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Reluctant courage

7/21/2018

 
by Gwen M Plano
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​On the dedication page of The Contract is a quote by Audie Murphy. It reads: “Bravery is just determination to do a job that you know has to be done.”

I love this definition of bravery, because it is expansive and includes both uncommon and common valor.

Several of my relatives are serving or have served in the military. When I think of courage, my thoughts quickly go to them and particularly to my cousin - Lieutenant Colonel John Smith.

John is the recipient of multiple military honors for bravery, having served in Afghanistan and other combat areas. Just as impressive, though, is the fact that he is also a person of great compassion and humor. His embrace of life protects and supports all that is good about life.

When I’m around John, I wonder if he is ever afraid. I suspect he might feel fear at times, but I also suspect the fear is overshadowed by a determination to do a job that must be done.

If bravery could be charted, my cousin would be on one end, and I’d be on the other. Yep, I’m timid about a lot of things. I will always do what needs to be done, so I guess that means I'm brave according to Audie Murphy, even if I'm cringing inside and fighting back tears.

I've thought about this a lot of recent, because I have a medical issue that must be addressed. If truth be known, I’d travel great distances to meet with a healer. But alas, after months of trying to manage the situation and the pain, it is time for surgeons to intervene.

​So, I think of my cousin, and all who face life challenges, and I take a deep breath and move forward with reluctant courage. 

My blog will remain silent for awhile and the comments closed. Your good wishes and prayers are most appreciated. And, when I return, I look forward to catching up with each of you. ​♥

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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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