Funny how we get all caught up in the triviality of changing
something so that it won’t offend. Don’t get me wrong, there are times when
this should be addressed but the national anthem – puleeeeze. I am watching the
destruction of a nation (not ours) through the divisiveness of personal
preference and wonder when did we become so thin skinned. There is talk about
changing the some of the words within our National Anthem because it is not
gender neutral (all thy sons command) or the fact that we are making people
feel uncomfortable with the reference to God in the third last line (God keep
our land glorious and free). Are we also going to address the first line
because it if is taken out of context, it could also make a certain sector of
our population uncomfortable and what of those who are unable to stand on
guard?
This all may sound rather corny but it is a consideration
should someone decide to complain. If they tweak the ear of the right person in
a position of authority who wants to take up a cause, we could possibly see a
very different National Anthem. Can I put something forward here? We are
celebrating 150 years as a recognized nation, recognized by the world. We have
a defied boundary that is recognized by the world community and there are
thousands who are willing to stand on guard to preserve our way of life. We are
celebrating Canada’s existence as a nation even though it has been around for
thousands and thousands of years under different names. We celebrate together
as a nation of Canadians, brothers and sisters united by one thing – we are Canadian.
So my question – why bring up the question of the words of
our National Anthem at a time when we are supposed to be celebrating our common
bond? We Are Canadian! We share in the fact we live in a wonderful country with
freedoms so rarely afforded anywhere else in the world. Are we not are united
by good manners, back bacon and toques? Let’s focus on united rather than
divisiveness on July 1 and celebrate 150 years as a nation. God keep our land
glorious and free! God may your peace reign throughout the land You created for
us all!
Sunday service streams on Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/todd.macdonald.3158 and
starts at 10:30 am MST. We invite you to interact with us as we live stream and
join us as we celebrate.
Shalom
Pastor Todd
Pastor Todd