Courage

by Bob A Clifton

Courage

In a recent opportunity at Ft. Riley I had the opportunity to listen to Dr. Charles Smith. Dr. Smith is a professor, author, and speaker for Kansas State Research Extension. His most recent book is titled “Raising Courageous Kids”. After 9/11 Dr. Smith started asking the question of what gives people courage to do heroic things. Dr. Smith read countless stories of people rising up and being heroes in the midst of a tragic scene. Dr. Smith wandered why some people went down the stairs to save their own life for 9/11 and why other people went up the stairs to try to save another life. From that questioned spawned the idea of this book. How do we raise and create a courageous kids?

The root word of courage, originating from a French word, is divided into two parts. The first being “cour”, which means heart. The second part is “age”, meaning action; heart action being the total meaning of courage. I thought this was brilliant. Something Dr. Smith brought up was that all heroism involves acts of courage. As I thought about this two word meaning, I began wandering what it would mean to have one or another. I often have action that does not involve heart. I can even say, sadly, some of my movement toward other people have involved action without the heart. I can also say that I have had heart about many things, but had no action to back that heart up.

Something he said that really grabbed my attention is what I will focus on today. Dr. Smith said “all courage has overcoming fear as an element.” This really struck me, not only to teach children but more for our daily walk with Christ. 1 Peter 4:1 says”

Therefore, since Christ has suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.

I got to thinking on my way home that it takes courage to live this Christian life. I mean really live this life. A recent initiative at my job has led me into a relationship with a young lady that is absolutely opposed to the Christian faith. I have thoroughly enjoyed our discussions, debates, and disagreements. She is a fire ball of world optimism, global issue awareness, feminine rights, and opposition of religion, especially Jesus Christ. Honestly it has been a long time since I have been in relationship with someone that has this strong of a belief pattern. Since being at home my opportunities to interact with people who oppose Christianity has lessened. This has been such an eye opener to the task at hand in bringing the gospel to the world.

I typically don’t think of myself as a very courageous person. I leave that title for martyr’s, our incredible military, and children who do miraculous feats. But what does God think? Is he proud when I show “heart action” at work? I could easily pass on the struggle of what that conversation is going to bring. Knowing that in this day and age it will be easy for her to find people that side with her and give affirmation to her belief system. Does it take courage to go home and be present as a dad after a long day at work? What about talking to the teenager at church that is isolated and struggling to fit in.

I wander where God needs you to have “heart action”. I am thinking of a place in your life where God is going to have to come through in order for you to be successful. A battle that is not small, but a battle that is beyond your own strength and comfort to come through. Could be a relationship at work, or it could simply be engaging your wife that has been upset with you for weeks. So many places are built for men to have courage, and unlike any other time in history so desperately needed. What would it mean for you to have courage today?