BNP Paribas Open, Indian Wells
[CR1] Serena Williams (USA) vs. [CR68] Monica Niculescu (ROU)
Sport has a funny way of testing our values and character, which is probably why sport is important. Serena’s historic return to Indian Wells was about tennis, but more importantly it was about a woman’s struggle to find forgiveness. Wise people have written for centuries that we cannot grow if we fail to practice forgiveness. The common perception nowadays is that forgiveness is weakness, or the acceptance of poor behavior–but it isn’t. Forgiveness is about freeing yourself from fear and about spiritual growth. Serena has avoided Indian Wells since 2001 out of fear. Nobody likes being rejected.
Despite our status, titles or what it says on our passport, we will forever encounter people who are narrow-minded. Serena should walk away from this victory proud to be a black woman, and by the victory I do not mean the score of 7-5, 7-5. It is easy to do the right thing when there are no stakes; however, the test of character is to do the right thing when it’s hard. It was not easy for Serena to return to the place where she was hurt by racial slurs. As a Christian and as an American woman of values, she knew she had no choice.
In a time when we are battered with scandal after vulgar scandal surrounding our sports celebrities, Serena’s courage in returning showed old-fashioned leadership.
Despite our titles and status WE are NOT exempt from the narrow-mindedness of our fellow man. So WE carry on and continue to be the best!
I admire her greatness. It says a lot for her character that she is able to face the very ones that attacked her with their cruel words. I am blown away that there are still individuals who see nothing but color, and once that color is black, they feel that they have the right to verbally or physically attack. Those with closed minds will never open their minds – they will never see beyond the shade of black. Why can’t they see talent, and not color? They show just how ignorant they are; and this shows how much character, boldness and forgiveness Serena has. We applaud you Serena, at the end of the day, show them who the better person is. May God go with you.
We are living in a world of opportunities. Each of us , regardless of our background or ethnicity have the abitly to excel in anything we put our mind and efforts , based on our abilities and gifts. We, the people, have to realize that this sport is not only for the fortunates ones. As we open our minds and let others be part of it, we will see how much we can grow.
Athletes have to realize that others people’s views cannot limit their performance. The limitation is on those who cannot see beyond their closed room. Stand proud and you will conquer.
I view sports totally different. These athletes are using their talents and years of hard work to gain rewards and status. They are being overly compensated to hit a plastic ball or a pigskin covering, or a wooden stick, etc ;for a few hours a day. If they hear comments from a fan or two that is degrading- get over it. It is hard for me to make a big deal about Serena hearing racial slurs at a Million dollar event. As a Black Woman working in a white world, that goes with the territory. We are strong women; we come from the lineage of Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Madam CJ Walker, Mary McLeod Bethune,Rosa Parks, etc. Racial injustice is never right, whether you are a millionaire or had worked in the cotton field. Serena should have played at Indians Wells a long time ago. As we use to say when we were kids-“sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt”. I pray her outer strength, which is displayed on the court equates to her inner strength- which is eternal. For we are more than conquerors. Struggles and adversities only sharpens us to gain perfection, as Christ is.