I Am Ready For Whatever Comes

Gott mit uns, which is German for "God is with us," is a phrase that was commonly used in heraldry in Prussia (from 1701) and later by the German military during the periods spanning the German Empire (1871 to 1918), the Third Reich (1933 to 1945), and the early years of West Germany (1949 to 1962).

Most notably the slogan was embossed on the belt buckles of German soldiers during both world wars.



It is interesting that, wearing the words 'God is with us,' the Germans lost both wars. Fred Winterfeldt, a German-born Baba lover who fought for Germany in WWI, saw a soldier shot straight through his belt buckle and and keel to his death.

The slogan implies that God is on one's side in war. This sentiment is very old and goes back to the Greeks who always believed the gods favored them in war. President Abraham Lincoln is frequently quoted as saying:

Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.

When you think about it, it's about as absurd as the previous sentiment. Fortunately there is no evidence Lincoln ever said it.

I personally prefer the American Indian credo, "It is a good day to die." It's more honest and a heck of a lot braver.



Unfortunately, once again, there is no evidence any Indian ever said this. The actual recorded Sioux battle-cry was "Nake nula wauŋ welo!" It means "I am ready for whatever comes."