In God We Trust

Yesterday morning, we participated in the American Diabetes Step Out Walk. The event had a great turnout on a beautiful Indiana morning and raised a lot of money to support the ADA’s mission to prevent and cure diabetes, as well as mitigate its effects on those living with it. As the Chair of this event, I had the opportunity to share a few words with the crowd prior to the beginning of the walk. Standing in front of the more than 500 people in attendance, I closed my comments by saying “God bless you all.”

Of all the things I said during my brief comments to the audience, Sally later shared that it was that closing line that stood out to her. Curiously, I did not remember saying it until she reminded me. It just seemed fitting.

Reflecting on the day and that particular closing line this morning, I thought of our national motto, “In God We Trust.” What is it to trust? To trust another is to believe them. I trust you to do what you say you’re going to do. I trust that you mean what you say. I trust that you will not harm or betray me. To trust is to take a chance on someone else, relying on them to behave with integrity. When we say “I trust you,” we’re saying that we believe you will with good will toward us; that you will make decisions with our best interests at heart.

Of course, what we think is in our best interests reflects our complex relationship with desire – what we want is not always what we need or what is best for us. Real trust comes down to relying on the other to want goodness for us and act in a way that promotes that good. Sometimes, when we say we trust someone, what we’re really saying is “I trust you to do what I want you to do, because what I want is what’s best for me.”

On the surface, “In God We Trust” suggests a belief in Divine Providence; we trust that the Creator will act in a way that is best for us. Invoking it, I’m sure most would qualify it. The “good” we desire is a good of preference, perception, and preconception. I already know what is “good” for me and “trust” would entail things working toward that end. But to trust God is to recognize that he’s playing a different game – a long game in which our “good” is eternal.

Justice Sandra Day O’Connor argued that the motto, “In God We Trust” did not violate the separation of church and state because it was effectively “ceremonial deism,” a slogan suggesting that, if there is a God, he is not playing in our game at all, and the motto is more tagline than actual belief, or certainly real trust.

Considering my closing at the event, I realize that it had two meanings. One was a “thank you” for great generosity and for showing up to support and celebrate a mission in the service of others living with a difficult disease. The other was love, a willing of the good of the other. In this sense, “God bless you” is a prayer for your good; your complete good, both now and eternally. In God We Trust and may he bless you now, and ever, moving you toward your ultimate good.