We have certainly seen Courage in the COVID-19 Crisis in the tireless work of the essential workers who day after day went to work to take care of the rest of us. We have certainly seen courage in the protesters fighting for Justice. I have been grateful for and admired the Courage that others have displayed but I don’t feel very Courageous myself.
How much courage does it take to stay cocooned in my home? That sounds more like fear than Courage. I don’t like feeling like I’m hiding so I will re-examine my situation and see if there is Courage that I recognize in a response or add to a future response. Are there areas where you are using Courage that you can recognize?
I am starting a Daughters of Abraham interfaith book club in Cincinnati. It is an established organization that provides book titles and guidelines for starting a chapter. It involves bringing together women of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faiths to better understand one another. While reading is “my jam”, starting a book club with strangers is a big step outside of my comfort zone. Enter Courage. I found this book club suggestion on a link in a cousin’s Facebook post. (see below for the link) Is there something on the list that speaks to you?
I declined an invitation for a family baby shower that was being held inside, sans masks. I waffled considerably on this decision. Have I risked insulting the hosts and the honoree? Yes. Am I willing to risk bringing the virus home to my vulnerable husband? No. It took Courage to make that RSVP phone call. What decision have you made lately that required Courage?
So, my Courage is not on par with working in a COVID-19 ward or a meatpacking plant. I get that but I didn’t come up completely empty. Now that I see some evidence of Courage, it will be more readily available to me the next time I need it.
During this Crisis, take some time to recognize your own Courage and then don’t be afraid to tap into it again.
https://medium.com/equality-includes-you/what-white-people-can-do-for-racial-justice-f2d18b0e0234
This is the link in the Facebook post I referred to. It was originally 75 Things White people can do for Racial Justice. The list is now up to 97 things.
