Courage

        "Courage comes in many forms and is manifested daily in many ways. We see on the news that a person's life has been saved or a rescue has been made in some way that is considered heroic. Heroes seem to show courage that we think unusual. It is the dramatic display of courge that always brings the most attention. It is well and good to recognize the courage it takes when someone puts his or her life in danger to save another. High praise should be extended. The kind of courage addressed here is types of courage that are shown daily but seldom is recognized.

        What does it take to be courageous? It takes strength, persistence, and will. It takes the knowledge that one can persevere in times of tragedy and in times of crisis. Some are tested more than others. The endurance called for seems to be beyond human capability, yet it is there. In many cases it also takes time. Strength seldom comes overnight, but is built upon and increased over time. As this strength grows, so does courage. Many times the person who is courageous is not aware of the presence of this characteristic aspect. The energy needed and the will needed to push forward and sometimes just to live, takes away time or inclination for contemplation or self examination.

        To have courage one must have a foundation. That foundation must be strong and able to withstand the difficulties that one faces. There must be an inner core of balance, an inner core of steadiness. It is extremely difficult to have this inwardly when outwardly things are out of balance. This is where will power comes into play. Willing one's self to push ahead, to keep on trying, to keep on believing, to keep on living in the midst of turmoil. Knowing that there is light within and light at the end of that tunnel that is so often used as an example, is a comforting thought. With that thought there must be belief, belief in self, and belief in help within. When your life requires courage you do not think you have, try to start with a small amount of strength. Take that strength and weave it around your will to try and try again. Courage is within and it is that courage that is as important as the wondrous acts of courage we see displayed openly in many ways.

        You are more courageous than you know."