Courageous

     I've been thinking a lot lately about the idea of courage.  What is it? What does it look like? Is there real and fake courage? How does one "be" courageous? Is there a limit on courage?  I feel one thing we can agree on unanimously, is that the trait (so to speak), of courage is a positive one. I won't say courage is a trait or virtue exactly, I'll explain:

"Courage is not simply one of the virtues, 

but the form of every virtue at the testing point"

-C.S. Lewis

     When faced with any test or trail, we are left with one of two reactions. The first, easier reaction, is to cave in; to compromise our stance and flop. It's the path of least resistance. When we allow our convictions to be compromised under pressure, we weaken our character.  A simple example is the way in which bad weather may compromise the structural integrity of a building; in the same way allowing ourselves to flounder our integrity when put under pressure compromises our character.

     

     That is to say, when our convictions are challenged, our character tried, and our virtues pushed to the limit; courage is the gauge of our virtue. The second reaction, is being courageous, it's continuing to move in the right direction, regardless of the obstacles or sheer difficulty.  Even if we may come face to face with our most daunting fears, it is courage that is the fortitude to continue on.  It is standing up for something, even when a million others may sit down.  It's the ability to do something, regardless of our fears, and having strength in the face of pain, danger, and difficulty.

     Courage pushes past the "good enough" attitude (the path of least resistance), we as humans can be guilty of (it's the easy way); refusing to compromise our convictions, and going for, whatever it is, like your life depended on it.  Courage sits at the intersection of Passion and Perseverance, and True Grit; knowing what we're fighting for, fighting with all our might, and never giving up. 

     Courage, is putting others before ourselves, it's a self-sacrificing love.  It's denying ourselves, picking up the burden of another, and continuing to walk forward along our path, never surrendering. We recently observed Remembrance Day, which really is a perfect example of courage.  Young men and women from across the country, time and time again, willingly stepping up; risking and even sacrificing their own lives, to stand up for what is right.  Laying their lives down for that of their fellow man, it's what scripture refers to as the "greatest act of love". (John 15:13)

     It may look like going against the grain, and not following the crowd, despite our fear of loneliness and isolation.  It's the strength to remain true to ourselves, regardless of outside influences.  It's daring to be bold, while yet remaining humble.  Any one can fake courage, it tends to take on the appearance of arrogance, and boastfulness; true courage just takes the step. I'll leave you with this;

 "Even in darkness, light dawns for the upright,

for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.

Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely,

who conduct their affairs with justice.

Surely the righteous will never be shaken;

they will be remembered forever.

They will have no fear of bad news;

their hearts are steadfast trusting in the Lord.

Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear;

in the end they will look in triumph on their foes."

Psalm 112:4-8