I feel compelled to write about the current events that have unfolded in the States…even though I don’t really know what to say, honestly. Everything is so confusing. What I do know is that people are upset and scared, and I am as well concerned. Being an American here in Ireland I have been asked about the election more times than I can count. I understand the importance of conversing and engaging in the topic. It doesn’t mean I necessarily like it, but I realize the value in being a good citizen and good representation of your country, family, and self. I am an ambassador for all of these, including Sport Changes Life. But what is really frustrating is when people laugh at us Americans and our strife. Now, I realize people like to make light of things—I think that’s important! But to me there’s a right time and place to make fun of something.
We cannot make idols out of anything—including political figures. Idols always overpromise and under-deliver. We live in a broken world and always have. What we can do and what I strive to do is remain hopeful, loving, and console in prayer. Prayer for us, prayer for the President, prayer for our nation, prayer for the world. ALL of these prayers are important.
Someone I met here in Ireland just messaged me the following as I was writing this very blog…it has totally made my day and I had to write it in.
“Sarah, all jokes aside and feeling you earnest and sincere distraught earlier, although with every right to worry, past and present have taught us all along as there are genuine good people out there, hope for a better future is alive.”
Gosh, I love people like this. Talk about genuine people…What encouragement!!
The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.
-Paul Coelho
