rebuilder, a repairer or a restorer? How does such activity arise from your faith? When has your church done such work? </blockquote> John 15:13 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxT4PTUfd6hE6df7lW-2Bu8M6X5ZDqmmd6bjMoDH8aooD947FQf3sUmmaIpmhzt36yHwq4Ok\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyeXFeogd9GVHmjhvxJdv8CRXqMGbYBwS7Lw-2Bmd45F8bCpduuVptiw8NbWgtMOd5RMa4HT5IvE0MPbpHYxiIuKmpRpkhmHwm68AnleFc32FyUeDKq5vmJyJPuPIf0xagXrnIQFxWqFZ84LH5aQA6Duk9NOLPJXtuPqvnaut21POh1K0xTCT5ydVX0-2BMTt8niLuPSqI-2F-2FnVg5HTsEzHR3leSmA-3D">John 15:12-17.</a>) On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus gives his disciples the commandment to "love one another as I have loved you" (15:12). He illustrates the sacrificial nature of this love by saying, "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." The Greek word for "friends" is philon, which literally means "loved ones." Jesus is communicating his willingness to lay down his own life for his disciples, his "loved ones." Jesus then challenges his "loved ones" by saying, "You are my friends if you do what I command you" (v. 14). He is making it clear that to be his loved one, you have to obey his will and his commandments. Jesus appoints them "to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last" (v. 16), and says that he is giving "these commands so that you may love one another" (v. 17). <blockquote> Questions: When have you seen people lay down their lives for their loved ones, on the battlefield or elsewhere? What impression did it make on you as a Christian? How are such sacrifices connected to obeying the will and commandments of Jesus? Where do you see opportunities to make loving sacrifices in your own life? </blockquote> James 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxet2swTq-2BGS6FHLkXI-2BXT4qf9DsDdA0Q03Gi3gZheg7DjQzZI8Fz5qS3w82kphCoPdhlz\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyeRTgUfpZYB8IRm2G2q15BSwtWD6HXr60erb9HtMQNoAzKP7J7IFdYAIEWBTrwA1ppQS8XwB5I6xJFcUgrUN4foEI0EFNINDGrJCHJ0gPetkOJnfOmvbA7HS3ezNstPGS5Yti5xbZRqqUIEqH5gnNoaq7UkgyYXIV5iMb38hMiJawcWP9us6-2B4OUfAwLkZHeX5un9ZK9LnNK5erqITnTv4vI-3D">James 3:13-18</a>.) James was the brother of Jesus, and was a leader of the early Christian movement in Jerusalem. He addresses his letter to "the twelve tribes in the dispersion" (1:1), followers of Jesus who come from Jewish heritage and live outside of Palestine. These men and women continue to gather for worship, and they have a desire to uphold the "royal law," which James defines as "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (2:8). Beginning in chapter 3, James focuses on Christian wisdom in community relations, and warns the people first about the power of speech to do great harm. He then asks, "Who is wise and knowledgeable among you?" and answers his own question by saying, "Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom" (v. 13). For James, godly wisdom and knowledge are always revealed in good works. He says that the wisdom of the world is "earthly, unspiritual, devilish" (v. 15), while the wisdom of God is "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits" (v. 17). James concludes by saying that "the fruit of righteousness," which can also be translated as "the fruit of justice," is "sown in peace by those who make peace." Here, James makes a connection between righteousness, justice and peace -- as Isaiah (32:17) and Jesus (Matthew 5:9) have done before him. <blockquote> Questions: Where do you see godly wisdom being revealed in good works? Why is it important to hold these two together? Why does James make connections among righteousness, justice and peace? What happens when these three come apart? How can you "make peace" in your family, congregation and community? </blockquote> For Further Discussion <div style="mso-element: para-border-div; border: none; border-bottom: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in; background: white;"> 1. Memorial Day is a reminder, notes TWW Team Member Frank Ramirez -- a reminder of "how important it is to teach and reteach our history and our church history, because people forget." Why should we remember the struggles and sacrifices of World War II? What is lost when we forget the history of a war fought to preserve freedom? "Moses, Joshua and the prophets are constantly reminding the people of their history," says Ramirez. "Jesus reminds people of their history of killing the prophets." How can your church do a better job of reminding people of important history? 2. The Marshall Plan was devoted to helping Europeans rebuild after World War II, and assistance was offered to both friends and enemies. When was this not the case in post-war years? After the Civil War? After World War I? What truly helps the peacemaking and rebuilding process? How can you do a better job of making peace and rebuilding broken relationships? 3. TWW Team Member <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPAOLa5ZWR0dgfXuBpANsljbuwPiE71Hjm-2BFQzQZrCymeVxVw1JUrNvD5BIUWdR-2FFCJM0NcqYCmSti4-2BmNsPfVCg-3DkWuc\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmZ-2BYt4RkpO7WVqQdWCBvK5vNTi4oYAE5r5-2B-2FcnGmvuWtaZiB72v6OTgoWYXyR3xyeZ99NBuVTxyWqBkq1BNSOwWz97gZ9L4yVM0l8kAzV-2B5kTh2QKmrNozen3VKecaK54Lg6RIRPure2OH9lxUOMcxS5KPP5zEj7Nv364zkmW9s9rXSAdPsvFWopwhYGfCB0QtZLgHBVw-2F98d63Xkeut-2F1ZegtMHs63kJ-2BfyOdim7l-2B3R8Ezrmb5J8HpSXlz1aV4Qtuc-2FUnMFwuEKXy2Ei0PcB0-3D">Bill Tammeus writes</a>, "For Jews, the inspiring figures in both the remote and recent past remain as constant companions and role models. They teach by precept and example. Their story is our story. Their courage, wisdom and goodness are a permanent challenge." How is this true for you as a Christian? What inspiring figures are your constant companions and role models? How can you tell and retell their stories for the benefit of the next generation? What happens when you fail to do so? 4. Words from the past can shape our lives today. Speaking through the prophet Zechariah, 520 years before the birth of Christ, God says, "These are the things that you shall do: speak the truth to one another, render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace, do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath" (Zechariah 8:16-17). Which of these words are most meaningful to you? How can you follow these words of God in your life as an individual and as a member of a church community? What benefits would come from putting these words into action? </div> Responding to the News Remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their friends and loved ones. Honor their efforts by working for peace in your own family, church and community, and by doing what you can to repair broken relationships and build a better world. Prayer We thank you for the gift of life, almighty God, and for the opportunity to serve you in times of war and times of peace. Inspire us to sacrifice for others, to make peace, and to be rebuilders, repairers and restorers. In Jesus' name. Amen. Copyright 2025 Communication Resources <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user\_id=14323725&data=pBu3OGP-ODYFiTlQitTBqHORieVSLTzcD0ac59Hcpz5oMDAwdTAwMGfC4z5lrMN0EhImWyoCl-oMqBm8eQaWFfNXlGRt\_pFq5kP53hpVzJsL5kb8eEjDbNDwqsebqmt7S40j59HXyK\_MqJ-0haDYuIddUIka8fYGloOczm3OHJwQ-TFRm-iUiQumOOoLqXddGKliUX7n9drrP1tz0-wV7OnLwBCygZbsIax1h0Z8tyJjfM2i6LH8g-6z1n-JbE57GaK-5VliiL74lA6Qvie5CC9GC23Ue40Bsj1Asvi1ON0kHk4HsTUF7GdCq8eHxMZnJN4WI5zNcqnTlQis6uKggheIQYovubfT\_QSFXEUKDgH1G5LRUYQVqSxA05JYIdVzZa4D2mPnnGsSuzWGUO9NtnWq1VWDCYbWUPZHr7Ndvwvx0zUy\_wQv5-vjyiDMLrJJGSZIXLoDCSG0t9U-tq7uH4vfKdJUTtJaITYGi-LLjdKvbgI48oqbyaphGrYrD8Abb5bWVVWYJGXQMVFp3mbmhSfS7wRpzfLrr787eZsLtxi\_9Z0Sw1FI3\_o2U4ZkrWA2OE\_lx-cKI3RRkc0ej1SPWDhmKjkN6hIA\_g6RiRmxoezbuFS-et8JttnmL4wwGdJLK1XLI-zuFSk=">Unsubscribe From This List</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/wf/open?upn=u001.ri3TO7QGEXgsxcVdo6-2BoAGTuuWiDEfH5lVjP7AVQ-2Bcl7JaDKdeJ1ydQkXpTFAEqRD2SOncm40jgMuVls37ZLseTP-2Bc5kaLjFJf1Q3kw4FZdt1YoCkYWvLa1l-2BT-2F-2F8yIUiLbFHrmn64p2Xwmffzl3edR6Ty8TRKnThBIufHec6MYr94WZQxWVvMWvfNqNZdVSm2JpSP2sJuJ7h3Z8Ne0G7lMlNX-2FNF382-2FMtEq1AddcpsAFG3GM55RMFjp-2FlmUdH0pd3EfHppZXADxLjmvvNPgve0NOzKqbn7LS2InFmRUZATxvFmmOAqRVlmrB-2BHHurSHH9dO8NfdTQlF73v8XmHj1D3nx7agE73mGqxhMiCRFO2FOWWbiGIgvZ82yJALur7ZFMZWpM5BeSqaitqLwHWyhkeRiLaQ-2Bgjmsk-2B9L6iybsgzyAK-2B33Qtkvx9Jmsh5DdagKZfdgNRIK5FmZ5LOn08bHmGtNWWifXt1R8-2BQ1DMgw-3D" style="height:1px !important;width:1px !important;border-width:0 !important;margin-top:0 !important;margin-bottom:0 !important;margin-right:0 !important;margin-left:0 !important;padding-top:0 !important;padding-bottom:0 !important;padding-right:0 !important;padding-left:0 !important;" width="1"/> </div>, The Wired Word for 05/25/2025, The Wired Word, 01jvw8684fjzgk167ztkzmwhs1.