I have always been especially drawn to the Olympics. But I had to wonder how a bunch of people showing off their skills in sports could have such a profound effect on my emotions, but it always does. As I pondered this curiosity I realized that the Olympics make me feel as though I belong to the world and the world belongs to me. It becomes personal as all boundaries fade away. Growing up isolated the way I did, exacerbated the feelings of disconnect from the rest of the world that is common. I really was different and it wasn’t just part of the angst of childhood. That disconnect cut so deep that I wondered if it could ever be bridged at all. When I published my book I reconnected with the world and the response I received from readers healed my spirit at a very deep level. I think that the Olympics has the same effect as we connect with individuals from all over the world and realize that fundamentally we are all the same. Tears are tears no matter whose eyes they fall from and both laughter and music need no translators. It brings me great comfort and renews my hope in humankind to know that at heart we are all the same.

Here is an interesting tidbit.

The American Heritage Dictionary states the definition of religion as this: “Belief in or reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator or governor of the universe.” It is fair to say then that religion means a belief in God. Religion is almost never used in this sense but rather the establishment itself. The first amendment states that “Congress shall make no laws respecting the establishment of religion.” Thomas Jefferson in a letter to the Danbury Baptists in 1801, speaks also of the necessary “wall of separation between church and state.” This is not the separation of religion and state but of church and state. To mix church (or the government of religion) with legislative and judicial affairs would be devastating. But to remove God or a belief in a higher being in an attempt to separate church and state, misses the point. There is room in our political system and governmental affairs for a religious dimension. For the human being who believes in God, this belief cannot be separated from his affairs as a public servant but his affiliation with a particular establishment can be and should be. When a belief in God is freed from the fetters of church propaganda it becomes an enhancement to any free society. Why? Because each person then sees him or herself as accountable to a higher being other than man-made governments and thereby establishes a greater measure of personal responsibility. This creates potential for a self-governing people rather than a dependent society that blames an imperfect government for their problems.