By Ifeoluwa Alonge
Patriotism is often referred to as ‘national pride.’ It is the quality of being patriotic—having devotion to and vigorous support for one’s country. So, we see that being patriotic means loving Jamaica and being loyal to our motherland—the place of our birth, nurture, and culture!
Now, many have been guilty as children of once wishing to live in America or migrate to other so-called ‘first-world’ countries. Sometimes we might have even openly said we did not like Jamaica or disrespected our country. This is not good; Jamaica is not perfect, but she is still our homeland. We must realise that God established us in Jamaica for a reason. If we were born in the United States to another family, our patriotism would be for the USA. Just because we get lots of gifts from our relatives in America and America is more developed than Jamaica does not mean we should hate or despise our country.
Jamaica is unique, and God watches over our country. We are the birthplace of reggae music and are reputed to have some of the best beaches on planet Earth.
Jamaica is the only independent country in the world that does not have a colour from the USA flag on our flag. We sent a bobsled team to the 2000 Winter Olympics and beat the USA and other countries with snow and proper equipment. In Psalm 33:12–22, it says that God protects a nation and blesses its inhabitants when they fear and respect Him.
Now, we must also be very loyal to our country during any circumstance or hardship. Many people living in war zones like Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq have stayed true to their countries. Jamaica is by no means in such a catastrophic situation, yet we are disloyal to Jamaica and adore other nations. Some of these nations do not even stand for the values that Jamaica stands for, like equality, faith in God through Jesus Christ, free speech, unlimited access to information, and free press. We must learn to appreciate and love our country. The grass always seems so much greener on the other side of the fence, but be careful; it may turn out to be artificial turf when you get there! Some Jamaicans feel that other countries, like America, are so much better places to live, but these countries have their own challenges that their citizens encounter daily; some are even worse off than in Jamaica. We must value our nation; it is priceless.
Jesus Christ, our Saviour, and many others in the Bible all valued Israel. They thought of Israel as their homeland. Even when they were taken away from Israel, they still longed to return. Despite all of their challenges and hardships, they loved their country. Have you ever heard of soldiers who risked their lives to save their country? They are very patriotic. Their intense love for their country is what drives them. Their intense love for the land that God gave them is what pushes them. We must strive to be patriotic and exhibit our love for our own country. Let us celebrate Jamaica—the land we love—and trust God to pull us through.
In this October month of celebrating our heroes, let us remember their patriotism and how they loved this country and brought us along, with God’s help, to where we are today—a great country of beauty and glory!
Let us pray our national anthem:
“Eternal Father bless our land,
Guard us with Thy Mighty Hand,
Keep us free from evil powers,
Be our light through countless hours.
To our Leaders, Great Defender,
Grant true wisdom from above.
Justice, Truth be ours forever,
Jamaica, Land we love.
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love.
Teach us true respect for all,
Stir response to duty’s call, strengthen us the weak to cherish,
Give us vision lest we perish.
Knowledge send us Heavenly Father,
Grant true wisdom from above.
Justice, Truth be ours forever,
Jamaica, land we love.
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love.”
____________________________________
Contact Ifeoluwa at [email protected]. He is 14 years old and has been writing for FC Rain since he was age 11, which is when this article was written.
