As a child, I told some lies for a number of reasons. The major reason was that I feared punishment and the consequences of my wrong deeds. I dodged suffering for the bad I did by lying. This is the case with most children who lied for fear of facing the physical, emotional, or social consequences of lying. But that is a momentary fear caused by a lack of courage to own up and face the consequences of our actions. When fear becomes consistent, it becomes a habit. Habitual fears and anxieties are not caused by lack of courage but lack of fortitude.
According to St Thomas, fortitude is more than courage. It could be termed long-term endurance, a vital virtue that we all need to develop in order to properly navigate our life’s path. We all have a mission in life, and we need fortitude to understand and embrace the path towards it. Whilst we need courage to face danger or risk, we need fortitude to bear what must be borne without complaints. Fortitude is a mental braveness that shapes our looks, habits, and character.
Children and youths need fortitude to face harsh consequences in life. They need it in the face of slander, mockery, discrimination, threat, agony, pain, intimidation, loneliness, loss, and so on. They don’t need only courage because it makes them momentary hero, they need fortitude more to persevere through ongoing pain and adversity. For a happier life and a healthier future, we all need the toughness that fortitude dispenses.
Children who have the virtue of fortitude are enthusiastic about life. They dare to take risks with vast visions. They are positive, focused, and optimistic. They are active, courageous, and motivated. They are not indifferent, lazy, or selfish. They do not always seek comfort, but they utilize opportunities to stretch in difficult situations. They do not crumble at odd situations. They brace up, brave up, and face life.
Life is full of uncertainties, and knowing how to live with uncertainty is the only certainty. Children must learn how to stand firm against the negative influences of the world. They must try to be emotionally unaffected by upsetting events. They must create an inner strength and face reality with a sense of purpose. They must make valuable contributions in life and create a lasting legacy. They must overcome indifference and fear and embrace worthwhile activities. They must complain less and try to resist the negative. They must take positive actions with diligence and a spirit of service. They must embrace love and practice the act of service to others. They must have the inner strength to drive their passion irrespective of the challenges on the way. They must be able to withstand the challenges of life cheerfully.
Fortitude is not just a virtue but the form of every virtue at their testing point. Fortitude is required in temperance to avoid gluttony. It is required in patience to avoid anger. It is required in justice to avoid discrimination. It is required in prudence to avoid recklessness, and so on. Fortitude gives the quality of character needed to embrace our potential and continuously rise above the status quo in our life pursuits.
Saint Ambrose’s message on fortitude was so apt. He wrote.
“One of the duties of fortitude is to keep the weak from receiving injury; another, to check the wrong motions of our own souls; a third, both to disregard humiliations, and to do what is right with an even mind. All these clearly ought to be fulfilled by all Christians, and especially by the clergy”
Parents, teachers, and all adults need to teach and model fortitude to children in line with other virtues like temperance, prudence, and justice. Fortitude is the secret of inner strength, the firmness and resilience that we need to build in our walks of life.
BIBLE VERSE
1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong
PROVERB
Bí àṣá bá ḿbínú, sùúrù ló yẹ ọlọ́jà.
If the kite is displaying anger, the best response for the trader is patience
Yoruba Proverb
RIDDLE
Everyone asks for me, but yet everyone hates to face me ,for someone I am agony for others I am relief! Who am I?
Amara Ann Unachukwu
