I think I waited for you.
Waited to hear news full of hope–
news about redemption,
about freedom.

The news rung out in headlines:
“Around 100 kidnapped women and children rescued in Nigeria.”
A win! A victory! A glimpse
at the work of God, whose might and compassion
No one can fathom.

Let’s dance. Let’s hug. Let’s celebrate
whenever freedom and truth ring out.
Life is too short not to.

At the same time,
let’s remember…
remember those
still hugging pillows at night,
tears in their eyes as they
hold their loved ones in their hearts.

Let us never forget the pain,
the anguish,
the waiting
that happened
all so that
these people
could be free
once again.

(c) 2021 Annalee Hoover

While we must celebrate every victory, we cannot lose sight of the huge epidemic of kidnappings happening in Nigeria over the past couple of months. Many kidnappers are bandits, holding people captive for ransom. While these captives were reportedly released without a ransom being met, others have not been so lucky, and spend another day in capitivity.

Please continue to pray:

• For these people held captive.

• For their families and loved ones, as they wait for their loved ones to be released.
  
• That nearby Christians would help those in need.
  
  Please also think of giving to those nonprofits that work directly with Nigeria. Thank you.