Ceasefire.

if but for a moment;
peace.
if but for a second;
tranquility
if only it were real
sustained
long-lasting
permanent
silence.

Syria announced the end of its 7-day ceasefire. I asked many of my friends/colleagues on social media to say a prayer for the country last week because as history shows, ceasefires are temporary.

Little did I know, the actual term "ceasefire" actually has "temporary" in its definition.

But this ceasefire, according to most news outlets, didn't even meet its objective which was to provide humanitarian aid to those trapped in the embattled city of Aleppo.  This is on top of a war that has displaced approximately 11 million people. That's about the amount of people in NYC and Chicago combined. Which boggles my mind!

Truth is, we are always looking for peace to balance out justice for the least, last and lost of our society.  And when a ceasefire ends fairly unresolved and without solutions, it's easy for many of us to give up hope.

But I believe in a God who "makes wars cease to the ends of the earth."  He's done it before and he will do it again.  So perhaps the right prayer isn't that we'll reach another cease fire, but that peace will come to Syria, and to the hearts of its people for good.

I also pray for countries like Germany, Turkey, Egypt and Jordan, who regularly receive refugees from Syria and recognize the change that it has had on their population. May we continue to love those who are hurting and provide for those in need.

Today's Countries: Iraq, Ireland, Isle of Man, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Jan Mayen, Jarvis Island, Japan, Jersey, Johnston Atoll, Jordan, Juan de Nova Island