If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all. How many of us grew up hearing that from our parents? This quote came back to me on Friday night when I was watching the opening ceremony for the Olympics. Don’t get me wrong, the ceremony was wonderful, as it always is. South and North Korea athletes walked together, which was a wonderful thing. Even the representatives from both countries sat in the same area. Nothing could be better than to have peace between these two countries.
U.S. has more athletes (242) in the
Winter Games this year than
any other country.
Unfortunately, certain Americans had to add in their two cents and ruin the evening. The media kept reminding us how North Korea has committed human rights violations. And Vice-President Spence couldn’t wait to warn the world that something bad was going to occur. He even brought with him the father of a young man killed by the North Koreans.
I couldn’t help but be irritated, especially since Trump was the lesser of the two evils I voted for. Why is it we have to be the country that points a finger and accuses? Can’t we just be happy that something good might come of this?
Sure we need to keep an eye on North Korea. They can’t be trusted. But is the Olympics the venue to announce it? And yes, North Korea has committed human rights violations. But so has Pakistan and Iran, yet no one mentioned that as their athletes paraded to their seats.
Too often we turn something that should be enjoyable into a political event. The Olympics is about athletes, not politics. As it should be.
Matthew 5:9 reads, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. We need to learn that sometimes being quiet is better than being right. Unfortunately, I didn’t see much in the way of Christian fellowship up in those Olympic stands. I have no doubt Jimmy Carter and Ronald Regan, even their Vice-Presidents, would have done things differently. How did we, as a country, elect leaders who instead of working toward peace, appear instead to be working toward animosity?
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It is not enough to win a war; it is more important to organize the peace. ― Aristotle
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I don’t know about you, but I just want to enjoy the games without any political nonsense. I get enough of that already.
I’m praying for peace between North and South Korea then maybe the leader of North Korea will stop with the threats. Imagine a world without North Korea testing missiles. That won’t occur as long as other leaders, especially those in the United States, keep antagonizing him.
Remember, be a peacemaker instead of a troublemaker. That is what God expects of us. And as Christians, we should tolerate nothing less from ourselves or our leaders.
If you have a prayer request, please let me know. I’ll be more than happy to pray for you.
I didn’t get to see the opening ceremony for the Olympics, but was wondering the same thing. N & S Korea are actually speaking to each other peacefully and hopefully encouraging each other, It may be informal and not over a “peace talks” table, but it’s a start. All I could think of when I heard VP Pence was there escorting someone who could be an incitement of violence was, “All we are saying, is give Peace a chance.” Some of us are old enough that we will never forget the terror and senseless murder of 11 Israeli contestants at the Munich Olympics.
It’s sad when countries care more about being right than the citizens in their borders. I’m praying this is a first step to peach for the Koreas.
I couldn’t agree with you more!!!
Thanks, Genora.