In 1864, the United States government decided to add the motto 'In God We Trust' to coins as well as paper bills. It is also during this time that Amanda Wright's husband is fighting in the Civil War, leaving her to raise their son in his absence. When Gideon returns home from class with several injuries, Amanda finds that his faiths and morals are being questioned. With a quick lesson, the mother teaches her son that it is in God they must put their trust in, especially if their family is to be reunited.