The “Keep Calm and Carry On” poster was commissioned in 1939 by the Ministry of Information in England. This poster was created in an effort to boost morale as World War II was looming. Though more than a million of these posters were originally commissioned the slogan never seemed to catch on and after the war ended they were kept in storage where most were destroyed.
In 2000 a book shop owner in Alnwick, England came across a poster in the bottom of a box of donated books. Not aware of the origin of the poster, yet drawn to its sentiment, the poster was framed and hung in the book shop. The rest is history!
Keep Calm and Carry On is now found on mugs, tee shirts and everything in between. The slogan has been tweaked in more ways than one can count to the likes of Keep Calm and Drink Tea to Keep calm and Call Batman.
During our present tumultuous political climate this slogan has taken on deeper meaning. If you spend any time listening to the political pundits, navigating the political scene is complicated at best. It is easy to become overwhelmed and give up. Even though this popular slogan was masterminded by England’s Ministry of Information more than seven decades ago it is more relevant than ever. In fact, the concept of calm during turbulent times is God’s idea.
After a day of teaching the large crowds drawn to hear Jesus’ message, He instructs His disciples to get into a boat and begin to sail across the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:35-41). With Jesus asleep in the stern, a storm sweeps down the hills and hovers over the sea causing such rocky seas that these veteran fishermen are frightened. “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Jesus’ wakes, rebukes the storm with His command “Be still!” He then turns to His disciples and with the loving words of a Father realizing this was a teachable moment says, “Why are you so afraid: Do you still have no faith?”
Jesus’ wakes, rebukes the storm with His command “Be still!” He then turns to His disciples and with the loving words of a Father realizing this was a teachable moment says, “Why are you so afraid: Do you still have no faith?”
What is interesting is what happened next. Upon docking at the region of the Gerasenes, Jesus picks up where He left off…..teaching, preaching and healing.
What does this account have to do with American voters wanting to promote God’s will through our choice of the next leader of our nation? Jesus said, “be still” or….keep calm. A harried thought process is a tactic of our adversary. There is nothing more that Satan would love than for us to throw up your hands and not vote because there is a sense that it is a “lost cause.” Don’t buy into that frame of mind. Invite Jesus into the voting process by finding reputable sources on the candidates’ issues and mulling over them in Christ’s presence believing He will guide your decision.
The next step to take is to follow Jesus’ example by continuing in ministry. Register your vote and then keep on serving for the betterment of God’s Kingdom, or…..carry on! Get involved by serving to make your local community a better place.
Followers of Christ are people of hope, prayer and action. So, do your homework, vote on Election Day and get involved in molding your country’s future. No matter what the political scene may seem, God is still in control!
In other words, keep calm and carry on!
