In a recent article written for a preaching periodical, Michael Duduit tells the story of the book, Keep Calm and Carry On. The title is based on a poster produced by the British government in 1939 during the dark days of World War II. More than two million copies were printed to be used as an instrument of encouragement in the event that Germany invaded the island nation.
     Only a few of the posters were distributed. Most were destroyed after the war. About ten years ago, a poster was discovered in a bookstore, where it attracted the attention of customers. Because the copyright had expired on the poster, the store's owner began reproducing copies. In time, several other products were created with the distinctive look, and the posters have shown up in a variety of settings, including the Prime Minister's home and office at 10 Downing Street.
In any event, this little book contains an assortment of common sense wisdom to inspire readers to "keep calm and carry on." Here are a few examples:

"There is no education like adversity." (Benjamin Disraeli)
"It isn't so much that hard times are coming: the change observed is mostly soft times going." (Groucho Marx)
"Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow." (Swedish proverb)
"My life has been filled with terrible misfortune, most of which never happened." (Michel de Montaigne)
"The greatest mistake one can ever make is to be afraid of making one." (Elbert Hubbard)
"I am an optimist. It doesn't seem too much use being anything else." (Winston Churchill)

 

     I enjoyed reading these and other words of wisdom, but I continue to be convinced the best reminders to "keep calm and carry on" are found in my favorite book... "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want."