An effort to reaffirm America’s national motto “In God We Trust” will be the focus of a social media “shout-out” campaign on July 30, 2014. Lea Carawan, executive director of the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation, the organization behind a nationwide In God We Trust. Put It Up! campaign, describes the effort as “part of a proactive strategy spearheaded by national and state government leaders to protect God’s enduring and rightful place in America.” The phrase, “In God We Trust,” has been inscribed on the nation’s currency since the 1800s and officially became the national motto when President Dwight Eisenhower signed it into law on July 30, 1956. In 2011 the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a resolution (396 to 9) that reaffirmed the national motto and encouraged its public display. Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA), a key proponent of the resolution, comments, “It is not just a reaffirmation of four words. It is a reaffirmation of the American spirit and a recommitment to the principles that define our nation.” Since then elected leaders and citizens inspired by the landslide vote have taken action. Some examples include:

• More than 100 members of Congress and 400 state legislators from both parties have agreed to hang in their offices a replica of the engraved motto found in the U.S. Capitol Visitor’s Center.
• In Michigan, the winner of an art contest promoting “In God We Trust” and involving 600 high schools was honored at the state capitol.
• In California, hundreds of cities are displaying “In God We Trust” in their public buildings.
• In Pennsylvania, government leaders are passing legislation to encourage the display of “In God We Trust” in every school classroom.

On July 30, the anniversary of the day in 1956 when President Eisenhower signed into law the creation of the phrase as our national motto, citizens are invited to add their voices to a national social media “shout-out” that will reach millions of people on one day with the message “In God We Trust.” Organizers anticipate a “battle cry” will be raised up on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms. This will be an opportunity to not only say, “In God We Trust,” but also pray it and display it. The Congressional Prayer Caucus leaders invite prayer for state and national leaders to stand courageously and proudly display the national motto. To participate in the social networking shout-out, go to InGodWeTrust.com and sign up. (C) 2014 Prayer Connect magazine