• Dr Agnes S Thomas

There are times in life when our courage and faith are tested, leading us to question whether the challenges we face are allowed by a God who loves us unconditionally and eternally. The Courage to Be is written from the perspective that after all rational justifications for pain and sorrow have been exhausted, the issue of personal courage is placed into sharp focus. This reflection briefly explores the internal and external demands of courage and its impact on our choices and outcomes, with the hope of encouraging further contemplation and dialogue on its central role in our daily lives and in the world where we operate and influence others.

Understanding Courage

Courage is the strength to confront life’s realities in fullness. It is the ability to navigate internal struggles–pain, suffering, and fear–while also standing for what is right in the external world. It is the endurance to face hardship for the sake of truth and the humility to seek help when needed. Sometimes, we encounter people whose embodiment of courage challenges our understanding of it.  I am reminded of a humble woman of little means that I met.  She had an extraordinary ability to mobilize people for important community causes. She went door to door, encouraging open conversations and fostering unity. When she confided in me, she admitted that her courage was not a matter of boldness but rather a conviction that one must rise above personal discomfort and do what is right for the greater good of the community. Sometimes, this meant seeking forgiveness for things she had nothing to do with; other times, it meant letting go of someone’s misgivings and engaging in a personal conversation rather than a public confrontation.

I received another powerful lesson in courage from a friend involved in street ministry. He worked with individuals grappling with addiction and homelessness, among other hardships. His inspiration and courage stemmed from the people whom he served: “I learn from the very individuals I try to assist. They teach me courage every day–those who wake up and confront the harsh realities of the street, the brave souls who enter addiction recovery programs, and the single mothers yearning for a safe space for their children. Their resilience reminds me to keep showing up, even when hope feels distant.” He also emphasized that courage comes from having trust in God at all times.

Courage in Leadership and Everyday Life

As I embarked on my leadership journey, a friend in a leadership role at a prominent institution shared a piece of wisdom that has stayed with me. Quoting Nelson Mandela, he said, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” These words are relevant in all circumstances–whether leading an organization, making difficult personal choices, dealing with pain, or standing up for justice. Courage is not a fleeting act but a daily decision, an action verb, and the foundation of perseverance.

The individuals I mentioned above remind us that courage is not just about grand gestures but about choosing to act despite fear and doubt. It is about trusting that we are not alone in times of struggle and despair. Without courage, we risk becoming prisoners of fear, allowing opportunities to slip away and making choices that lead to more suffering–not only for ourselves but also for those who depend on us.

The Call to Live Courageously

Courage should be an inherent virtue for those of faith–one that is nurtured, shared, and used to live and let live, inspiring the world with it. Courageous individuals accept and welcome reality as it is; they create safer homes, stronger communities, and a hopeful world.

In a world where fear and doubt constantly seek to take center stage, choosing courage means building an empire of hope, lighting the way for us and others, and standing firm in the belief that we are never alone on this journey.

Let us pray for courage to seek goodness and joy in our daily lives. Let us encourage one another to be each other’s keeper in times of trouble.

• “God is our refuge and strength,
  an ever-present help in trouble.
  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
  and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea”
  (Psalms 46:1-2)