I must be honest, I was captivated by the Paris Olympics. But it wasn’t the glitz of the opening boat parade or the sports that I have never heard of that drew me in. What truly moved me were the stories of incredible athletes whose names I might never have known if not for their Olympic moments.
I felt a deep sense of pride watching the USA Women’s Rugby team. Their relentless spirit, their refusal to give up, reminded me of the strength that lies within all of us. And then, there was the thrill of seeing our own Taliah Brooks compete, finishing as the 11th best in the world. Just think about that, 11th best out of 7 billion people! How awesome is that?
But the athlete who left an indelible mark on me was Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Her performance was extraordinary, but what truly resonated with me was her unwavering faith in God and her clear sense of purpose. Her testimony was a beacon of light, profound, pure, and deserving of endless celebration.
As we move into the coming months, I know our nation will face challenges that may test our unity and threaten to divide us. But perhaps, just perhaps, we can each carry a little bit of Sydney’s spirit in our hearts and souls.
Let’s remember who we are and who we belong to.
Always Forward.


