Keep Calm

In the days leading up to World War II, the British government ordered a series of three posters that would be hung throughout the country to bolster people’s courage in the dark days to come. Of the three posters, only two were used. The third poster didn’t come to light until more than fifty years later, when one was discovered in a UK bookstore, Barter Books (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sKV0-VisAo&t=1s). The words of the poster, “Keep Calm and Carry On,” have become a mantra for many in the twenty-first century. The purpose of the message—not to allow fear and discouragement to paralyze and demoralize us—echoes countless Scriptures telling us not fear. However, there is a hidden danger when we attempt to present a facade of “calmness” without recognizing the emotional turmoil we’re experiencing and acknowledging our need for help—we can end up causing ourselves more harm than good.