Kylian Mbappé: The Remnant

But I will leave as a remnant in your midst, a holy people humble and lowly, who shall take refuge in the name of the Lord: the remnant of Israel. —Zep 3:1-2, 9-13

Tomorrow, Argentina and France will face off in the finals of the 2022 World Cup. It is safe to say that the two faces that represent each team are Lionel Messi (ARG) and Kylian Mbappé (FRA). While soccer fans are anxious to see if Messi will secure his first World Cup victory, there is something worth paying attention to in France's forward Kylian Mbappé. Yes, he's fast but there's more to his game. Think of him this way: as a remnant…

When I hear the word “remnant,” I think of a fabric and material—stacks or piles of it. Growing up, my mom sewed a lot. I would accompany her at the fabric store. I was drawn to the beautiful patterns, and colors of remnants. Each one was marked on discount. Why? Remnants are what is left. They are what remains on a bolt of fabric. The Prophet Zephaniah was addressing something similar, yet different. 

The remnant is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. The Anchor Bible Dictionary describes it as "What is left of a community after it undergoes a catastrophe." The concept has stronger representation in the Old Testament than in the New Testament.

Though the door has yet to officially close on the COVID-19 pandemic, it is safe to say our world underwent a colossal catastrophe. It might be wise to consider What is left? I would like to offer but one answer....and invite you to put Mbappé to your mind's eye as a reminder.

COVID forced us to slow down. We had no choice but to stay home, stay local and stay safe. Though far from a retreat, the tough, long and even dark days of COVID were not hurried. Traffic subsided, we reviewed our expectations and minimized our obligations. We were forced to put on the brakes—even when we did not want to.

There is great wisdom in slowing down. As Matthew Kelly says "our obsession with efficiency and remaining on the go often lures us away from what matters most."

What matters most are what the Christmas season brings—occasion for family and friends to come together, the rich rituals and traditions of Advent, the celebration of the Incarnation, the joy of giving, sweets and treats, and new memories to make. Sadly, the pressing demands, expectations and obligations of it all lead to stress, anxiety and the inability to do what we should: rest, relax, slow down, enjoy. Some people are able to do, others are not. 

This is where a careful analysis of one's own life and the game of Mbappé might help.

An avid soccer fan and good friend shared this insight with me. "When asked about Mbappé and what makes him so special—speed is the usual response. But a true connoisseur if the sport replied. “It’s not his speed, but his brakes.” 

Slowing down is a skill worth developing. It might actually take practice and effort—but it won't take away from your day—it will add to it. Do you agree?

Examples and exemplars help. Who in your life is good at taking the "hurry" out of their day? Who comes to mind when you think of "putting on the brakes" in a tactical, important way?  

When you watch the finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, look to Mbappé—the remnant— and how he puts on the brakes. Take some time to slow down and reflect further upon what matters most this Christmas. 

Photo Credits

Mbappé
Faces of World Cup

Feel the Breath....World Cup 2022

This year's Thanksgiving already feels different. While there is the lifting of COVID restrictions, Americans are paying a steeper price for the family feast. Yes, American football will be played at many a turkey toss-up, and for the first time in eight years, U.S. fans have a rooting interest in the World Cup.

While US women's national soccer team have acquired a bunch of hardware since 2014 and in that time, the men's squad has transformed itself. It's a first World Cup for 25 of the 26 players who'll suit up in stars and stripes. In fact, the U.S. is tied with Ecuador as the second youngest teams in Qatar. 

In Special Series: The FIFA World Cup 2022, Tom Goldman's article, The 2022 World Cup in Qatar begins, warts and all addresses the question many of us have been asking: How might we embrace this wildly popular event? Should we? Thank you, NPR. 

In its first match, the U.S. faced a team that has been absent for 64 years. One that reminded the world with a 1-1 tie, that "we're still here!" The Welsh national soccer team is led by captain Gareth Bale and the head coach Rob Page.Thus, the purpose of this post is to share a living, breathing reminder of just how and and why it's hard not to embrace the World Cup (and full disclosure, I'm not a big soccer/football fan).

In case you have not heard for yourself or heard about it, Michael Sheen took it upon himself to remind sports fans, soccer enthusiasts and the people of Wales what might be possible.

I first heard the Welsh actor resound his barbaric yawp while driving to work and listening to my morning sports talk radio show. Murph and Mac, the cohosts played what I have posted here. Both men sat silent. No one knew exactly how to respond. What just happened? What did we just hear? 

I could feel the synapses flying in my brain as I began a personal inventory of any prior knowledge I might have to all things Wales. Capital city is Cardiff. Their language is unique—lots of LONG words. Tom Jones is a native son. So it Catherine Zeta-Jones. Maybe the poet Dylan Thomas too. Yes?

I felt as though I just heard a Shakespearean performance, a passionate plea that the British bard could have scripted over 400 years ago! 

As written by Hollywood Insider.

If Wales performs miracles at the upcoming soccer World Cup, then Michael Sheen may have played his own small part.

The Welsh actor has gone viral on social media for the second time in as many weeks for his rousing pre-tournament pep talks for the Wales men’s national soccer team as they enter final preparations for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

In his speech, Sheen offers images and story. He references color and specific emotions. He reminds his countrymen who they are and from whence they came. It's spiritual.

The line that stands out among the rest for me his call: "Feel the breath.... on the back of your necks." 

The word spirituality comes from the Latin spiritus which means breath.  Where we feel the spirit, how we feel the spirit is worth paying attention to. Thank you, Michael Sheen for the opportunity to do that.

Shakespeare and soccer fans everywhere get it. 

Photo Credits
Sheen with Jersey
World Cup Team

Women's World Cup Preview 2019: Part of Why It's Known as "The Beautiful Game"

I recently started to give my back issues of Sports Illustrated to my Dad. This is the best thing I have done—intentionally and unintentionally—in a long time. Passing this magazine on to one of the bigger sports fans I know means that I have learned a whole lot more about sports from a historical and statistical perspective. And when I gave him the Women's World Cup Preview issue, I realized, I am also learning more about me dad, too. It's pretty awesome. 

I understand why people prefer to go digital with their subscriptions. For me, it's not fun to have a visual reminder that I'm behind in my reading. I have not checked the box to go paperless as I think I may be held more accountable to read, open and flip through a hard copy of a  journal rather that let it remain somewhere in cyberspace. I have always made a point of sharing thoughtful pieces with friends and families and now that habit included giving the entire issue to my dad. I'm curious, What is your approach toward this topic?

My dad has always been a huge soccer fan. He has never held back his belief that soccer players are the best athletes in the world; that the game is 10 times more exciting than any baseball game ever could be. He coached my brother's team and still talks about that time in their lives with great affection. The increased coverage of televised soccer in the US has taken over my parents' household. I was not sure how his love for the Beautiful Game would apply when it came time for the FIFA Women's World Cup. Would he watch any of the games? Does he hold any of the interest in the twenty four teams?  Would he have any of his great excitement for the round robin tournament? Does he have a favorite player? A love for sport does not always translate from the men's to the woman's game (and vice versa). I have wondered Does the true love of sport require equal enthusiasm for both games?

I handed him the June 3, 2019 issue with Megan Rapinoe and young female soccer players on the cover, not knowing if or how he would react to it. His response was ecstatic. His enthusiasm was contagious. "Thank you!" he said. "I can't wait for the games to begin, and I'd like to read more about it. That Carli Lloyd, she is an incredible player." He went on to mention several women on the US team that he admires. 

His appreciation and value for the Women's World Cup meant more to me than I thought it would (and full disclosure, though I wish I was...I am not a soccer fan). I am a grown woman and have my own passions and interests in and beyond sport. But knowing my dad and his, I was sincerely touched that it made room for these women who are equally talented, dynamic and competitive (if not more so! US Women have won the World Cup three of the seven times the tourney has been played). 

The opinion and support of our parents have an impact and this one, from my dad, meant a lot. His interest in women in soccer affirmed that his beliefs—they are the best athletes in the world and the game is incredibly exciting—need not be limited to the men's game. I think part of why we call soccer The Beautiful Game is because it is so radically inclusive—men and women, all young and older, one nation after another. Enjoy the tourney!

Photo Credits
Lloyd
SI Cover

Wimbledon and the World Cup: Insights unto a new alma

When Rafael Nadal captured the 2010 Wimbledon men’s championship I was unsure if he was more excited about his victory or the fact that Spain was in the World Cup semifinals.

His dramatic collapse to the ground, followed by a somersault on Centre Court, in addition to his now trademark “take a bite” of the trophy confirmed this victory had a special significance. The definitive straight set win clearly indicated that this tennis great was back where his 24-year old self wanted and ought to be. Furthermore, it verified that all he endured in 2009—the end of his 31-match winning streak, missing Wimbledon, playing for eight months without a title, losing the No. 1 ranking, and, hardest of all, dealing with his parents' separation did not kill him—it only made him stronger (thanks Nietzsche).

Still, his gratitude and deep satisfaction in that moment paled in comparison to the near explosion of joy and alegría that overtook his posture, smiling eyes, and limited English when the BBC announcer asked him about Spain’s pursuit of “La Copa Mundial.” Make no mistake, for most of the year, Spain is a country divided between Real Madrid or Barcelona. But World Cup soccer bridges the divide. Come Sunday, should Spain win, all of España wins. And Rafael Nadal would prefer that his win at Wimbledon be viewed the same way.

Tennis is obviously an individual sport and yet, I’m not sure Nadal sees it that way. He said “a win here was always my dream, and I did it two years ago, today and for the Spanish players for the last 40 years it was very difficult to play here. We are doing better now and we are very satisfied with that.” In 2008 after completing what was then the longest match in men’s final history, Nadal ran to the stands where he acquired the Spanish flag which he draped over his shoulders to wear as his victory cloak. In what was already an emotional interview, Rafa pleaded with the announcer to give a special message to his family and fans in his native tongue. He was immediately free to express his deeper emotions; his entire body was at ease and the same sentiment colored his face—joy and alegría.

This was a privileged moment, not only for Rafa, but for me to witness. As someone who has relentlessly pursued proficiency in Spanish I often look upon native speakers in awe and humble admiration. As the game of soccer has its beauty in the footwork and timing, so too does the Spanish language have its beauty in its rhythm and flow. I seek fluency because I agree with the old proverb when you learn a new language, you "gain a new soul."

The soul is the spiritual part of human beings that together with the body forms one human nature. As far as I knew, we only have one soul, and yet I somehow I recognize the truth in this proverb. In learning a new language, I have learned more about my own native tongue that I ever expected. I view culture and people through broader lens. Yet, I am more aware of the strength and its limitation of words, of language. For example, to me, the Spanish words for soul-- alma--captures in sound and print more effectively what the soul really is. 

Unfortunately, we also know not everyone is open to hearing another’s language or learning more about it. Regardless, I believe that with language comes an open invitation to understand others more deeply…and with that their love for their home and their passions.

Because of all that I know Nadal’s first language may be tennis, but like so many from his homeland, they are proficient in soccer….or shall we say futbol?
Photo Credits:
Olympics
Bandera
Trophy bite