Choosing Courage in Challenging Times
We live in a time where lack of civility, and the absence of ethics, moral principles and faith dominates. Not only is there seemingly an absence of models who can reverse or speak against this trend, but those currently in power popularize abuse, and revel in what they deem to be the irrelevance of ethics and morality. People are given permission to assault, discriminate, badger and bully others with very little, if any, consequences. Rejecting religion and God while embracing immorality, bigotry and hedonism are more popular than ever. Yet, despite the bleakness of this moment, I continue to find individuals who refuse to be swept away by the current craze and choose to live by ethical principles, to have faith, to follow God’s commandments, regardless of pressures or temptations. These are the courageous ones that inspire optimism and hope in humanity.
When you witness someone or a group being threatened and assaulted because of their race, religion, the way they look or the way they dress, you resist staying silent and decide to stand up to bullying and defend the weak and the disenfranchised, that is Courage.
When the actions or words of others cause you to be angry and you are tempted to curse or to assault someone verbally or physically, but you refrain from overreacting and you choose to counter with composure, patience and wisdom, that is Courage.
When your selfishness whispers to you that you might be thrifty and avoid helping the poor, the orphans, the destitutes or any worthy humanitarian causes, but you resist that self-interest and, instead, you share as God intended for you to share, that is Courage.
When you are pressured to follow the trends in clothing, immodestly displaying the body, pleasing some perverts within our society, but you decide to adopt modesty as your guide in clothing in order to protect your body and dignity, that is Courage.
When you get tempted to join the movement to dissociate from God and religion, but you resist trends and maintain worship, prayers and faith, that is Courage.
When you are faced with false, and or partial information, and rumors or propaganda, but you refrain from spreading false information and decide not to act on any information until you research, learn and seek evidence of the Truth, that is Courage.
When you are bullied or consider silence in the face of injustice, but you choose to speak up and tell the truth, that is Courage.
Courage comes in many forms, contexts and situations. Don’t be afraid to “buck the trend”, listen to the heart that God implanted within you, and choose what’s right even when others choose silence or submission. Imam Ali (AS) advised: “Worry not taking the road of Righteousness when you see it less traveled”.
Walid Harb, MD – IFLC Vice President
