When Americans go to sporting events, most of them wear the uniform or cap of their favorite team. Whether it’s tennis, baseball, soccer, or football, the atmosphere is much the same. And it doesn’t stop there. What about when they go to the opera? Handsome men and elegant women dress themselves in lavish outfits and accessories, as if they themselves were the stars of the show, stepping into the hall with graceful expressions and gestures that match the mood. Even couples who normally have no sense of refinement suddenly overflow with dignity from head to toe on that day, at that hour.

And what about a country music concert? Everyone—without exception—shows up in jeans, boots, cowboy hats, and leather necklaces. Crowds gather like clouds, swaying to the guitar music and enjoying the evening. You can see singers and audience alike sharing the same look, the same spirit, delighting together. And in the 1970s, when Elvis Presley was at the height of his fame, didn’t men drape long scarves around their necks and wear the high‑collared white jackets he loved, singing “Love Me Tender” along with him as they tried to win the hearts of women?

Even my youngest child watches televised baseball games wearing a Yankees cap and uniform. In his hands are a baseball and glove. He puts the glove on and takes it off, ready to catch a ball at any moment. One day he got so excited he nearly broke the TV screen. I couldn’t understand it and asked, half‑scolding, “Hey! Does the game really get more fun when you dress up like that and wear the cap?”

With a mischievous sparkle in his eyes, he said, “Mom, try watching the game with this cap on!” and quickly pressed his cap onto my head. And something strange happened. The moment I put on the cap, I felt as if I were already at the stadium, sitting among the crowd. Just moments before, I didn’t care who won or lost—but suddenly I found myself wanting to cheer for the Yankees. Without realizing it, I was swept into the excitement of the game, no longer a spectator but a participant.

Inside, I marveled. “So this is why people get into the spirit of things!”

We often experience the same in our life of faith. A church filled with people who “keep in step” with one another always feels like a feast. From children to the elderly, the faces of the congregation are lively, and their lives overflow with reasons for gratitude. The church becomes the center of their lives, and spiritual order and structure are firmly established. Believers cherish and trust the faith of those who came before them. A pastor who is supported in prayer and partnership by the congregation naturally leads a ministry that becomes a green pasture. Even the pastor’s back looks lighter and more energetic. How could the life of faith not be compared to a splendid game or a music hall filled with passion?

Just as the practical, enthusiastic attitude of Americans at sports games and concerts teaches us many lessons, mature people know how to keep in rhythm with their neighbors in any circumstance of life. There is a saying: “Life must move the heart.” When your life and mine join together like a festival—lifting each other up, bringing joy, encouraging one another—our journey will never end in loss.

Victory and defeat in life—they are like two sides of the same coin. As long as there are Christians who keep in step with one another and offer encouragement no matter what comes, our immigrant life will rise into a higher, grander song of triumph.

— Wanhee Yoon, October 28, 1998