We Are Everywhere!

This morning I've been sitting in front of the tv enjoying the Olympics. I sometimes can't help but get choked up watching these athletes put in everything they have to earn a medal. A lot of them have sacrificed quite a bit to be in Beijing to represent their country. After watching a recap the U.S. relay team winning yet another medal, sending Michael Phelps to break the record for most medals won over a career, I felt that little knot in my throat. Well up next was the women's basketball. Not really my thing, but I figured I'd check it out. Well the announcers were talking about the different teams, the United States versus New Zealand. They started talking about how the New Zealand team was really at a disadvantage today, and I thought well of course they are! They're playing the U.S.! But it turns out that the reason they were at a disadvantage was because two of there starting players were sitting out today, and not because of injury. The announcer said that the two were members of the Mormon faith and that they were sitting out today because it was a Sunday and they were honoring their beliefs. Well my little knot in my throat got bigger and even caused my eyes to well up. I thought this was just amazing on so many different levels. It just goes to show that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints really is a worldwide religion and that I can flip on the tv and watch something completely unrelated to the church and see two women standing for what they believe in. I also was honored and inspired to see these two women continue to honor their beliefs and the Sabbath day in all aspects of their lives. They're at the Olympics! I mean, how often does that happen to someone!? For some it's once in a lifetime and for most it's everything they have worked for. And yet, these two women on the New Zealand team knew what the most important thing was to them and chose to stand as a witness even when they could have easily flown under the radar and just played anyway. Kudos to these women and for the example that they are to the entire world!