It is from numerous acts of courage that human history has been shaped. Each time someone stands up for an ideal or acts to improve the lot of others or strikes out against injustice, they send forth a tiny ripple of hope, ripples which can cross each other from a million different centres of energy – and there are millions of people in recovery from addiction in the world today.
Whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, we are all responsible for each other. The world is exactly the way it is because, consciously or unconsciously, we have made it so. While none of us made the rules that govern the universe, we do make the rules that govern our own hearts and we are all beneficiaries of the many heroic strangers who have gone before us and assure us that the world is a wonderful and safe place despite our fears. We are not asked to be successful, only to be faithful.
The irish tell the story of a man who arrives at the gates of heaven and asks to be let in. St Peter says “Of course, just show us your scars". The man replies that “I have no scars”. St Peter says “What a pity: was there nothing worth fighting for?".
My fondest wish for every reader of these words is that you find something in your life worth fighting for. When you do, you will have discovered a way to unite the will of the spirit with the work of the flesh and then you will be able to help lift up those who need your help.
Courage is not the absence of fear; it is acting in spite of fear. Stop waiting for perfect conditions to arise. You embody courage when you move forward even in the face of opposition or discouragement.
Remember this above all: “One heart with courage is a majority”.
Deirdre Boyd ~ with acknowledgment to Martin Sheen, a fellow traveller on the path of recovery.
