In the wake of the recent World Cup victory by the US Women's National Team, there has been much discussion about what kind of impact the success of this team will have in changing our view of soccer in this country or the place that women's sports have on the landscape of consciousness in our hearts and coverage in the media we consume on a daily basis.

The Tucker Center for Research on Girls and Women in Sports at the University of Minnesota recently produced a thought provoking video that deals with media coverage and female athletes.

What I have been struck by in the discussion and analysis is the amount of limitation we place on others or the dynamic of a circumstance. We assess and make determinations based on our experiences and what we have seen in our lifetimes. One of the great lessons of parenthood has been the opportunity to experience the limitless vision of our children and see the world through their eyes. What they see as possibility. What they envision as a likely outcome. However, as children become enculturated in their families and society, our vision, possibilities and outcomes for them become engrained in who they are. Simple language, such as "like a girl" can become a constraint to how they view themselves.

We recently experienced the Gospel reading of the miracle of the loaves and the fishes.  In the account as told by John, Philip expresses doubt that they will be able to provide food for the gathering throng of people. How many times have we been that voice of reason, that voice of limitation to what is possible?

We have seen in this summer alone, in the professional coaching ranks of male sports, the stories of Becky Hammon with the NBA's San Antonio Spurs and Jen Welter with the NFL's Arizona Cardinals hired to do jobs that heretofore were reserved for men. I imagine that they must have had a bigger vision for themselves than many in their lives would have granted them the ability to accomplish.

The miracle of the loaves and fishes is a reminder to the apostles and disciples to come that through Him all things are possible. It is also a reminder that in the little things, on a daily basis, how we are to engage and give of ourselves over to participation in the miracle.

Pope Francis, asks, "Who among us does not have his or her 'five loaves and two fish'?" he continued. "If we are willing to put them in the hands of the Lord, we will bring a little more love into the world, a bit 'more love, peace, justice and joy.' God is able to multiply our small gestures of solidarity and make us partakers of his gift."

So like the little boy who gave of what he had, we are called to give over what we have to contribute and not pre-determine if it is enough. Perhaps what we have to give is for the kids we raise and the kids we coach, we can encourage, inspire and challenge them to go beyond the limitations others might place upon them.

For, as it is said in the Book of Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope."

Blessings,

Tauno Latvala

Director, CYO Athleics