Courageous Hearts

It seems like there is a lot of trouble in the world right now, and I know more folks than ever who are struggling through difficult times. The economy has hit many people hard in both their business and personal lives. There is sickness, which within my own extended circle of contacts has come in some forms that I’ve never before experienced. Marriages and relationships are in trouble, and children have issues. There is homelessness and unemployment and life is just more complicated than it was a few years ago. These are the kind of issues that many of us live with as our current reality, and they serve as a reminder that we can’t always choose our circumstances. However, we can choose how we will respond to those circumstances. That is the one thing which no one can take away from us.


Whether we experience only small problems or we are overwhelmed with what life is throwing at us, the freedom to choose our response is what determines how we’ll get through … and who we are. We have the opportunity each day to make courageous choices that can give our life the dignity and meaning that can make it so worthwhile. Yes, I did use the word courageous. You don’t have to be a Marine or a fireman or a policeman in order to be courageous. Each one of us, from the greatest to the least needs courage. Our choices may sometimes seem small, but they are still the choices which define us. They build our character and integrity, they prove our commitment to other people, they bring honor to our roles at home and in the workplace, and they are what carry us through the difficulties we face each day. The critical virtue of courage is the catalyst which transforms an ordinary life into an extraordinary life. You don’t need to lead a battle charge, rush into a burning building or jump out of an airplane to be courageous. All you have to do is make wise choices throughout your daily life. Perhaps you may be called upon to face physical danger at some point in your life. Either way, I guaranty that you face emotional, moral and spiritual danger every day. And in those situations, which are often more difficult to identify than physical danger, we still have the opportunity to do something heroic at every juncture.

It’s so tempting to compromise in our busy and pressured world, and it always seems like there is an easier choice available that would simplify our lives. But courageous people make honorable and difficult choices even when they don’t feel like it. When we’re tired, or busy or running late it’s tempting to choose poorly. If you’re overworked or underappreciated it’s easy to respond selfishly. When the kids are getting to you, or some other relative or friend offends you the natural response is to lash out at them. When you’re doing your taxes or filling out loan documents the temptation to fudge a little presents itself. If you’re sitting in front of your computer and an inappropriate email or advertisement beckons, the most natural thing is to click on it out of curiosity. When you have everyone’s attention why not embellish your story? When folks put us on the spot it’s so simple to fabricate a little lie to protect ourselves or deflect the blame. Each of these moments, regardless how seemingly insignificant, is a test of our courage. Sure, nobody cares, no one is looking, no one will ever find out. No harm, no foul right? We can rationalize things however we like but each choice, like a single tap of the sculptor’s hammer, has an effect upon us in the long run. Each of those instances presents an opportunity to make a courageous choice. Courageous people do the right thing, even when no one is looking.

And if we develop a life of making courageous small choices, when the big ones come along or larger danger looms it will come naturally to continue choosing wisely. The small acts of courage, like the training of an athlete, prepare us for the defining moments of our lives when the chips are really down and much more is at stake. That is when heroes are made … the dramatic heroes we read about in the paper, but also the quiet heroes all around us who are the salt and light of this world.

If you’re going through difficult times right now you’ll be faced with situations and decisions that will test and stretch you. Embrace them and choose wisely so that you may emerge from this dark period as a better person. If things seem to be going great you will have different temptations, but they’ll still be there. Whatever your circumstance, remember that a courageous life will be an extraordinary life. And that is my hope and prayer for you today.

Hearts Courageous
There are those who shove their hands into their pockets
And walk off the field before the game is done
Who quit, forlorn, admitting they are beaten
And concede before they hear the final gun
But there are others who rise up to meet the challenge
And who never give a thought to their defeat
Who are winners, regardless of the scoreboard
Who give everything they have with each heartbeat
These are the ones who run when most are walking
Though muscles ache and sweat streams in their eyes
Who find hope to carry on when all seems hopeless
And forge ahead without a shred of compromise
When the battle rages and the team is slipping
Men of fortitude are always set apart
Not only by their deeds, but by their efforts
And the strength they find within courageous hearts
          By Frank Carpenter ©