I came across the “Keep Calm and Carry On” meme this morning and was immediately inspired. Several things struck a chord: I love learning about WW2, I’m a big fan of all things British and I love the idea to use beautiful art to convey a much needed message in a time of great turmoil. After listening to the backstory of the piece, Paul’s letter to the Philippian church came to mind – specifically chapter four verse six where he instructs them to not worry or be anxious about anything but to pray about everything. As the poster was intended to only be used if the nation was under great duress I can’t think of a better message of comfort then to Keep Calm (do not be anxious) and Carry On (carry your burdens to One who cares for you.)
Josh, I saw your reference to this over at churchm.ag. I really like what you done with this.
Thanks! I really like the concept and it came together well. I just need to print a poster now :)
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Not familiar with Philippians – but I think “Carry On” may be read another way. If you carry on, you may end up helping someone else and carrying THEIR burdens; or, give hope to someone else to help them keep calm. I think it’s about community.During WWII, Princess Elizabeth = in her late teens – and her family – declined to evacuate to Canada. Elizabeth spent the war as an ambulance attendant, physically tending to the wounds of whoever was injured, regardless of class. It’s my understanding that knowledge of this was fairly widespread, and the image of a member of the royal family giving comfort to, carrying the blood, of commoners, went a long way towards making the British feel like one unified community. JS
Hi Jonathan,
Totally agree with you – all I was doing was to put a Biblical worldview on the idea the poster conveyed.
My worldview asks the question how are we supposed to be calm and carry on in the middle of the horror and chaos of war?
My answer would be that I have faith in God who holds all things together and even though I don’t understand why things happen I have faith that He is in control.
It is for that reason the Apostle Paul writes in Philippians to “be anxious for nothing, but to pray about everything and to have confidence that God will give you peace.” That is how I keep calm and carry on no matter what.
I, too, like the poster, which breathes the British character of being undisturbed in tough times.This is a great application! Thank you.