Opportunities to be courageous present themselves every day.  These challenges often come with a little dose of fear.  This is not the significant fear faced on the battlefield, but that gnawing emotion which stops us from doing the right thing.  

Courage presents its opportunity to stand tall when we hear mean comments, character assassinations, racial slurs and demeaning jokes.  It shows up in conversations and in casual encounters.  The little doses of fear stem from our need to be liked, admired, appreciated and loved.  It takes real courage to deal with the possibility of rejection.  Sometimes we cave in and sacrifice beliefs we hold sacred but more often than not we just choose to keep our mouths shut.

“Courage has to do with our determination to be great. It has to do with what we decide in that moment when we are called upon to be more.”

Rita Dove

The decision to be silent is not much different than siding with a perpetrator.  We are witness to the effects of silence as victims of abuse come forward to tell their story.  So many people say nothing, even when facts are presented which are unimpeachable. 

The physical and emotional trauma borne by the wounded-one are magnified by all of the responsible people who somehow justify ‘not getting involved’.  We all have chances to be brave.  We can choose to face our fears by saying what should be said and rising up for those who are being injured.  In so doing, someone might stand with us when the tables are turned.

Today I will be courageous in my defense of those who are being injured and victimized.

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Robert Kenneth Jones is an innovator in the treatment of addiction and childhood abuse.

In a career spanning over four decades, his work helping people recover from childhood abuse and addiction has earned him the respect of his peers.

His blog, An Elephant for Breakfast, testifies to the power of the human spirit to overcome the worst of life’s difficulties. We encourage you to visit and share this rich source of healing, inspiration and meditation.

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Bob Jones’ blog An Elephant for Breakfast