Courage

One of my favorite shows is “The Rifleman”, a 30-minute black-and-white TV Western that originally aired from 1958 to 1963. Its compelling story lines and beloved characters are so well-crafted, the show has aired, or been available on free streaming, since then.

In one episode, some bullies are ridiculing and making threats. The protagonist of the series tells his son, “You can’t judge the size of a man by the size of his mouth.”

When I think about the truly courageous, it isn’t the so-called powerful people who proclaim their bravery because of decisions they make, and insist the resulting hardships others suffer are necessary, all in an effort to change the direction of whatever the power-seeker is trying to control.

Courage is never giving in to the bully in our path

And is exemplified in the:

— Wife who faces one of the greatest losses possible and cares for her husband every second, day after day, week after week, as disease strips away his ability to move and to speak.

— Child who survives beatings and rapes to become a champion to protect the abused.

— Single parent of three kids, persevering when their spouse dies after fighting cancer for five years.

— Prisoner of war who endures torture and never betrays his country’s secrets.

— Woman who smiles and encourages everyone she sees, while quietly enduring the constant pain of a debilitating disease.

— Person who stands up to the bully who is attacking others.

— Man, woman, boy, and girl who continue to be kind and caring even when the world isn’t kind or caring to them.

My prayer for all of us is that we never give in to the bullies.

What gives you courage?

Courage – What gives you courage? Share on X

Joni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.

May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.