This was one of the best finishes to a soccer game I’ve ever seen. The USA pulled out a tie in a game that they should have won, due to the amount of chances they had. Still, though, you’ve gotta love the fact that they kept playing until the very end and scored with 30 seconds left in the game.
I tweeted something today that is, unfortunately, very true. “Everyone in Spain is upset right now , everyone in America has no clue why.”
It was because the United States upset Spain in the Confederations Cup semi-finals. While that may not seem like a big deal to you, think about it. Spain was going for their 36th straight win. The United States got into the knock-out round by winning against Egype 3-0 and having Brazil beat the latest World Cup champion Italy team 3-0. The odds were certainly against us. But, the USA did it.
Congratulations to the United States. Let’s see what they can do in the final on Sunday. I wonder if they’ll even show it on TV in the United States.
(image by: mattgerlachphotography on flickr)
Last December, I went to a Miami Dolphins game with my dad, and I teared up as they sang the National Anthem before the game. Spending the 4th of July in the United States means a lot to me, especially since I spend a lot of my time outside of the country. After almost 5 years of living in Mexico, my thoughts on freedom have changed dramatically.
We are truly blessed to be Americans. Although you may not agree with everything our country does or stands for, one thing is for sure: The United States of America is a country of great opportunity. Regardless of what you think about the reasons for it, the United States is a blessed country.
When I travel with my blue passport, I am reminded of the opportunities I have simply from being born in this country. I can travel freely to pretty much anywhere in the world. I know people who must receive permission from their country to visit another country. I can write (even here) exactly what I think about any issue. I can speak my mind (even against the very freedoms that allow me to do so). I can practice my religion freely, and the government cannot limit what I say about my personal beliefs.
So today, we celebrate freedom. As you see the stars and stripes, remember all of the freedoms that you have. And remember to cherish them. There are many who would love to have the freedoms we have.
(Image by Clappstar)
This video is a collection of video clips that we took while in Louisville, Kentucky, for the Youth Emphasis Week at the International Center for Youth Ministry at Southern Seminary.
