Courage

Winston Churchill called courage "the first of human qualities . . . because it guarantees all the others." We are all equipped with remarkable capacities for doing extraordinary things under difficult circumstances. Courage in practice releases abilities that lie dormant deep within ourselves. Like other virtues, courage transforms us into better, larger, more capable human beings. Courage is a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear.

To endure courage, people must contain certain qualities. For instance, despite dangers faced, people should be able to remain attentive and in control. There once was a man, Jeff, that saved a women from a sinking car. During his life-saving rescue, he recognized that the woman had gone into a deeper state of shock as the water began flooding into the car. He realized that he would have to shoulder the burden of the rescue. Jeff was able to stay in full control of the situation and save the woman. Another man, Victor, is a Honduran Army Officer who risked his life as he rescued 45 people trapped in a village church. During the rescue, hurricane force winds and rising floodwaters pounded the church. Most of the people were successfully rescued. Both men showed patience and control of the situations, in order to save lives.

The test of a courageous person is the ability to bear defeat without losing heart. This statement defines the differences between the weak and the strong. A strong and courageous person is able to fall and then

stand back up to face the world again. However, a weak and cowardly person will fall, and remain in his own darkness. Single parents are wonderful examples of this quality. For whatever reason the marriage did not work out, the parents show their children or courageousness by not giving up on the children and their lives.

One child was once asked to try marijuana by his peer. After a close friend coerced him a few times, he gave in and did the terrible deed. Luckily,