Late last Monday evening, I listened to the new Prime Minister of Canada, The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, deliver a moving victory speech.
After plopping into bed, a gale force thought swirled around in my brain.
God, I can’t do that! The last thing I want to do is write a letter to the Prime Minister.
I tossed and turned. Finally, I drifted into a restless sleep.
The next morning, the same thought torpedoed my brain. The mere thought of contacting the Prime Minister (of all people) made me nauseous.
For days, I couldn’t focus on my art or my writing, and I couldn’t sleep either.
Okay, I’ll do it. I leaped into my suit of faith. You do know, Lord, I have no clue what I’m supposed to write.
And then, words began to flow.
Dear Prime Minister Trudeau:
Congratulations on becoming Canada’s 23rd Prime Minister.
Moved by your powerful victory speech, I was compelled to write.
Like you, my maternal grandparents believed, “We can make anything happen if we put our minds to it.”
With a few suitcases and a toddler in tow, they left their homeland, Finland, and immigrated to Canada—a land that promised freedom and a bright future for their offspring. And because of their great sacrifice, I can proudly say, “I am a Canadian.”
I was also pleased to hear you say, “We know in our bones that Canada was built by people from all corners of the world who worship every faith, who belong to every culture, who speak every language. We believe in our hearts that this country’s unique diversity is a blessing.”
Indeed, our country’s unique diversity is a blessing as was evidenced when you spoke of the practicing Muslim mother you encountered on your campaign trail—the young mom who has the freedom to wear a hijab headscarf, the one who touched you when she said, “She’s voting for you because she wants to make sure that her little girl has the right to make her own choices in life and that her government will protect those rights.”
I also want my grandchildren’s choices and rights protected, but sadly, last year, my eight-year-old granddaughter’s basic human rights were usurped. When her teacher spotted a cross dangling from my granddaughter’s necklace she told her to tuck the cross under her blouse, and then she told her she must never wear it to school again as it may “offend” other faiths.
It saddens my heart knowing my granddaughter and other Christian children in the public school system have lost the right:
- to bring a Bible to school,
- to wear a cross,
- to recite the Lord’s Prayer, and
- to opt out of Sex-Ed classes, those that contradict timeless, biblical principles.
I humbly request that our new government revisit my dire concerns, as I too, believe it’s time for a change, REAL change that will guarantee religious freedom for “all” Canadians.
Respectfully,
Tracy Campbell
I mailed the letter with my card shown below.
Printed on the left inside of the card is the following quote:
“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.” – Anatole France
I have no clue what will happen next, I just believe that…
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
I urge you to write to your government. Be “Ewe-Neek” and take a stand for what’s right.
SO proud of you!!!
Thank you, Brenda. I’m always happy to see you pop up here. 🙂
Very nice Tracy. I haven’t heard JT speak, just little snippets from the campaign ads. He does sound like a very powerful speaker indeed.
You will let us know what reply you get from his office.
He is a great speaker. I’ll certainly let everyone know. Thanks, Nanci 🙂
Way to go, Tracy. Stand up for your convictions!
It’s not easy, Linda, but thanks for your encouragement. 🙂
Tracy, I admire how you acted courageously, honestly and respectfully. I pray that Christians will also be granted religious freedom in Canada again. May “God keep our land glorious and free”, for everyone–not just the ones deemed fashionably and politically correct. I love Canada. All of it.
Blessings & hugs ~ Wendy
Wendy L Macdonald recently posted..5 Fabulous Phrases that Can Save a Parent’s Sanity
Hi Wendy, I’m glad my letter came across honestly and respectfully. I’m praying too. Thank you for encouraging me, my fellow Canadian friend. 🙂
Oh Tracy,
This is so well said. The other day a little girl brought a picture of Jonah and the whale from Sunday School to daycare. Her teacher told her that nothing like that could come into the classroom. ??? What? And your story I can’t believe it. If a little girl can’t wear her cross or bring a Bible there is something wrong with our “openness” as a society. I will wear my cross and no one better tell me to “tuck it inside my blouse”.
Blessings,
Janis
Janis Cox recently posted..Creative Tuesdays – Black Cat – A good omen or bad, or nothing?
I’m saying Oh Janis, too, I feel so badly for that little girl who was told she couldn’t bring her beautiful picture of daycare. Yes, and please wear your cross proudly. Funny enough, I don’t own one, but I’m going to buy one this week. 🙂
A wonderful letter, Tracy! This is what happens when you listen to that nagging little voice. 😉
Well done!
Marylin Warner recently posted..Improve Your BOO I.Q.
Thanks for your “vote” of confidence, Marylin. You make me smile. 🙂
Good for you Tracy, shocking story about that cross.
Christine recently posted..Creative Tuesdays – Black Cat
Thanks so much for popping in Christine. It is a shocking story about the cross, and I have more stories like it.
Thank you Tracy for your courageous act in speaking up for our Christian values! This act is an inspiration for us to do the same when our Christian rights and freedoms are challenged. May God Bless you!
Oh, Cheryl, you made my day. Not only because you’ve encouraged me, but because you took the time to pop in. Thank you! 🙂
Well-said and such a brave thing you did! I hope he, himself, answers you. Love it!
Thanks, Tina. 🙂