Maryland Governor Wes Moore posted on X about receiving a Bible from his grandfather before he passed away, noting an inscription that read “Have faith, not fear.” He wrote that fear is the accelerant of nationalism while faith is the foundation of patriotism, and called on people to choose faith. The post has prompted strong reactions online, including demands such as “Show us that Bible” and rebukes questioning the story’s authenticity given his public record.
The video shows Governor Wes Moore speaking at a podium, with the American and Maryland state flags behind him, as he delivers a personal reflection on patriotism. He states, “My grandfather was maybe the most patriotic person I’ve ever known.”
Moore recalls joining the Army at 17 and the pride his grandfather expressed in that choice, explaining that his grandfather taught him “true patriotism is not a passive activity because your love for the country will be tested in both big ways and small.”
He shares that while serving in Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division, his grandfather passed away, and “the last gift that he ever gave me was a Bible” that he carried “in my flak vest.” Inside it, he found the four words “have faith not fear.”
Moore continues that “fear is the accelerant of nationalism. Faith is the foundation of patriotism,” and urges listeners to “choose faith,” describing it as a faith that the impact of their work will be felt for generations, that they are fighting for a country worth fighting for, and that the best days are still ahead as “the work of patriotism.”
The post text largely repeats the message delivered in the video. It is not clear from the clip alone what specific audience or occasion prompted the remarks, though public records indicate the comments originated from a July 4 address on patriotism.
Skepticism and Scrutiny Greet Governor’s Grandfather Tribute
Some commenters questioned the authenticity of the personal story, with one writing “Given your track record, I’m just going to say it: Show us that Bible” and another stating “I have no faith whatsoever that this story about the gift of a Bible from your grandfather on his deathbed would have occurred!”
Others connected the account to earlier public claims about the family’s history, asking whether it involved “the same grandfather who you said was chased out of America by the KKK” and declaring “You’re a racist and a liar” while adding that “patriotism IS nationalism, you *expletive*.”
Viewers also raised the governor’s policy record in contrast to the faith message, as the “Maryland Family Institute noted his administration’s actions on abortion access without limits, taxpayer funding of transgender treatments, and requirements for faith-based hospitals before requesting that he “stop using the language of biblical faith.” “
Additional comments directly addressed the nationalism and patriotism distinction, including “Dude, shut up, nationalism is loving your nation, and there is nothing fearful about it; it’s the reason we made it 250 years.”
Moore’s reflections on faith, patriotism, and family have sparked an active conversation on X that continues to unfold. The clip adds one more moment to the broader debate over public leadership and personal narratives.
