Honouring the American People
While I was raised by Canadian parents in Canada, I was born in the US, making me a dual citizen of both nations. For some, this would simply be a matter of paperwork, but for me it represents something important within my identity. The United States government extends to me all the rights and priveleges of a citizen, something I take very seriously.
Growing up in Canada, however, anti-American sentiment was all too common. Canadians often choose to define their identity by what they are not- namely American. With current world events, this has increased significantly. Regardless of ones position on the US, its government, culture, foreign policy, etc. (issues that do need to be addressed), the dismissive attitude of judgment is not something Canadians should be proud of, especially within the church.
No one with any objectivity can deny the incredible force for good that the American people have been, both throughout their history and today. Their unbeatable spirit, determined ingenuity and remarkable determination have made it possible for our world to be changed for the better in so many arenas. Acknowledging the inevitable human failures that all nations are prone to, the tasks of human rights, world missions, civil liberties, etc. would not be nearly where they are today without the United States.
Additionally...
Growing up in Canada, however, anti-American sentiment was all too common. Canadians often choose to define their identity by what they are not- namely American. With current world events, this has increased significantly. Regardless of ones position on the US, its government, culture, foreign policy, etc. (issues that do need to be addressed), the dismissive attitude of judgment is not something Canadians should be proud of, especially within the church.
No one with any objectivity can deny the incredible force for good that the American people have been, both throughout their history and today. Their unbeatable spirit, determined ingenuity and remarkable determination have made it possible for our world to be changed for the better in so many arenas. Acknowledging the inevitable human failures that all nations are prone to, the tasks of human rights, world missions, civil liberties, etc. would not be nearly where they are today without the United States.
Additionally...
Additionally, the unmatched generousity and drive of the American people demonstrates an admirable willingness to "put their money where their mouths is". Seemingly impossible circumstances never seem to diminish the monumental vision and tireless perseverance of this great nation.
So on this day of celebration, July 4th, I would like to honour the United States of America, the land of my birth. I honour them for the rich tradition of Christian service and values. I honour them for their unquenchable spirit. I honour them for championing the cause of freedom that seeks to empower even its own detractors. Thank you for your service to the world and to our God.
(NOTE: This post is dedicated to honour the United States on their Independence Day. Therefore, while I believe in open dialogue and the need to critical examination of American culture and government, this thread is NOT the place. Judgment, criticism, attacks, etc. will not be tolerated. Thank you.)
So on this day of celebration, July 4th, I would like to honour the United States of America, the land of my birth. I honour them for the rich tradition of Christian service and values. I honour them for their unquenchable spirit. I honour them for championing the cause of freedom that seeks to empower even its own detractors. Thank you for your service to the world and to our God.
(NOTE: This post is dedicated to honour the United States on their Independence Day. Therefore, while I believe in open dialogue and the need to critical examination of American culture and government, this thread is NOT the place. Judgment, criticism, attacks, etc. will not be tolerated. Thank you.)
There was a moment of silence announced, to pay respect to those who had been killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks the week before, and then, the American national anthem was played, at a Canadian sporting event.
All over the packed stadium, you could hear two things: people singing along to another nation's anthem, and people crying for our American neighbours.
That day made me proud to be Canadian. I wasn't born in the States, but I lived there a bit (Chattanooga) when I was a kid, and I've also pastored there (Los Angeles), and I have many dear American friends that I'm privileged to know. (Comment this)
BTW, isn't every team other than the Bombers less significant? (Comment this)
You guys made me cry.
Dana (Comment this)
This is a wonderful honoring of the American people as they celebrated fourth of July. I have to say though I don't celebrate the fourth of July...and I am an American. There are other holidays in which I celebrate with my fellow Americans...such as Martin Luther King's b'day, President's day (with notable exceptions), and many other days of celebration that are shared by many Americans. But I don't celebrate the fourth of July. For the fourth of July is the day "some" Americans won their independence from the Colonial power Britain. It is a day that Americans celebrate the freedom of a particular population of the American people. And I rejoice with them when they reflect on the exploits of George Washington and the other founding fathers. I see it as a fascinating history. And this is not a criticism of the American people...it is an honest telling of how I see American history...as an African American. The way I see it is this. Had America remained a British colony black slaves would have freed almost seventy years earlier. For British abolished slavery in the early part of the 19th century. This is not a criticism its just a historical observation that keeps coming to mind when Americans celebrate a "freedom" that some enjoyed almost 100 years before my people would. So while you honor the American people...I honor them too. I honor the slaves that remained "unfree" on the fourth of July in the Southern States of America in 1776. These are the "Americans" that I honor on the fourth of July.
Ant (Comment this)
As I was posting this piece, the very things you raised here came to mind. I hesitated to post such a blog on the 4th for that reason. In many respects, simply being a Canadian made it a difficult post. I spent considerable time considering and praying about what to do.
In the end, obviously, I decided to go ahead and post it. I have always believed that God has called me to be a "bridge builder". Whether is between Canadians & Americans, English and French-Canadian, White and First Nations, Suburban middle class and the Urban poor, etc., I have a deep conviction that at the core of my vocation is to provide "liminal" space for dialogue, relationship and reconciliation (not the event-oriented, feel good sessions that became so popular in the 90's, by the way).
To that end, I know that, despite its inherent socio-historical problems, the July 4th represented something important to many Americans (and possibly something else to other nationalities). I wanted to connect on that level, to utilize a day when national celebration and reflection were peaked, and draw focus on that which I believe represents the best.
In so doing, I hope that everyone reading this knows that I was not unaware of these realities. From a Canadian context, I am all too aware of our own history that taints the often shallow celebration of our national identity.
Again, Ant, thanks for you the input. Keep it coming.
Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)
Dana (Comment this)
I think your post about the fourth is admirable. I am not against America nor am I anti-fourth of July. I just wanted to clarify this just in case I poorly articulated my point. There is much that is praiseworthy about my country. Although I am not "proud" to be an American...I am deeply "grateful" to be an American. I think the spirit in which you have wrote this embodies the peaceableness of the gospel. That in itself is worthy of honor. I praise God for your steadfast witness to create spaces where bridges can be built like you have described here.
Your Brother in Christ,
Ant (Comment this)
Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)
Sam (Comment this)