COURAGE – from the Latin word cor (heart), via French to Middle English – originally meant “what is in one’s mind and heart” but also came to mean bravery, pride, confidence, free will amongst other like ideas. Words for “heart” in the Middle Ages were often metaphors for inner strength.
Sorry, the word nut in me sometimes takes over. I like learning about roots for words and how they came to be.
Any who, on to my point….
Last week, the home of the executive director of the Des Moines Refugee Support organization was vandalized. The word “Racist” was spray painted on her siding, an act that was probably inspired by comments that had been made by people lambasting a local supply drive for food-insecure refugees and immigrants in the Des Moines metro area. Several people argued that it was racist to help only immigrants and refugees at the “expense” of citizens and veterans, not realizing that organizations exist to help these groups as well and could be supported by those decrying the help refugees are getting in these times. In an act of cowardice and anonymity, someone took to spray-painting their views instead of working themselves to fill the void where they see one.
The words were painted over. The investigation continues. And that small act of cowardice instead spotlighted a larger act of courage in that the mission the DMRS provides is ongoing and perhaps even a bit stronger as more people have come to hear of its mission.
It takes courage to be love in the face of hatred. It takes courage to find peace in the craziness of the chaos. It takes courage to keep hope despite the darkness and turmoil. It takes courage to exude joy in the wake of despair. It takes courage to continue sharing our light even when others insist on trying to snuff it out. It takes courage to continue to be magical though we are told magic does not exist and never existed. It takes courage to continue to write our own story in a world where the stories being written tell of anger and vitriol and insist that our stories aren’t right because they don’t fit the current narrative of those in power.
It takes courage to continue to be curious and to learn, to ask questions instead of just accepting what is being told to you, to actually do the research.
It takes courage to start over and accept that what worked in the past may not be the best for the future.
It takes courage to face your fears and to stand up for yourself and for others despite the adversity.
It takes courage to love again and to be loved, even when you think you are unlovable or are told that others shouldn’t be loved.
It takes courage to be the change the world needs to see.
Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. As I have stated in blog posts in years past, during this season, I try to give up things that cause me to stumble. I try to give up my impatience, even for a few weeks. I try to give up my hotheadedness, though sometimes that fails. I try to learn to still my tongue, which often gets me in trouble. But this year, I am trying to be more courageous. I am trying to keep my head up even when things are thrown at me that should weigh me down. I am trying to face the fears I have that I am not good enough, not loveable enough, not smart enough, not brave enough and try to become a better person for it.
Take heart. Be courageous. Stay magical. Write your own story.
And for those who might come at me with the argument that veterans and homeless and citizens should come before refugees and immigrants in this country (or in any country), have you tried actually looking up the wonderful organizations in your area that try to help those groups who are also in need – (DMRS actually tries to help everyone in need, regardless of citizenship status)? I assure you, they do exist! This country is one of the wealthiest in the world…. surely there are enough funds to go around to help everyone who needs help. And if you have the energy to argue that one group should come first, put your efforts into helping that group before you start adding to the noise or you are just as cowardly as those who graffitied in the first place. Have courage. Take heart. And help those you feel need the most help, rather than attacking those who are helping others.
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And as always, #writeyourownstory
K. S. Wood Writes 
All of us should be equal, help given equally to everyone, that is what I think, and no one group should be left out, but your right, no groups are left out, because there are organisations to help all groups out!
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