Finding Courage in Unlikely Places
"Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway." ― John Wayne
Exploring the intersection of life and literature to answer the questions how do the books we read influence our lives and how do our life experiences influence the books we choose.
Before getting into this week’s article I wanted to take a moment to say Thank You to all my readers. When I started writing two months ago I had no clear vision of what direction this project would take. My family can attest to my childlike joy at how much writing has meant to me and my excitement at where it is heading. If my words have an impact on just one person, it will have been well worth the time. So Thank You for giving me space in your inbox and time in your day. Your support means the world to me. Happy Holidays!
In one of my earliest newsletters, I discussed the relationship between trauma and reading. Today I want to consider the topic of courage as it relates to life and literature. According to Merriam-Webster, courage is “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.” There is a long and storied connection between courage and the written word. Today we will take a look at that connection to see what we find.
“Why did you do all this for me?' he asked. 'I don't deserve it. I've never done anything for you.' 'You have been my friend,' replied Charlotte. 'That in itself is a tremendous thing.” ― E.B. White, Charlotte's Web
You may recall that I previously wrote about Dad reading Charlotte’s Web to me as a child and how that memory was a foundational reading experience. I find Charlotte to be one of the most courageous characters in literature, risking her own well-being and life for her friend, Wilbur. She recognizes Wilbur’s inherent value when almost everyone else does not, and she is willing to do what it takes to stand up for him. Her courage comes from a place of love, powerful enough to overcome any consternation she may have regarding her own safety.
Frodo Baggins and his good friend Samwise Gamgee show true courage in Tolkien’s masterwork, The Lord of the Rings. In the words of Gildor, “Courage is found in unlikely places.” These small and unassuming characters were known primarily for their love of gardening and eating. They left the comfort and safety of their homes in the Shire to traverse the wider world without regard for the dangers to come. They suffered much and were left tarnished by the experience, but their altruistic actions demonstrated great courage and saved Middle-Earth. In the end, they became legendary for their tremendous hearts and willingness to sacrifice all.
"Jem, I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what." So says Atticus Finch to his son, in Harper Lee’s classic, To Kill a Mockingbird. Atticus is renowned for his courage in representing a black man accused of rape in the deep South. He knows that no matter what he does he cannot win the case and yet he represents Tom Robinson because he has the moral courage to persevere in this endeavor. His story has been taught to school children and loved by adults for generations as an ideal of courage in the face of moral depravity.
These examples are a small sampling of the many courageous stories and characters found in literature. As with almost all stories, they are based on some truth.
"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." ― Nelson Mandela
We are often given the impression that courage is a quality exemplified only by warriors going into battle. While the warrior’s courage is not in question, this trait is far more often found in the ordinary individual going about their everyday lives. In truth, their courageousness makes them extraordinary. Here is one such man.
Dad is quiet, unassuming, and humble. I wish you could meet him, the last of the real cowboys in America. He taught me to ride a horse almost before I could walk. He listens to cowboy music, which, if you weren’t aware, is significantly different than the Country Western music that plays on the radio. His ancient straw cowboy hat is dented and stained but perennially perched upon his balding pate. His hands are worn and mangled from years of manual labor outdoors in every imaginable weather. I can read a whole lifetime in those hands.
He has spent his life in service of a specific moral vision, one that has mostly disappeared from our collective psyche, and which, I could not come close to emulating. He is a man of integrity who chooses to do the right thing, even when it is the hardest thing. A man of bold moral and physical courage, his creed is service to others before self.
In the early 90s my father lost his leg in an accident on our farm. This traumatic event had lasting impacts on our family. Through this season of our lives I discovered the depth of courage that dwelt within Dad. Although he was fighting through an immensity of pain while recovering and receiving therapy, I have no recollection of him blaming anyone. If he did, he kept it to himself. Instead, he would climb atop our trusty horse, Scooter, and ride the hills and woods near our home in rural Missouri. On horseback he worked through his trauma, exorcised his demons, and came home a better man.
In the ensuing 30+ years he has devoted his life to church, family, and community. He dedicated himself to working with young children as a paraprofessional in our hometown school system. After being ordained as a deacon, he gave his time and talent to the religious education ministry, visiting the sick in hospitals, and spending time with the elderly in nursing homes. He is a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and community leader.
Dad epitomizes courage, having shown the mental and moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, and difficulty. It would have been easy for him to stop trying, to give up, to succumb to victimhood. Instead, he embraced life with strength and fervor. This quiet, unassuming, and humble cowboy taught me that true courage is found in unlikely places.
When we find ourselves in need of inspiration we can often turn to our literary heroes for examples of courage. Those of us fortunate to know our heroes can also turn to them for encouragement when needed.
Dad, you are my hero and my inspiration to be a better man each day. Above all, you have been my friend, and that, in itself, is a tremendous thing.
May you always find inspiration in the courage of your heroes.
Until next time…
This past week I enjoyed reading:
- wrote an insightful article about Goodreads which does a great job of explaining my thoughts and why I left the platform.
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Your dad looks like a great fella. More than that, he sounds like the sort of values-based human we need more of - the sort of human we need young folk to listen to, to watch, to learn from. What gorgeous, respectful storytelling. Lovely. Wishing you and yours a peaceful holiday season.
I just wanted you to know that your post made an impact on me, thank you 🙏 😊