His mother’s name is Yulia Pisetskaya. We do not know his name, only his age and his courage. He is 11 years old. He traveled from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, to the Slovakia border, nearly 700 miles. What is so notable is that he traveled alone with only a few possessions in a plastic bag, his passport, and the phone number of relatives in Slovakia written on his hand.
He and his family lived close to the nuclear plant that came under attack from Russian forces. In desperation his mother sent him off on his own. She herself was unwell and was taking care of her disabled mother and could not travel with him.
If I had to describe that young man (and his mother), I would use one word, fortitude. Fortitude means courage in pain or adversity.
From what I understand, this young men began on a train, was on a bus, and walked. People along the way, along with the border guards, aided him in finding his family. Still, what courage it must have taken to say goodbye to your mother and travel nearly 700 miles in the midst of war. And what courage his mother must have had to send her 11-year-old son on his trip alone.
The Scriptures have a lot to say about being courageous. As people of the LORD, we are to face the adversities of this world with fortitude. Right before His death, Jesus reminded His disciples that an hour was coming when they would be scattered and leave Him alone. “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” [John 16:33 HCSB]
Initially when Jesus was betrayed, His disciples were not so courageous, but following His resurrection and ascension, fortitude invaded their souls in the power of God’s Spirit, and they faced whatever this world threw at them with great courage.
Now it is our turn to display that same courage and fortitude.
