"In God We Trust" began appearing on U.S. coins in 1964 during a religious revival inspired by The Civil War. In 1956, President Dwight Eisenhower signed a law making the phrase the national motto.
But doesn't official use of the phase by U.S government bodies violate the first amendment of the United States Constitution?
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
While using the phrase on money or as a motto doesn't necessarily establish a religion, it definitely endorses the belief in a nebulous god which appears to run counter to the Constitution.
So which god is this that we, as Americans, are trusting? One of the thousands of Hindu gods? The Judaeo-Christian-Muslim god? An ancient Norse god, Odin?
The phrase is also bothersome to the millions of atheists and agnostics in American who would probably prefer that the government trust in science than a supernatural being they doesn't believe exists.
By a 4 to 2 vote, the The Bakersfield City Council in California approved adding "In God We Trust" to its police and fire vehicles last June and they were applied to them in October. Officers who wish to not have the decal on their vehicles had the right to refuse and the decals were paid for by a private organization.
The decision was a victory for Pastor Angelo Frazier who championed the idea.
"This is just the tip of the spear," Frazier said according to Bakersfield.com. The pastor hopes to get the motto emblazoned on law enforcement vehicles throughout the state.
"We have people that love God and love country and know how important this type of thing is to the long-term success of our country," Bakersfield City Councilwoman Jacquie Sullivan, said.
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While police officers do a lot of wonderful services that keep communities safe they are also the administrators of state violence. The law allows them to detain you, put you in a cage, take your possessions, and inflict violence on your body.
Now, in Bakersfield, they do so while stating they work under the influence of a supernatural being that some of us do not even believe exists. How does that not violate the basic concepts of separation of church and state?
The American Civil Liberties Union has a problem with the motto being on government vehicles.
"Unlike God, police officers are fallible. Their conduct should be scrutinized by the public, and when they overstep their authority, we must insist on accountability," Jordan Wells, an ACLU lawyer, stated.
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Two city council members opposed the idea. "The God I believe in is much bigger than a bumper sticker," Andrae Gonzales said according to NBC Los Angeles.
Willie Rivera opposed the motion saying that, "I think it's clear this decision doesn't represent everybody in this community and I think this is a problem."
A Facebook post about the issue got a lot of Bakersfield residents riled up. While most commentators supported the idea, many that saw it as a clear violation of the separation of church and state.
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We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.