“No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise. And the sound was heard far away” (Ezra 3:12–13, NIV, 1978/2011).

It is difficult to be joyful in war, even in victory. Even if the battles favor the good, there are always casualties. Lives are lost and people suffer—people made in the image of God. Operation Epic Fury has so far been successful against Iran, but it is not a joyful affair. Yet, I see a people liberated. Women dance in the streets, burqa-free; men freely advocate for democracy; and the children laugh and play without fear. Thousands of people sacrificed their lives to end this darkness, and a light is peeking through. Could there be another way? That is the age-old question. For now, I am thankful and saddened. It’s a cold and it’s a broken hallelujah.