Welcome to “Athlos” a weekly Wednesday blog which examines pillars of personal excellence and regularly brings together the worlds of spirituality and sport.
United Hearts
“All the believers were one in heart and mind”-Acts 4:32
United Actions
Unity has fascinating potential. When people speak with one voice their message is compelling, whatever the contents may be. The past week has shown the power of unity as there has been widespread condemnation of Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine which has led, sadly, to much damage, destruction and loss of life, including civilians.
Those who follow the global sporting industry will know that there is a general policy that sport and politics should be kept apart. In other words, sport is to be protected from third party interference especially if such an intrusion comes from the Government of the day.
It has been different in recent days and rightfully so. Leaders at the highest level of sport have labeled Russia’s actions as an undermining of respect for international law, human freedom and the political independence of a sovereign nation, Ukraine, and they have drawn a line.
Consider, for example, that FIFA and UEFA have banned all Russian national teams and clubs from participation in their football tournaments. Manchester United abruptly ended its sponsorship agreement with Aeroflot, a Russian airline. Quite striking, too, was the decision by the International Judo Federation (IJF) to suspend the Honorary President and Ambassador status of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
IJF President, Marius Vizer, was reported by CNN as making the following meaningful statement: “We, the sports community, must remain united and strong, to support each other and our universal values, in order to always promote peace and friendship, harmony and unity.” The sports world, commendably, has risen to the occasion.
We are an imperfect world with many broken pieces. Yet, there are times when our humanity trumps our frailty. This is one of those times. May our human desire and effort to see peace restored in the Ukraine reach the throne room of heaven in magnificent and life-changing ways.
United in Prayer
Never doubt that our united prayers can move the heart of God.
If you were inspired by this blog, please consider sharing it with one other person today. To learn more about these and other related themes that promote the cultivation of an integrated inner self, read UNBEATABLE! which is available on Amazon in print and as an e-book.
This Post Has 2 Comments
This is truly a remarkable development, As much a we label our world as fallen, it appears that the overwhelming majority of human beings believe in the right to peace. Whether our religious beliefs, race or cultural practices differ, the desire to live peaceably with ones neighbor is at the core of what it means to be human. I celebrate the unity displayed at this time by world leaders and citizens as we rally around our fellow humans in Ukraine to support them in prayer or other tangible means in their struggle to defend their right to peace. May the God of peace lead the charge!
Beautifully said Almando.