Christian Living

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Courage
© 2005
by

Stephen A. Peterson


During the days before the Terri Schindler-Schiavo murder, a number of very frightened and tensed teenage boys and girls wondered out loud how they could deal with what looked to be the certain death of a reasonably young woman. Particularly affected were the teens who had physical disabilities. Some of these youth cried, were fearful of their futures, and did not want to experience the same fate as Terri Schindler-Schiavo. The response I gave them was to pray, fear not and take courage.

Being courageous in this period of hedonism and hedonistic behaviors is not easy. Yet courage begins when a person can admit to her or him self that there is no life without some pain, some confusion and frustration, and periods when humankind will do some of the most horrific acts in the name of common good or to support their agendas. Courage here also implies that there are tragic events or accidents to which humankind is not immuned to. That beyond the normal exercise of prudence, there are some things and events we can do nothing about.

Courage, however, goes on to see that the triumph of life is not in the avoidance of pain, running from the things and events we fear or giving in to the evil that appears to be winning. Courage recognizes that so long as humankind exists there will be challenges to what is Godly and good. Courage lies in never taking so much as a breath of air or a day of health and fair weather for granted. Courage lies in learning, knowing and understanding. For it takes courage to take the time to learn the difference between what is true and what is lie. A lie told that is meant to suggest that humanity controls what is, life, rights and that there is nothing beyond this life is the accepted standard of the pagan world and sadly by many who called themselves "Christians". The notion of social relativity is further designed to give legitimacy to newer more persuasive lies, social anarchy and control to an elite who sincerely believe they know more about any and everything than the common person, especially a Christian. They argue they are god, they are good, they are perfect but never ask the question: “If we are god and good, then why do we need law, police forces, lawyers or judges to do our bidding?”

Courage is the willingness to concede that humankind and its intelligence is limited and will never uncover all of the mysteries of all that exists, it purpose, meaning and reason for being. That conscientiousness entails responsibility, limits and consequences in every behavior that is acted upon. And knowledge’s chief responsibility is to find out who God is then live life within His simple Commandments. That living within rules does not enslave but enhances living in cooperation with those around us.

Lastly, courage is the recognition that humanity’s ability to understand all is limited. As it is impossible for humankind to have knowledge of all information available in the universe as well as process that information. Limitations should not and generally do not discourage the readiness for humankind to explore the world and universe.

Courage lies in learning to be aware of our moments of happiness as well as our moments of pain and suffering. We need not be afraid to weep when we have cause to weep, fear when we are threatened, doubt when uncertainty comes. What is important is who we turn to. Do we turn to Almighty God or do we turn solely to humankind and our own so-called strength?

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