Maybe you have been watching the World Cup. If not watching, at least paying attention, especially since the USMNT is doing so well. Maybe you have heard about the travel restrictions placed on teams from Iran and Egypt. There was a highly shared story about a referee who was not allowed entry to the US even though he had all the correct paperwork and was going to miss his opportunity to officiate.

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Thankfully, these negative stories are not the norm. 

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Florida State University News quotes FSUProfessor of Sociology Deana Rohlinger “Social scientists have known for decades that when people from different groups interact under positive conditions, stereotypes often break down. The World Cup is one of the largest examples imaginable,” FSU News goes on to say that while diplomacy is often viewed as a top-down process led by governments and political leaders, citizen diplomacy works from the bottom up. International visitors’ own perceptions change by experiencing what U.S. culture is about. “Part of why this resonates is that it pushes back against a story we’ve been telling ourselves for years,” Rohlinger added. “So much of what we encounter emphasizes polarization, conflict and dysfunction that those images start to define how we see ourselves. Then outsiders, people with no reason to flatter us, arrive expecting one thing and encounter another. Their reactions interrupt the narrative. They provide a more generous, and probably more accurate, reflection of who we are.”

FSU News shares, “Whether it’s fans from Japan marveling at Texas barbecue, Scotland’s Tartan Army spreading goodwill in Boston or German content creators becoming enamored with Buc-ee’s, international visitors have consistently shared positive reactions to American hospitality, food and local culture.” This. This makes me happy. Often, the world perceives us as violent, gun owners. I’m glad perception might be changing just a bit.

One story that helps shift the narrative concerns the University of Kansas Marching Jayhawks. As a show of hospitality the band practiced several times to learn the national anthem of Algeria. The Algerian team set up their World Cup camp in Lawrence, KS. As the team came out for practice, accompanied by many of the fans, the band performed the anthem. The visitors from Algeria were delighted and surprised.

Iran played its first two matches in LA. With the war going on, the team was not allowed entry into the US except for gameday. Their camp has been in Tiajuana. After their second match, a note from the Iranian team was left in one of the lockers. It reads:

“From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilized Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast. We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor, and leave with dignity. Thank you, Los Angeles, for your hospitality. And thank you to every Iranian who gave their heart, voice, and soul for Iran throughout these 180 minutes. May peace, respect, and friendship prevail among all nations."

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That last sentence says it all. In July, we will focus on two words during our worship services. Compassion during the traditional. Peace at Xperience. Compassion and peace seem to be in short supply these days. And yet, our scriptures have much to say. So do the stories coming from the World Cup. Let us pay attention to both. See you soon!

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Peace. Respect. Friendship.

Kelly