Keep Calm and Plan Ahead

It's on t-shirts, billboards, signs, plaques, mugs. . .you name it, the phrase, "keep calm and carry on" is everywhere.

Where did this saying originate? Did it pop out of nowhere and gain popularity?

Not exactly. This phrase has a unique history.

You see, "Keep calm" went along with two other phrases, "Your courage, your cheerfulness, your resolution will bring us victory" and "Freedom is in peril. Defend it with all your might."

These sayings were printed in capital letters in distinct typeface with two colors, included with the crown of King George VI.

The posters were made to bring encouragement to people in Great Britain during the peril of WWII.

They were plastered all over the country. On railroad platforms, in pubs, stores and restaurants.

However, the people of England never saw the Keep Calm poster. It was ready, exactly the same as the other two. Similar colors, typeface and simple graphic.

But this poster was on standby. Ready to be released to the public if an extreme crisis occurred, such as a German invasion.

Great Britain held them off and this phrase was never needed.

It wasn't discovered until 60 years later when a bookseller found this long lost treasure hidden in a pile of old books bought at an auction. Then this phrase was presented to the public.

The story of the Keep Calm poster is a reminder of preparedness in the day of trouble. Was this phrase ever needed? No, but it was ready if the time ever came.

In our own lives, we know the times of trouble will come. I am constantly reminded that it is not so much what I go through in this life, but how I respond to the trials.

Am I prepared to suffer?

We can never be completely equipped for what life throws at us, but, in the meantime, I can pray that when these times come, I am ready with Christ-like behavior, ready to "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:13).

Just like those in Great Britain prepared that poster for a crisis, am I preparing my heart for the crises that will come in my own life?