Many like to think they have courage, but really don’t. Because courage is not the normal state. Courage requires soul searching and preparation of the body, the heart and the mind. People like to point to soldiers and first responders many acts of courage, but you must realize they have years of training and every time they are called to duty, they prepare themselves to be ready to act when needed.

There are those who see others lacking courage in a situation and claim they would act differently, but they are wrong. Every one of those situations was where someone was caught by surprise and had not prepared themselves. I know you will come up with examples, such as those on Flight 93 who fought the hijackers on 911. However, there were those on that flight who had searched their souls long before that time, and even then, they all needed time to ready themselves to act.

Next time you hear of someone acting what you think of as cowardly, don’t judge them. Pity them for they will have to live with their failure. Instead learn from them and prepare yourself for if you find yourself in a similar situation.

Think of the assistant coach in the Jerry Sandusky scandal. Many condemn him for not stepping in immediately and claim they would have stopped him right away. But would they? Think of the shock of seeing someone you respected doing such a horrible thing. The only way to make sure you would act promptly is to prepare yourself for just such a situation. Prepare yourself for just such situations and be ready to be hated for your actions, just like Daniel Penny. For the world hates anything that shames it, be it morality, strength, or courage.

#Courage