Maya Angelou, an American poet, memoirist and civil rights activist once remarked: “Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage you can't practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage.” 2 Peter 1:5-8 confirms: For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Courage is defined as the ability to control your fear in a dangerous or difficult situation. It displays strength in the face of adversity and shows the bravery and qualities distinctive to an individual. Joshua 1:9 reminds us: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Courage is considered a virtue when good deeds evolve as a result. Some people have equated it to being fearless in nature, but it is more than that. It requires action rather than just thought to be taken, despite the fear that has been instigated in a given situation. It involves unselfishness, but the result will increase self-confidence. It is like an open door that allows one the opportunity to progress forward in life despite any worries or anxieties that may be present within.
The ability to overcome fear in our lives is of great significance and should be considered of primary importance. Fear has the dominance of keeping a person static in life and stops progression. If one can eradicate this, then we can search for our dreams and desires without major obstacles. The perspective of a whole new world will become unlocked. Philippians 1:20 states: “It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honoured in my body, whether by life or by death.”
The British Army is defined as the principal land warfare force of the United Kingdom. It is contained within the British Armed Forces along with the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. As of 2021, the British Army constitutes 82,230 regular full-time personnel and 30,030 reserve personnel. Ephesians 6:10-18 states: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”
There was once a young man of nineteen who desired to join the regular British Army. He had only faired moderately at school and left with two qualifications that were considered insufficient to secure the prospects of a well-paid job in the primary or tertiary industry. Instead, he ventured to seek employment in the Armed Forces. Although his qualifications were insufficient to gain him a place for training as a commissioned officer, they did not preclude him from becoming a regular soldier.
He signed up at a recruiting station for an initial term of four years and was successful in his application. As he was uncertain as to what the future would hold for him, he decided to marry his childhood sweetheart in a church ceremony prior to commencing his training. A few weeks later he received a notification to attend the Army Training Centre at Pirbright. This is a fourteen-week training course known as the Common Military Syllabus which has to be completed by all adult recruits when they join the army.
After successfully completing his basic training he was appointed to the Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire and sometime later was notified that he would shortly be deployed to serve in Afghanistan where the Taliban had reputedly given safe haven to Al Qaeda. This allowed terrorists to invoke attacks around the world. The war in Afghanistan initially began in 2001. The primary purpose was to bring Al-Qaeda's leaders to justice. They formed part of, and were supported by NATO/ISAF military forces whose intention was to remove the Taliban from control and diminish the haven for international terrorists. The war continued until the summer of 2021 when it was collectively determined to remove military forces.
He was a dedicated and keen young soldier who was well-liked by his compatriots. He was practically minded with a good sense of humour and was regarded as an asset by his platoon. He often uplifted the spirits of others in times of adversity. From an early stage in his career, he was always willing to volunteer for assignments, irrespective of any dangers that may be encountered. He was considered a courageous soldier by all in his platoon. During his first two years of service, he impressed his commanding officer who rewarded him by promoting him to the rank of Lance-Corporal. 2 Samuel 10:12 reminds us: “Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him.”
On a particular day, during his service in Afghanistan, he was on patrol in the Kabul region when they were attacked by snipers of the Taliban. A close friend and serving colleague was hit by a bullet and severely injured. The young man concluded that if his compatriot was left unattended, he would surely die and therefore risked his life and disregarded the dangers involved to assist him.
He successfully helped his colleague to an area of safety. During the process, he opened a return fire on the enemy, which forced them to retreat. As a result of his actions, without any due regard for his personal safety, he was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for his unselfish and compassionate courage. He was also promoted to the substantive rank of Corporal. 2 Chronicles 15:7 confirms: “But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.”
Amen.
