This past week was a tough one for Canadians. Why?
We lost something we held dear. Something we were proud of and hated to give up.
Our innocence.
We’re no longer a country known for its peace.
That peace was turned upside down and we felt like were punched in the gut.
Terrorism hit our country with two attacks. One in Quebec with a targeted hit-and-run of a law enforcement officer and a second, only two days later, when a soldier was killed guarding the National War Memorial. Then the gunman stormed the Parliament Buildings with more terror on his mind. He was shot and killed.
As Canadians were glued to their TV sets, we wondered if we were watching a movie. Was this real? Was it really happening in Canada?
This. Just. Doesn’t. Happen. Here.
We thought.
Our peaceful country had been shattered. And why? Because we chose to help others.
How crazy is that?
Guess what? Canada is a proud country! We will stand tall. That was evident as Cpl. Nathan Cirillo was driven home on the Highway of Heroes. Thousands of people lined the 401 and the overpasses to salute and honor this brave soldier as the procession drove by. Chill bumps formed on my arms and tears pooled in my eyes as I watched from my living room.
Yes, we will stand together and stay united.
Sunday morning as our congregation sang, “Hope of the Nations,” I struggled to compose myself on these lyrics:
Jesus, hope of the nations
Jesus, comfort for all who mourn
You are the source of heaven’s hope on earth*
I pray for the families of both soldiers we lost. Pray for comfort and strength in the upcoming days as they lay their loved ones down. I can’t even imagine what they’re going through, but I know the One who gives us strength during these times.
The One who is the source of heaven’s hope.
The One who is the hope for our nation.
I pray you do too.
Yes, Canada lost its innocence this week, but we will stand strong with our head held high. We won’t back down and hide our heads in the sand.
We are proud.
We are the True North,
Strong,
And free!
God bless Canada!
Share your thoughts on how you dealt with the tragedy that struck our country this past week. How did you deal with it?
Canadian Heroes
In memory of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent.
We salute these brave soldiers.
God bless you.
Hope of the Nations (by Brian Doerksen)
Let’s put our hope in the One who is the Light shining for all to see!
*Lyrics by Brian Doerksen
Wow Dar that was so incredible thank you for doing this.. You are right it was terrible. I am sure God was saddened by this. But he is still good and in control.
You’re right, God is still in control! He is the hope for our nation.Thanks, Diane!
Our prayers are with you, your family, and your country, Darlene.
Thanks Henry. We appreciate your prayers!
Well written Darlene. Truly the thoughts and feelings of so many of us.
Thanks Brenda!
Hi Darlene… Thank you for the beautiful tribute and the reminder of just what Canada stands for. It is so sad to think of the violence inflected on the families of the fallen and the rest of the country as we stand against this sort of thing. God Bless you for the words which have touched this heart…
Hugs and Blessings
Thanks Rolly. It will be a week we will all remember for a long time. God bless!
Well written and timely piece. May we remember lest we forget.
Thanks Heather. Yes, we need to remember.