Lately we’ve been hearing one phrase pretty much every day: “We’re all in this together.” I even used it myself in a recent column. 

That statement itself isn’t new. It was already in use by 1958 when Methodist Bishop Gerald Kennedy used it in a spiritual connotation in his well-known book, “I Believe,” in a story of a woman’s dream of going to Heaven: “We must take other people with us, for we are all in this together.”

It was utilized in a political sense as early as 1972 by Richard Nixon in a speech during the Vietnam War. It has been cited several times by then-Prime Minister of the United Kingdom David Cameron since 2005 when he became the Conservative Party Head.

It has been used in a lot of music. In 1990, “All in This Together” was the title of an ecology song by a California female youth ensemble called The Singing Rainbows. Then famously, it became the title of the soundtrack to the 2006 American film, “High School Musical.” Later it was the title of a 2017 album by Willie Trout. There were also others.

It is akin to an even older one, “We’re all in the same boat,” first used in print in 1862 in “The Draft in Baldwinville” by Artemus Ward.

Like so many phrases, this one has been renewed and has picked up even greater popularity in the current pandemic.

Now there are new tragedies and concerns in which our nation is embroiled. And as Americans, we are all affected, even in small communities like ours. Thus, it applies to a much wider spectrum than merely COVID-19.

Nothing is accomplished by pulling apart and hate and resentment of others on either side of an issue. The only way to a better future is through heartfelt love. Yes, we are all in this together. Let’s make our journey one guided by love, not hate, peace, not war and unity instead of division.

If you would like to know the origin of a favorite expression, text the author at 931-212-3303 or email him at stan@stclair.net.