A Canadian Summer Series: Standing On Guard

by Olivia Tracey

“Grief is a form of patriotism, too.”

I recently read this quote from Reverend Benjamin Cremer and realized how true it is of any nation.

For many of us reading this article, we have grown up in a version of Canada that has strayed away from the foundations it was built upon. Violence and hatred have become normal. Citizens are targeted or silenced for simply voicing their beliefs and opinions or practicing their faith. Children are being indoctrinated under the guise of “education.” Our “free healthcare” has come to include the murder of unborn babies as well as the elderly, sick, or mentally ill.

I often think back to decades past and what it must have been like to live in Canada then. I love listening to people who grew up in the 60s or 70s, their stories painting a beautiful picture of the kindness and simplicity of a wholesome life in Canada.

Sometimes I wonder what I will tell my future children and grandchildren about Canada in the 2010s and 2020s. When they ask what Canadian life was like for me growing up, will I have good things to tell them? Patriotic stories and examples of the kindness of our neighbours? Instances of people of diverse nationalities and religions being accepted into our nation and only making it better?

To tell you the truth, the state that Canada is in today grieves me. Why? Because I know she is better than this. Grieving for the state of my nation doesn’t mean I hate my nation – just the opposite. It means I love her enough to call her out on her faults so she can live up to her full potential.

I love Canada enough to speak up when I see her not abiding by the principles and foundations she was built on. When there’s hatred and discrimination running rampant through the streets, stirring up fear and division, I will speak up and remind my fellow Canadians of every citizen’s right to “freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief, opinion, and expression” (Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, 1982).

When I see statues of the men and women who built our nation being torn down simply because they (undoubtedly) made horrible mistakes in their life, I will lovingly ask what we have done to earn the moral high ground over them when we too have made horrible mistakes.

When I hear Canadians speaking badly about this great nation, wanting to abandon her because she’s just too messed up, I will encourage them to be a part of the solution instead of passively standing by while the problems become bigger.

So, my fellow Canadians, if you struggle to find that spark of patriotism and love of your country, I’m not here to shame you or claim that you hate your country. Rather, I’m here to challenge you to make it better. Turn that grief into passion to do whatever you can to help Canada live up to her glorious potential. Speak up when wrongs are being committed. Do your part to ensure the safety and democracy of this land. Abide by the laws that make her great. Fulfill your civic duty not just because you have to or risk punishment, but because you know it is best for the country you love.

To quote the wisdom of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice (1908-1993), “Where you see wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because this is your country. This is your democracy. Make it. Protect it. Pass it on."

Are you willing to stand on guard for the true north, strong and free?

I know I am.

Let’s do it together.

-Olivia

About the Author (yes, I know you guys know who I am, but still 🤭)

Olivia Tracey is an 18-year-old author, editor, and homeschool graduate from Toronto, Ontario, who loves Jesus, books, writing, and music. She’s been a bookworm ever since she started reading at age three, and enjoys writing devotionals, creative nonfiction, and contemporary or historical fiction with realistic, complex characters. She is passionate for others to know and experience the real Jesus in a vivid way. You can follow her devotional blog, The Remnant, and her author journey on Instagram.

A Note From Olivia

Hey, Remnant! I hope you enjoyed this installment of A Canadian Summer on The Remnant. Stay tuned all summer for more young Canadian writers' posts! Subscribe to The Remnant if you haven't already and follow us on Instagram so you don't miss a beat! See you in a couple weeks, and enjoy your summer! <3