on real Courage … ( 07 / 28 / 2008 )
on real Courage … ( 07 / 28 / 2008 )
“ We remember Gandhi as a leader in India ’ s struggle for independence . It is hardly an exaggeration to say that he brought the British Empire to its knees without firing a shot . He was a small man of great courage . His non-violent resistance was fraught with danger and the cause eventually claimed his life .
Gandhi once spoke about the source of his courage . He related a story about an incident that occurred in South Africa . There was a law directed expressly against Indians in South Africa that he had gone there to oppose . His ship was met by a hostile mob that had come with the announced intention of lynching him . Gandhi was advised to stay on board for his own physical safety , but he went ashore nevertheless .
When later asked why he made such a dangerous decision , he explained , “ Even though I was stoned and kicked and beaten a good deal , I didn ’ t pray for safety , but rather for the courage to face the mob , and that courage came and did not fail me .”
Like you , I know what it is to be afraid . I ’ m afraid of accidental injury , dismemberment or death . I ’ ve been afraid of a pending medical diagnosis . There must be a million different faces to the fears of life . I ’ m tempted at such times to hope for , and pray for , a way to avoid the danger ahead . I want to be safe , comfortable and healthy . But none of us is always safe , comfortable or healthy . It simply isn ’ t possible … So , like Gandhi , I think the best prayer is for courage to face whatever life may bring .
And when I choose to act accordingly , courage always comes … and it never fails me .”
– inspired by Steve Goodier
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