GROUP COURAGE
In a time when we are faced with a serial killer running amok in our nation's capital; when we are also living under a threat of an even greater war than the one in which we engaged, not to mention an economy in the doldrums, questions arises concerning courage.
Where do we find such group courage?
The primary factor, no doubt, is concerned with ways in which we build individual stamina and the will-to-succeed. That may be a good a place to start as any.
Obviously, negative thinking can be the cause of much hesitancy and bitterness. No matter how bad any set of circumstances might seem to, or actually be, some basic goodness remains untouched. All is not lost. There is ,somewhere, a point on which to stand to re-build once more.
Our loved ones may die, but we have a legacy from each of them. Often, we may find it difficult to see how that might be true. We may not have felt “close” to many of them kinfolks, friends or even contenders or outright enemies. We make use of this heritage more than we may think we do.
In using such a fund of human conduct bequeathed to us, we often find life seems to be made up an almost endless “Do” and “Don't” list. In one way, it's true, but we make choices from all of them to help determine our path. We absorb every speck of courage they ever knew because they, too, made choices and have winnowed out the chafe.
Only after the individual nourishes and strengthens human Will can the group do so. It will manifest itself without our being aware of its existence. Cooperative awareness is one key to it all. We need to freely share our inherited treasures rather than to hoard them or, worse yet, to ignore them.
Courage will not be forced. Do not attempt to push it by means of showy heroics. Seek it with sincere dedication, just as you do the other good things in life, and it will be there when you need it. True courage comes as the need arises. There are no handy “On/Off” switches, handles or buttons.
More than one person who thought of himself or herself as being “timid”, has stood forth as a fine example of personal courage when the moment of need struck.
Be ready. Do that, and we will all be better off..
A.L.M October 19, 2002 [c412wds]
