The Beloved Community

I’m the child of immigrants who fled a communist country, and I grew up in the 70’s and 80’s. So yeah, you better believe I have some big feelings about the latest Olympic controversy involving a Russian athlete. Setting aside the fact that these games probably shouldn’t have taken place at all, it was disappointing to see the women’s figure skating competition devolve into something like a high stakes middle school event where the lunchroom monitors are the bullies.

Kamila Valieva, the top female skater in the world two weeks ago, tested positive for a banned substance, yet was still allowed to compete. In the end, her skate fell far short of expectations and earned the sobbing and embarrassed skater immediate criticism from her coaches. She is 15 years old. Fifteen. As commentator Tara Lipinski, the American figure skater who won Olympic gold at 15, remarked after Valieva’s final performance how frustrating it was that “the adults around her weren’t able to make better decisions and guide her and be there for her, because she’s the one now dealing with the consequences.”

It appears Kamila’s community failed her. Where were they the day doping allegations were confirmed? Wouldn’t the loving and unselfish counsel to her have been to step away? To think what they could have spared her, the lessons they could have imparted. What a missed opportunity to show her and show the world what genuine caring and support look like. Instead of overshadowing the moment for her teammates who did earn spots on the podium, Kamila could have been the beloved community to them, cheerfully celebrating their achievements.

That’s what we are called to do as a faith community, to hold each other accountable in love and hold one another up. We offer each other kind words and support. Those who are farther along on the journey of parenting or sobriety or engagement in social justice encourage those who want to grow and learn. Together we discover what it is to be God’s beloved community. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be challenged and learn from my Peace family in so many, many ways.

Dear One,

For the beloved community that surrounds us, we give you thanks.

Amen

Eli is a song leader at Peace. She freely admits to being a terrible skater (can’t skate at all, in fact), but she’s an enthusiastic spectator.