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When we think of war and conflict, we usually think of battles and soldiers. In all times and places, however, women and children experience some of the harshest and least visible impacts of war.

Knowing the shared impacts of war on women and children around the globe, we can learn to hear beyond the noise of official narratives. Through ove, we hear women’s stories. Through love, we see the needs of children. Through love, we gain strength to look hard things in the face, proclaim that there is a better way and advocate for change.

When humans think about war, we often think of winners and losers. Yet as the apostle Paul reminds us, we are called to a different way of being. “Do not be conformed to this age,” he writes, “but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern the will of God” (Romans 12:2).

Winning may feel good in a game, but winning is not transformation. As Christians, we can live into God’s promise that the will of God is for the transformative justice that brings peace to all nations – especially for the most vulnerable people.

This message is excerpted from “Patterns of war” by Laura Gifford in the May/June 2024 Gather magazine. Today is Memorial Day.