Inspired by . . . team USA

Inspired by . . . team USA

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Have you been watching the Olympic games in Rio? 

I confess, I don't usually make it a point to watch the games. But this year, well, it's been nice, hasn't it?

To tune in and see, night after night, stories about men and woman who have worked hard, sometimes against terrific odds, and achieved their dreams. Just making it to the Olympics is a huge accomplishment. Actually winning a medal is the icing on the cake.

Okay, yes, I realize that people are still dying, refugees are still fleeing, and don't even get me started on the circus that is our political situation right now. But the focus has been on what, in my opinion, the focus should always be on:

The good left in this world that is worth fighting for.

The 2016 Olympians have restored my hope in humanity.

Simone Biles and Aly Raisman cemented it for me Thursday night. 

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The JOY that these two women take in each other's accomplishments isn't fakery. By their own admission, they are complete opposites when they step outside of the gymnasium. But their love for each other is genuine. They are true BFF's.

Simone and Aly are just one example. We can learn a lot from athletes like them and the USA Olympic teams in general. Each member has their own strengths and weaknesses. They each shine brightly in a particular area. But when they work together their radiance is positively blinding! 

The reality is we're all on the same team. Human beings created equal in the image of our Creator.

Each of us has a choice: We can let our differences divide and destroy us; both individually and, ultimately, corporately. Or we can let our differences unite us into a winning team.

From infancy, society teaches us to compare and judge differences. This is a cycle of behavior that needs to change. Rather than comparing and judging we should seek to understand and celebrate our differences.

God made us different for a reason. We all have a part to play. 

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. (Rom 12:4-9)

The Apostle Paul teaches us this truth with regard to the spiritual life, but I believe it applies to everyone as part of humanity.

The tensions in our nation and around the world may seem overwhelming and insurmountable. If you think you can't make a difference then you've bought into one of the enemy's biggest lies. He delights in chaos and disunity. 

Every time we choose to love, every time we take a step toward our fellow man rather than turning away we cause a ripple in the pool for the good of this world.

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Our actions do matter. 

Our choices have consequences. 

Our differences DO NOT have to divide us.

What about you?

Are you on the team?

Shalom,

Sharing inspiration here:
Small Wonders, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty