We all have different ways of learning in life, but as human beings who are inevitably imperfect, we generally learn by making mistakes.
We do something wrong, endure the consequences, and – hopefully – learn from the experience so we do better next time.
When England women’s star striker Lauren James deliberately stepped on her Nigerian opponent Michelle Alozie during the teams’ recent FIFA Women’s World Cup clash, she committed a foul that would see her receive a red card, and a two-match ban in the tournament.
It was a moment of madness from a player who has been one of England’s standout performers in the competition, and arguably the squad’s most talented footballer.
Manager Sarina Wiegman said “She apologised and felt really bad. She would never want to hurt someone. She is the sweetest person I know.” An England team statement added that she was “full of remorse” and that it was “wholly out of character”.
There was grace from her opponent Alozie, who posted on social media: “We are playing on the world’s stage. This game is one of passion, insurmountable emotions, and moments. All respect for Lauren James.”
James herself said to Alozie: “All my love and respect to you. I am sorry for what happened. Also for our England fans and my team-mates, playing with and for you is my greatest honour and I promise to learn from my experience.”
We are flawed people, and we will mess up sometimes
Whether the player’s rush of blood to the head will end up costing her team their chance to win the tournament remains to be seen, but it is an episode in a major tournament she is unlikely to forget in a hurry. England scraped through the tie in the end, on penalties.
The Bible describes getting things wrong and falling short of God’s standards as sin. We are flawed people and we will mess up sometimes. The good news is that we can receive grace, mercy and forgiveness from God himself because of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross – taking the sin of the world upon his shoulders, and breaking its power over us.
As John’s first letter in the New Testament states “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1: 8-9)
Lauren James has had some forgiveness from those around her. Maybe her moment of redemption on the pitch is yet to come.