Representative Danny Morgan Reports: In God We Trust

For me the fall months bring more than cooler weather, as I think about days past and I look toward the future with faith and acceptance that in God I trust, and that through God, all things are possible. In my life I have been truly blessed, and the joyous moments have far outweighed the darker days of loss. Through it all I have surrendered my heart, body and soul to God, and I have been a better husband, father, and man for it.

I find God in the world around me every day – in the earth beneath my feet and the sky above, and in the hearts of friends and strangers. This past year I thought it fitting to recognize the role of God in our lives, and I introduced a resolution to adopt “In God We Trust” as the official state motto of Oklahoma. Our state has and continues to face turmoil in every conceivable form – from loss and tragedy, illness and disease, to financial upheaval and instability so deep that the light at the end of the tunnel appears lost. In these difficult times I turn to God in prayer, and I feel as though our state can and will regain some balance if it takes its first step forward in faith.

For over 50 years the national motto has been “In God We Trust”, and seven states either mention God or make reference to Him in their state motto.  Many people mistakenly believe that “Labor Omnia Vincit” which means labor conquers all things, is our state motto, given its inclusion on our official state seal. I do not wish to remove this phrase from our seal, but to adopt “In God We Trust” as our state motto, as I believe that by placing this powerful phrase in statute we both honor the Almighty and are reminded that as long as our state trusts in God, it will prevail.

In July of this year the United States Court of Appeals heard a challenge and ruled again that the national motto of “In God We Trust” is constitutional and does not violate the Establishment Clause. I don’t think that the First Amendment was ever intended to erase from history references to God or His great significance in our heritage.

My resolution to adopt the state motto of “In God We Trust” was not heard this past session, but I plan to reintroduce this measure. Going on faith and prayer, I hope to be successful in adopting this motto and honoring the role of God in our lives.