Courage Definition Essay

Courage
Courage is a prerequisite of character (Heft, 2004). Once again, the courage that becomes part of resilient leadership is slightly different from what one would initially consider when hearing the word courage. It is a multi-faceted type of courage. There are countless definitions of courage but they all share the common theme and messages of having faith to face fear, danger, or adversity (whether it be physical or moral) head on (Dees, 2013). Courage overrides fear. In fact, fear is part of what creates courage. According to Dees (2013) “fear plus faith equals courage” (p. 89). It takes courage to make changes in organizations and ensure they take effect. Dees (2015) says that courage comes in all forms including mental courage,

Working within an organization as a leader sometimes puts the leader into situations that are sinful or unethical and it takes courage to stick to convictions. One of the key words in that description of courage is the word faith. This is precisely what makes courage in a resiliency context different from traditional courage. It is through faith that fear can be overcome, otherwise fear triumphs and what results is the opposite of courage. Deuteronomy 31:6 states “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you” (ESV). This confirms that faith is necessary to overcome fear. Another important distinction to make is that there are many different types of courage. Courage can be physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, or relational (Dees, 2013). No matter what the circumstances are, one should strive to choose the more difficult right instead of the easy wrong (Dees,

Wisdom begins with fearing the Lord (Psalm 111:10, NIV). Another step includes thinking before acting (Dees, 2013). A good example is that courage is great, but without wisdom, a person may make a choice without thinking about it and end up a fool (Dees, 2013). However, going back to the quote above, not acting can be foolish as well. One way of acting is mentoring others. A chapter in the Bible instantly came to mind. In Titus 2, the older men were to teach younger men to grow into leaders based on sound doctrine. Older women were to teach younger women to be leaders to younger women and to their children. The chapter is summed up with “These then are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority” (Titus