The Face of Courage

“Courage comes and goes. Hold on for the next supply.”

This quote from Thomas Merton challenges us to think about the places where we need courage in our own lives...and in the world around us.

Growing up, most of us probably watched action movies or eagerly listened to stories of great heroism. Young men are drawn to courageous heroes, and often daydream about becoming one. 

Now that we’re grown up, most of us have never had to run into a burning building, or dive into icy waters, or take a bullet. Some professions, like our military or firemen, have courage almost as a prerequisite. But, a decent amount of us sit at computers all day. Sounds exhilarating, right?

As men, we’re called to live courageously, to embrace the virtue of fortitude. But, where is courage needed in the humdrum of everyday life?

In fact, everyday life can be discouraging.  But, we can learn a lot from the men and women who do courageously risk their lives on a daily basis. 

It boils down to this. Those true heroes (not the spandex wearing kind) are courageous, not because they do what they want, but because they do what they ought. 

That’s the call to courage all of us experience on a daily basis.The courage to speak and live the truth, even when it’s easier not to or when it’s not what we ‘want.’ But, it's simply the right thing to do.