10358549_10153034523581757_8947417784648984219_n

Nous sommes Charlie

We are blessed with a wonderful thing at in a nutshell.

We have a public platform where we can write, post, share ideas and stories.

Five university-educated women get to share our thoughts and views with anyone in the world who decides to visit us.

Sometimes we discuss serious topics, but more often than not, we don’t.

We talk fashion, music, food and lifestyle because that is what interests us. But, no one is stopping us from conversing about politics, gender, democracy and mental health.

We live in a country where freedom of speech is celebrated, and for that, we are grateful.

The horrific events that took place in France yesterday have shaken the world. At any time, under any circumstance, the loss of 12 innocent lives is tragic and our hearts would go out to the victims and their families regardless of the way they were taken from us.

But, in this instance, it seemed appropriate as writers, journalists and believers in the right to voice our opinion, that we must take a moment to honour the brave souls whose lives were lost on Jan. 7, in Paris.

Stéphane “Charb” Charbonnier, the editor of Charlie Hebdo—the French magazine attacked by gunmen Wednesday, left the world with this quote: “I’d rather die on my feet than live on my knees.”

Words of inspiration as the world works a little harder to leave its faith in humanity after the events that have taken place in recent months all over, including right here, in Canada, and in our hometown.

But, with every incomprehensible event, comes a counter attack of love.

We saw it in #BostonStrong, in Sydney with #illridewithyou, all across Ontario when thousands gathered at the Highway of Heroes to honour Cpl. Nathan Cirillo. And now, in France, where unwavering residents will not be silenced and have declared in one voice: Je suis Charlie.

We, too, are choosing to believe that love can conquer hate.

We are Charlie.

Reposer en paix.banksy

Leave a Reply