So(ul)journ!

Jacki and I watched the opening ceremonies of the 2026 Winter Olympics last evening, taking place in Milan, Cortina, and other villages in the mountain stretch of the Dolomites. Like most opening ceremonies, it celebrated the culture, art, history, and people of the host country — Italy. I’ve always thought of Italy as a land of rolling hills, wine, good food, and civilization stretching back thousands of years. Surprisingly, it’s actually a relatively young nation — only about 165 years old. Before that, it was a collection of loosely federated provinces and states. It is evident that as the world converges the choice of the theme  Armonia — harmony —  is equally a celebration of their own history.

While the soloist sang the national anthem, I got curious and looked up the English translation. Part of the second verse reads:

“We have been for centuries
stamped on and laughed at,
because we are not one people,
because we are divided.
Let’s unite under
one flag, one dream.”

The Italian people chose to find hope in unity. The harmony of their opening program held together with this same integrity as they spoke different languages, displayed various styles of music, incorporated older athletes and younger children, and dancers carried the program forward. It was a powerful experience.

Often the camera would pan over the parade of athletes, and it was exciting to look for those representing my country. It was good–really good–to see a diverse representation of the world’s people on our team — such is the nature of a country where the majority of our citizens hail from ancestors who once dwelt in the far corners of the earth beyond our shores. I’d like to think that we have gotten our act together enough to celebrate the theme of harmony in these United States. The athletes have done their bit. They have worked hard to earn the right to be called Olympians, and they genuinely seem to celebrate their unity in presenting the best in sport we have to offer.

It bears witnessing that not every moment carried the spirit of harmony.

Cheers that welcomed our team turned to jeers when a political leader appeared on screen. The shift was sudden and sobering — heard in the stadium and in homes around the world. It reminded me again that people across the globe often distinguish between a nation’s citizens and its government. Social media and news coverage called the moment offensive, though some suggested the insult was aimed at the athletes — which it clearly was not. The disappointment was directed elsewhere. The comments that followed spoke of poor judgment and poor taste. It is a hard thing to witness. But perhaps not a surprising one. Public policy and public conduct have strained relationships and weakened trust, leaving many of our political figures viewed with suspicion rather than respect.

Is it any surprise the world reacts as it does? These uncomfortable moments sometimes uncover deeper realities.

Our internal divisions have grown more visible and more severe. Public policy and political rhetoric have fostered fear and resentment. Actions and language on the international stage have, in the eyes of many, strained alliances and weakened trust. The old warning echoes with renewed force: a house divided against itself cannot stand. And many now fear that the guardrails meant to preserve our union are ineffective to maintain constitutional promises of liberty and justice for all primarily because they are being tested by partisanship and power.

Then came a different voice. IOC President Kristy Coventry spoke with clarity and grace directly to the athletes: “Through you, we see the very best of ourselves. You remind us that we can be brave, that we can be kind, and that we can get back up no matter how hard we fall.”

She continued in that same spirit, a message to the world as much as the athletes: “In Africa, we have a word: “ubuntu.” It means ‘I am because we are.’ We rise by lifting others. Our strength comes from caring for one another.”

There it is. Harmony isn’t fear. It isn’t uniformity. It isn’t ridicule. It isn’t domination.  It’s kindness and mutual care.

My homeland could use a deep dose of humility right now.  Perhaps, it’s about time, I don’t know.  I sort of wish we weren’t going through this.  But wishes don’t change the reality of our plight. And so, I pray our athletes are spared the weight of all this — that they continue to represent what is best in us, and that their excellence in competition is matched by generosity of spirit and harmony with others.

Armonia to the world.