Team USA's Ella Masar won the World Cup and the heart of her new wife, Canada's star goalkeeper Erin McLeod. Although they play on rivaling soccer teams, the couple are united as teammates on the Houston Dash - and in matrimony earlier this week. They got married in Vancouver, British Columbia, and both women shared photos on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
They received a huge response and many questions. Masar wrote on Instagram that, “People have been asking me how I can root for Canada when I am American, however, for me it’s an easy answer. She is my family and my family are all my reasons. For that alone I will forever be proud, support, and cheer 4 @erinmcleod1. #YAMR #itshere #WWC.” They explained that the hashtag #YAMR stands for "you are my reasons." The two are very supportive of each other, and make a beautiful couple.
The love of my life said "I do"... @emasar3 you are all my reasons- plus your initials don't change;) win win? pic.twitter.com/ec6SANV0Pd
— erin mcleod (@erinmcleod18) July 8, 2015
To my best friend, my love, my rock ... All my reasons ... Cheers to our next chapter #lovelovelovepic.twitter.com/YARAXqISFW
— Ella Masar (@emasar3) July 8, 2015
Although much of the online response was positive, Masar also had to address the homophobic messages she received on Instagram. She wrote, “Also, to the ‘other’ messages, thank you. Thank you for praying for me and reinforcing my own prayers because as you pray, ‘Lord please help Ella, allow her to see her sin for loving that woman, for respecting her, being faithful, honoring her, etc …’ Know I am saying the same thing, ‘my Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me find my better half, for finding someone that strengthens my faith and allows me to be the person I always imagined. Thank you for teaching me what truly loving someone and others is all about, amen.'" Emphasizing the importance of love, Masar was able to shut down the disrespectful comments. She goes on to say that, “This is where I have found my peace. Where your words brought tears to my partner’s eyes, for you to prove and share your point, my own reassured her of everything that she is to me."
Masar writes about her personal experience at the intersection between her Christian faith and her sexuality. Again referring to her understanding of Christianity as being all about love, she says that ultimately, “the religion I choose to live by is love." Even though she grappled with accepting her own sexuality because of her faith, she says, “That has always been my deal with Erin – that was my word to her. That love will always win."
Perhaps the most strong and poignant statement she makes is, "Whether you believe it is a sin or not, I will never apologize for loving someone, faithfully, with everything that I am, and honoring them daily." She accepts and has confidence in her love for McLeod, and together in marriage they are living their most authentic, full, and happy lives.