Courage under fire

Courage is the strength to stand up
When it’s easier to fall down and lose hold.

It is the conviction to explore new horizons
When it’s easier to believe what we’ve been told.

Courage is the desire to maintain our integrity
When it’s easier to look the other way.

It is feeling happy and alive, and moving forward
When it’s easier to feel sorry for ourselves and stay.

Courage is the will to shape our world
When it’s easier to let someone else do it for us.

It is the recognition that none of us are perfect
When it’s easier to criticize others and fuss.

Courage is the power to step forward and lead
When it’s easier to follow the crowd; their pleas resound.

It is the spirit that places you on top of the mountain
When it’s easier to never leave the ground.

The foundation of courage is solid,
The rock that doesn’t roll.

Courage is the freedom
Of our mind, body, and soul
author unknown

9 thoughts on “Courage under fire

  1. I applaud your courage Sarah..You are a voice for all those women who are oppressed and yet continue to suffer in silence. It takes tremendous courage to speak out, to stand up. You are an inspiration. All of my prayers and wishes for you as you continue this journey of courage!

  2. Hi,

    Came across ur blog by accident, was searching for something in google images and came across ur page, dunno how. Been following it closely ever since. I have to say it is a remarkable story that u got here. I am a malayalee in Bangalore, so the dual proximity dimension makes it all the more interesting. again, it is a rather remarkable narrative u got here. all the best in ur life and career in canada.

    bedouin

  3. Sarah,

    I have seen life in its crudest form, but perhaps not as bad as yours. One place I derived constant solace and inspiration from is the poem given below. I realised that the power is within me, and at the end of the day, it is my conscience that matters. We come from a society where we give the reins (control) of our moods and happiness in the hands of people around us. Once we realise that the source of happiness is within us, half the battle is actually won. You have been a brave woman, and I am sure the happiness you experience today is from your inner self. All the best wishes,

    The Guy in the Glass

    by Dale Wimbrow, (c) 1934

    When you get what you want in your struggle for pelf,

    And the world makes you King for a day,

    Then go to the mirror and look at yourself,

    And see what that guy has to say.

    For it isn’t your Father, or Mother, or Wife,

    Who judgement upon you must pass.

    The feller whose verdict counts most in your life

    Is the guy staring back from the glass.

    He’s the feller to please, never mind all the rest,

    For he’s with you clear up to the end,

    And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test

    If the guy in the glass is your friend.

    You may be like Jack Horner and “chisel” a plum,

    And think you’re a wonderful guy,

    But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum

    If you can’t look him straight in the eye.

    You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years,

    And get pats on the back as you pass,

    But your final reward will be heartaches and tears

    If you’ve cheated the guy in the glass.

  4. That’s a great one from Shilpa.

    Sarah, here’s another one I’d like to share

    ” Courage…”

    It takes courage to answer a call,

    It takes courage to give your all,

    It takes courage to risk your name,

    Courage to say what you know will not pay,

    Courage to give each one his share,

    though there’ll be less to spare,

    It takes courage to be true…
    (anon)

  5. My favorite when I am feeling down is by Rudyard Kipling — Rajesh

    IF…..

    IF you can keep your head when all about you
    Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
    If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
    But make allowance for their doubting too;
    If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
    Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
    Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
    And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:
    If you can dream – and not make dreams your master;
    If you can think – and not make thoughts your aim;
    If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
    And treat those two impostors just the same;
    If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
    Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
    Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
    And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:

    If you can make one heap of all your winnings
    And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
    And lose, and start again at your beginnings
    And never breathe a word about your loss;
    If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
    To serve your turn long after they are gone,
    And so hold on when there is nothing in you
    Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’

    If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
    ‘ Or walk with Kings – nor lose the common touch,
    if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
    If all men count with you, but none too much;
    If you can fill the unforgiving minute
    With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
    Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
    And – which is more – you’ll be a Man, my son!

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