A recent photograph in my local paper showed President Trump awarding the Medal of Honor to a Green Beret who had risked his life to save his team from an attack by insurgents. My admiration for such action knows no limits. I can’t help but wonder if I could ever demonstrate such bravery. As I pondered this, I started thinking about the entire concept of courage.
When considering the subject, I suspect most would think of those, like the Green Beret and so many in the military, willing to put their lives on the line to save others. Or spouses or parents who throw their bodies over a loved one for protection during a shooting. Or early explorers and astronauts willing to risk all to advance knowledge or simply to go where no one has before. Or those willing to die for a cause felt to be worth the risks. A cause like the civil rights movement. Imagine what it must have required to take a stand knowing it could lead to hosings, beatings, lynchings.
Who could not have the greatest respect for such acts of courage? But does all bravery take this form? I have come to believe there are other forms of courage, examples of which I see on a regular basis. People who have never lifted a gun or cannot imagine distinguishing themselves on the battlefield daily demonstrate a quiet and incredible strength that inspires us all.
Many live with illnesses or physical impairments, some all their lives, yet become productive citizens. A famous example is Stephen Hawking, a brilliant physicist who defied his Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis diagnosis and amazed the world with his revelations while confined to a wheelchair and using a computerized voice to communicate. But bravery doesn’t demand fame. I have met so many who have lived life to the fullest despite terminal diagnoses or chronic conditions that will never improve. In the same vein are parents who, expecting a normal child, are blessed with one having difficulties. I say blessed, because they find inner reserves and raise the child in a loving way. Courage!
How about care givers? There can’t be anything more difficult than looking out for a loved one day after day, month after month, year after year. It is exhausting. It is frustrating. It is discouraging. Yet they wake every morning determined to do the best they can for those for whom they’ve assumed responsibility. Courage!
While we’re on the subjects of parents, think about those who have lost a child through accident or suicide or murder. To me just going on living after such an event is an amazing accomplishment. But think about how many of them have moved beyond even that to become advocates against the situation that took their child. Mothers Against Drunk Driving is an excellent example. Courage!
There is the rare politician who is willing to put his political future on the line by speakinåg up when he sees his party moving in the wrong direction. Or anyone for that matter who stands up against improper action. Those, for example, who report sexual abuse, or confront and do not permit bigotry in their presence. Courage!
In this age and in this country where money is king, we have people who select a life path they know will be nonremunerative. An obvious example is those who enter teaching. They work in a field that used to be respected, but now is not from a large segment of society. They deal with students who often are not motivated and whose parents are not supportive of student or teacher. Yet they plow on, driven by the desire to accomplish something worthwhile. Others choose paths like art or music or history or English, not known for their monetary reward. Yet what is society without contributions from these and other such fields? Courage!
Finally, what about the person attempting nothing more than leading a decent life? Working hard every day, perhaps in two or more jobs in order to provide for her family. Not cheating anyone. Not avoiding taxes. Staying calm when confronted with anger. Being good to his family. Not succumbing to any of the nefarious demands arising from so many directions. Courage!
Yes, courage takes many forms. Look around. I suspect you will see it often.
When considering the subject, I suspect most would think of those, like the Green Beret and so many in the military, willing to put their lives on the line to save others. Or spouses or parents who throw their bodies over a loved one for protection during a shooting. Or early explorers and astronauts willing to risk all to advance knowledge or simply to go where no one has before. Or those willing to die for a cause felt to be worth the risks. A cause like the civil rights movement. Imagine what it must have required to take a stand knowing it could lead to hosings, beatings, lynchings.
Who could not have the greatest respect for such acts of courage? But does all bravery take this form? I have come to believe there are other forms of courage, examples of which I see on a regular basis. People who have never lifted a gun or cannot imagine distinguishing themselves on the battlefield daily demonstrate a quiet and incredible strength that inspires us all.
Many live with illnesses or physical impairments, some all their lives, yet become productive citizens. A famous example is Stephen Hawking, a brilliant physicist who defied his Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis diagnosis and amazed the world with his revelations while confined to a wheelchair and using a computerized voice to communicate. But bravery doesn’t demand fame. I have met so many who have lived life to the fullest despite terminal diagnoses or chronic conditions that will never improve. In the same vein are parents who, expecting a normal child, are blessed with one having difficulties. I say blessed, because they find inner reserves and raise the child in a loving way. Courage!
How about care givers? There can’t be anything more difficult than looking out for a loved one day after day, month after month, year after year. It is exhausting. It is frustrating. It is discouraging. Yet they wake every morning determined to do the best they can for those for whom they’ve assumed responsibility. Courage!
While we’re on the subjects of parents, think about those who have lost a child through accident or suicide or murder. To me just going on living after such an event is an amazing accomplishment. But think about how many of them have moved beyond even that to become advocates against the situation that took their child. Mothers Against Drunk Driving is an excellent example. Courage!
There is the rare politician who is willing to put his political future on the line by speakinåg up when he sees his party moving in the wrong direction. Or anyone for that matter who stands up against improper action. Those, for example, who report sexual abuse, or confront and do not permit bigotry in their presence. Courage!
In this age and in this country where money is king, we have people who select a life path they know will be nonremunerative. An obvious example is those who enter teaching. They work in a field that used to be respected, but now is not from a large segment of society. They deal with students who often are not motivated and whose parents are not supportive of student or teacher. Yet they plow on, driven by the desire to accomplish something worthwhile. Others choose paths like art or music or history or English, not known for their monetary reward. Yet what is society without contributions from these and other such fields? Courage!
Finally, what about the person attempting nothing more than leading a decent life? Working hard every day, perhaps in two or more jobs in order to provide for her family. Not cheating anyone. Not avoiding taxes. Staying calm when confronted with anger. Being good to his family. Not succumbing to any of the nefarious demands arising from so many directions. Courage!
Yes, courage takes many forms. Look around. I suspect you will see it often.
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