Illegitimi non carborundum

It was first used during the Second World War and has been attributed to British army intelligence. The Free Dictionary lists the definition as: "A humorous pseudo-Latin expression meant to translate as don't let the bastards grind you down. "Meaning do not succumb to the oppressive influence of others."

Rt Rev David Jenkins, Bishop of Durham (1984-94)

I was introduced to this phrase while studying theology in London, 1983 to 1986.  I had gone to a public lecture, being given by a controversial, Anglican bishop of the day, David Jenkins of Durham.  He was being attacked by powerful forces for standing up for the rights of the worker.  They were criticizing him on the basis that the church should keep out of politics.  They just did not want to appreciate that by standing up for the little person, the vulnerable, he was doing what church does.  For them, this was not what church does.  

So the good bishop was controversial simply because he proclaimed the gospel in the midst of his harsh, social reality, on the side of the marginalized.  That was what the gospel obliged him to do.      

During that lecture, he shared his motto - "Illegitimi non carborundum".   It really tickled me to hear a bishop, no matter what brand, speak like this.  I have never forgotten it.  

His motto was telling the world that no matter what the opposition, he was keeping his focus on the gospel and its values, for upholding the good of those forgotten in society.  He was not putting down others opposing him.  Rather he was showing us the way to always keep the course for good and never give up, no matter what we faced.  

Our focus is to ever remain the Kingdom of God.  Our commitment is to keep that wider focus for humanity, despite all hardship.  There is no need to oppose others.  The task is simply to keep the right focus of the gospel.