by Jor-El Godsey, President
Ever wonder how the craze that is the “Keep Calm” posters, memes and variations came from? The history is interesting and, actually, relevant for pregnancy help leaders today.
During the Second World War, the British Government entrusted the Ministry of Information (MOI) with the responsibility for publicity and propaganda. In late 1939, after the outbreak of the war, the MOI was appointed to design a number of morale boosting posters to be displayed across the British Isles during the war, the threat of invasion and potential occupation.
The posters were required to be similar in style, colorful and feature the symbolic crown of King George VI along with a simple yet effective font. The first two posters, ‘Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution will Bring Us Victory’ and ‘Freedom is in Peril’ were produced by His Majesty’s Stationery Office (HMSO).
These two were posted on public transport, in shop windows, on notice boards across Britain. The third and final poster of the set was again very straightforward and to the point - it simply read ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’. The plan in place for this poster was to issue it only upon the invasion of Britain by Germany. As this never happened, the poster was never released.
At least not until recently. The unpublished posters languished in storage for more than 50 years when they were re-discovered and released. The originals became collector’s items and the theme hit the UK and then the world.
In our own culture war, our traditional values have been attacked on every front. The pregnancy help community, operating with a faith motive and godly imperative, can rightly identify with the first poster, ‘Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution will Bring Us Victory.’ Nehemiah tells us (chapter 8:10) “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” It is for the joy set before us that we can operate with courage, cheerfulness and resolution.
The latest battles against religion and, in particular, pregnancy help efforts calls to mind the second MIO poster, “Freedom is in peril.” In a legal sense, our freedom to speak life and proclaim life everlasting unhindered is very much at risk. Our opposition is intent upon diminishing and, ultimately, silencing our message.
Fortunately for the British, the third poster, “Keep Calm & Carry On” as a response to the actual invasion of enemy forces was not needed. Unfortunately, that is not true of our war today. Since Roe v. Wade, Big Abortion has grown increasingly stronger politically and financially over the past forty years. The culture of death has overwhelmed our land and the message of the third poster is especially applicable to us.
Amazingly, in recent years the polls have shown a shift to the pro-life position. More and more legislators are passing meaningful pro-life laws. More lives being saved through innovative and faithful pregnancy help efforts. Keep calm and carry on.
