There is a desperate need for children and young adults to practice virtue and morality with consistency. Some moral senses are inborn, while some are nurtured. Courage is one of those that are nurtured, and it’s considered the most important virtue because it is required to practice other virtues. We need courage to be kind, generous, caring, loving, and honest. Every step we take, every decision we make, every act we embark on, requires courage.
Courage is the willingness to act or speak fearlessly irrespective of anxiety or worry. Courage could be that little voice that is willing to try again, that inclined mind that’s ready to act. Courage doesn’t necessarily mean to roar or to be forceful. It is the ability to control and fight fear. It is not just about having the strength but the ability to keep going when there is no strength.
Courage is tantamount to bravery, fearlessness, physical valor, or the willingness to stand for or against a situation. Courage must not be dramatic like taking a risk, saving a life, or fighting for a course. It could be trying out a new thing, daring impossibilities, raising hands to answer a difficult question, being able to say a No or a Yes, having the guts to face the truth, standing for the right and against the wrong or making any effort to improve.
A lot of children and youths nowadays lack the required courage to make a difference. They lack confidence, resilience, and determination. Because they lack courage, they hardly try new things and always yield to fear and feelings of vulnerability, uncertainty, and emotional exposure. They are limited by what they watch, read, the friends they keep, their environment, and other impeding negative influences, which convey wrong impression about courage, care, and compassion.
How many children these days are willing to take up chances on life? How many are brave enough to take risks? How many can unaidedly pursue their dreams in life? How many can explore and utilize opportunities? How many can speak up for the truth or stand against injustice? Most children and youths are physically, emotionally, and psychologically paralysed by indictable circumstances and are unable to approach life with the right attitude. It is okay to be fearful but not okay to lack courage. Courage is taking action and making the most out of every situation, despite every obstacle.
Every child needs to live a life of bravery. Older generations conquered their world through that. They approached life from a dominating perspective because they embraced courage. They dared challenges and difficulties and conquered hunger with might and bravery. They chose to step outside their comfort zone, became versatile in skills, and broadened in experience. They seized opportunities and incorporated self-confidence into their lives, which equipped them with the ability to conquer their world. They were more peaceful, less suicidal and more fulfilled than the present generation. They took actions mainly, which gave them confidence and courage.
Children and youths must understand that It is an error to sit and wait for opportunities to come by. No, they are pursued with courage, discipline, and tenacity. Sit up and go after that promotion rather than hoping to be noticed and selected. Speak up to save a situation instead of acting less concerned. Start that course to improve your knowledge and skills rather than waiting for the perfect time. Resist that temptation to join a bad clique or get influenced negatively. Be courageous enough to be instrumental to a desired change. Avoid unsafe people and situations. Be a good example and point of good reference. Focus more on efforts than on achievements. Lack of courage can lead to stagnation, resist that at all cost, leave your comfort zone, and flex your courage muscles while they’re still active.
Courage is an attribute as well as an attitude. Every child needs to be empowered to be courageous through intentional effort and practice. Children need to be encouraged to recognize fears and willingly choose to face it.They need to courageously chase their needs rather than being overly dependent on others. They need to accept responsibility rather than looking for who to blame for their errors. They need to take a proactive approach to build their self-confidence, to take opportunities, and to pull through their comfort zone and achieve success. They need to replace their fear-based response with a courageous kick.
Fear does exist, and it is sometimes healthy because it triggers our nervous system and survival instinct that needs to keep us safe.
We only need to recognize it, lose its shackles that’s holding us back, move beyond our fears, examine the risks and rewards, and take proper and productive actions.
BIBLE VERSE
1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong
PROVERB
Some have been thought brave because they didn’t have the courage to run away. ~ Traditional Proverb
RIDDLE
I am born in fear, raised in truth, and I come to my own in deed. When it comes a time that I’m called forth, I come to serve the cause of need. What am I?
Amara Ann Unachukwu
