Courage

Courage – the mere mention of this word can cause an overwhelming amount of emotion and shake the dust off of even the most deepest and desperate of memories from our past. For some reason, either known or unknown, courage seems to be a word that is often held in very high esteem and a title given to those deserving of such praise and recognition.

The first image of courage that usually awakens within me is the tale of “The Cowardly Lion” from “The Wizard of Oz” and his quest to find his courage. We are introduced to the character midway through the film where we see him challenging the traveling trio of Dorothy, Scarecrow, and The Tin Woodsman to fight or otherwise leave his domain. When he means to harm Toto, he promptly earns a quick slap to the snout from Dorothy and bursts into a fit of tears. We come to find out that this proud lion – the so-called “King of The Jungle” who is intent to rely upon his reputation for ferocity - that only moments earlier was backed-up by his penchant for bullying and braggadocio, is nothing but a “scaredy cat” that is afraid of his own shadow and is more human than we care to admit.

The fall and rise of the “Cowardly Lion” character itself is a profile in courage. We find many things appealing and intriguing about any person or persons whose fall from graces finds them rummaging about in the lowest depths of self and society, only to discover that their re-birth and rise from the pits of despair can be reclaimed by a swift stroke of fate or a happening that causes heads to turn, eyes to blink and hearts to skip a beat!
Ultimately, The Cowardly Lion discovers (much like his accompanying quest mates) that the thing he had so wanted to have – courage – was something he had possessed all along but had never been challenged or had the nerve to rely upon it until that moment of moments had dared showed itself.

The Webster’s Dictionary definition of courage is multi-faceted. Courage is defined as the mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty; having courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty. All of this taken into consideration, we can conclude that a hero is also very closely linked to the ideals and feats that surround the definition of courage. There is a very fine line that separates the two entities, and to elaborate upon such matters would be pointless quite frankly. For argument sake, we will tie these two entities into one group and save the diatribe on being a hero for a later entry…

To tell you quite honestly, I really do not know exactly what true courage is. Now days, we are more likely to be confronted by the “hero of the moment” or the casual “good guy for the day” with all the Hollywood good looks thrown into the mix for good measure. It’s quite difficult for anyone in the media business to pass up a story that surrounds courage, stress and heroic tales of danger and adventure. We, the public, tend to eat such stories up like a hot plate of deep-fried Oreo cookies and keep coming back time and time again to ask for more and more. It is our nature to latch on to something deemed “wholesome, good and right” because it is something that we rarely see today – that fact that we hear more and more of the bad and spend less time focusing on the good is a rather disturbing trend indeed!

A closer look at the definition of courage can really have one scratching and racking their brains for any true answers. Much like the “Cowardly Lion” we too have been thrust into a quest of sorts to define and find some sort courage to rely upon and call our own. We are blessed with small instances and moments of courage that line the highways of our lives like so many mile markers to keep us headed in the one true direction. Whether we find ourselves stuck at a crossroad in our lives or even waiting for a traffic light in rush hour traffic, courage it seems is something that we already possess, yet fail to recognize much like the Cowardly Lion.

In essence, we all have some bit of courage that we have come to rely upon in times of moral, physical, mental or spiritual dilemma - that inner part of our courage which lies buried beneath a calm exterior and is always there, yet laying just below the our outward surfaces like a crouching tiger waiting to pounce upon its prey. Unconsciously, we never know of its existence until after the fact. The amount of courage propelled forward is often in direct proportion to the amount of physical danger involved. Any good adrenaline junkie will tell you that the first few seconds of any stunt are often the slowest – as if the world is going in slow motion. Time stops – senses tunnel and focus upon the moment and all sounds become a faint murmur of background noise. Courage quite often turns out to be the catalyst that gives us the insight to see the clearer definition of right and wrong and provokes a response within us – a lighting of the fires – that propels us headlong into a realm that seems befit with tales of goodness, heroic moments, instances of neglect of self and recognition of the very spirit which ties us all to our fellow humankind.

Why is it that people who are recognized as heroes or someone who has performed extreme acts of courage are often quick to shrug-off our so-called feats of courage? Even when thrust into the spotlight of courage, we often find ourselves shrinking from its glow and humbled by our existence – almost embarrassed to have been recognized in the first place. In our minds, we were only doing what is deemed “right” to begin with, so being singled-out or lauded for something that we see as commonplace almost seems ridiculous and outright silly. We accept the done deed and try to live a normal life – unburdened by the weight of being hailed as a “hero.” It is this very definition of human courage that makes it able for us to sit and recognize the feat as something “above and beyond” – because that is exactly what it is.

We can also hypothesize that true courage is an uncommon virtue in today’s society – a fickle endangered species that is in need of a revival. If you have watched the network news lately you hear less about the courage of the common people and more about the acts of corruption, treachery and indecency that have become so common in our 21st century society.

On a much more optimistic note, I have faith that we humans will someday recognize our inner courage and allow it to guide us upon a path of enlightenment. Really, it is a simple matter of evolution. Either we will recognize the changes and make the decision to either get off at the next exit, or miss the ramp altogether and head straight into oblivion and extinction. When it comes right down to it, were in this for the species – it all boils down to making a choice between what we deem to be right and what we see as being wrong. We must come to realize and recognize that it takes a certain amount of fortitude to pluck the instrument that is courage, but you need not be an orchestral member to have admission to this symphony! It could be anyone, anywhere at any given time – the true desire and ability to be a hero is inherent within each and everyone of us – guided by our “Jiminy Cricket” consciences, the split second decisions between the right and wrong have us traveling upon the razors edge – cut-off from all sense of self and recognizing that there is something more to life than just instances of self indulgence and outright sloth.

We all have the potential to be heroes – given the right ingredients. Everyday that we get up and go to work, spend time with our children, do a good deed for another person without thought of reward and show that we truly do care about our fellow mankind, then we ourselves can be deemed as an everyday hero for showing courage. The kind of courage that I speak of is not often seen but is always appreciated!

I will conclude that courage or the act of being courageous, although not as common in our society as it should be, should not act as a measurement in defining the person or the feat; rather it is the person that helps to define the amount of courage based upon their character and their ability to place themselves and the needs of others ahead of their own. Some would call it being unselfish. Others would have you believing that it was valor, virtue and a wry twist of fate that lead them to be in the right place at the right time. I for one am not ashamed to admit that courage is our ability to face adversity and allow ourselves to be human – because of great acts of courage, there is a hope that rises within us - restoring our tortured and withered spirits which allows us to plant a greater belief in humanity and out fellow mankind. There is a hero and the courage to be a hero that lies dormant within all of us – we only need answer its call when it come knocking upon our collective doors!

(Knock! Knock!)

(Originally published 24 April 2006 on the blog "The Curbside Philosopher")

Faith

I was sitting in church today - seeing our Easter service was held in the cantina (of all places) to accommodate the many practitioners of faith during this holiday, and I noticed just how beautiful the day actually was. Not too hot. Not too cool. A beautiful, sun-filled morning full of promise and joy.

The pastor began his sermon and talked about faith and just how important faith can be - not only in times of trouble, but in every aspect of life in general. My mind began to ponder his message and suddenly I was transfixed with the very question he had posed, albeit indirectly, but aimed at all in attendance; are you faithful? Are you trying to be faithful? Have you ever been faithful?...

Sitting in the cantina this morning, pondering over the words of the sermon and the questions which had been posed, I began to rummage over my abilities to trust and be trusted. I felt compelled to note that after little more than a few seconds of assessing the question I have come to find that I have not been the most reliable or trustworthy sort in this life. At best, my life has can be labeled as "chaotic." Looking back, I have asked others to trust me and place their faith within me, only to have their faith broken. I too have had my faith broken on several occasions and found myself "slumping" into a pit of despair and woe - looking at the gray, black and white of this world and losing focus of the true colors which lay beyond.

It seems rather difficult to remain faithful on so many levels these days because, lets face facts - times are tough all over. Really, when you look around, there are so many reminders of the negative and rotten things that life encompasses, that we tend to overlook the little bits and moments of treasure and gemstone that we may find in the everyday of this life and remain focused narrowly on the obstacles which constantly roadblock our pathways to happiness.

And who said life was easy?....

As a member of a "fighting" team, I am blessed with some insight into the realm of faith and just how much it means to have faith on your side when in times of trouble or doubt. I don't think there is a single one of us that would like to ponder the question of "Is he/she going to be there to help?" I don't think anyone would like to believe that the person they rely upon in times of trouble or doubt should be doubted as well. Coming to count on someone else is not a weakness or frailty that embodies our character, but actually combines with our passions and dreams to make us the characters that we are. In other words, its our weaknesses; our ability to recognize weakness; our level of compassion and our ability to assist those in need of assistance that makes us all generally and undeniably human in every sense of the word.

I wear a uniform. I am isolated from family, yet surrounded by another family to which I have placed my faith and confidence in. I have come to trust the team members and accept them as my brothers and sisters in this operation. They are the matrix and support which assist me and see me through on every aspect of my daily existence. From the cook that gets my breakfast ready in the morning, to the man who makes sure my paperwork is in the right place at the right time, the wheels and cogs all work, mesh, spin and divine their way through this ongoing ballet and make the ordinary really something quite extraordinary. The people on my immediate left and right are my protectors - and I have entrusted them with something I hold more precious than all the wealth in the world - that is my very life's breath - my blood - my body and my being. I have done so knowingly. It is my faith in them which will see me home to the family and friends that have placed their trust and love within me.

I can conclude that I do have faith. Sometimes, I place far too much faith in things and people, but it is my optimism and compulsion to do so. Sometimes I find myself on the losing end of the equation, but like everyone else with breath in their lungs and blood still flowing, I pick myself up, dust myself off and keep pushing onward. I try to be positive most of the time. I try to remain a part of the solution and not a part of the problem. I try to offer instances of insight and give solution to pending problems rather than rant on and on about them. Things do upset me. I am compulsive and I don't like things to go off the beaten path. Sometimes, they do and I throw-up my hands and say, "Oh well - now what?" It is not my lackadaisical nature that is taking over. It is my faith in all things human that a solution will make itself available and that the faith itself will keep me moving in the right direction!

So, yes I do have faith. I am faithful and I am keeping my faith alive on many levels. Not only because my emminent survival depends upon it or that my personal relationships thrive upon it. No, it is because of something much more than that.

I am keeping faith alive because I am human and have come to realize that despite the moments of fault and loss, there is still reason to place your trust in your fellow mankind. I have come to embrace both the goodness and rotten this life can throw at me, and still keep asking for more and more. I continue to have faith not because I am forced to do it, but because it is something I do not feel the need to question - I have faith because I have a conviction to a higher power; a responsibility greater than my own common need. I have faith because I feel is the right thing to have - regardless! To lose faith is to lose life - and I am not ready to lose that yet - for I have far too much living to look forward to...

(Originally published 12 April 2006 on the blog "The Curbside Philosopher")

Character

I received a reminder that things are not always as they appear to be, and granted there is a time and place for everything. A joke is not always funny or appreciated especially when the joke happens to come slamming right back at you making your ego bleed like a broken nose!

There is a difference between having character and being a character, and I was caught being a character at the expense of my character and I am troubled to no end by it. It hurts to be wrong. What is worse, it hurts to be so very wrong that it gives you a headache, a stomach ache and upsets the delicate balance of your day.

There are six pillars to the evolution of character which are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. And it only seems logical that in order to build upon your character that each of these facets need to be steadfastly adhered to at all times and not just some of the time.

There is something to be said about character - it isn't just doing things right - it's knowing that there is a right way to do things and a wrong way to do things and that time and time again your record shows that you have always done the right thing. As an NCO, I try constantly to edge my character - it is part of my psyche that I am always trying to evolve because if there is one person on this Earth that despises failure more than I do, I'd be looking at him in a mirror.

I have taken a hit on my character and the damage control is not going to be easy. It creates more problems on top of all the problems I already have here. The reminder I have been given is "crystal clear" in that it does not matter whether or not I get a laugh at the expense of someone else - what counts is that I am dependable and an asset at all times and never faltering or compromising my ability, position or service.

I have broken my trust and my character at the sake of being a character. What it all boils down to is if you want to act like a fool, that is exactly how you will be seen and treated. Apologies are accepted and clarity is achieved by knowing the limits and not trying to push them beyond any boundaries. This has all been a giant step backward in my immediate evolutionary chain of events and not something that I am proud of in any way, shape or form.

The true challenge of anyone's character is their ability to bounce back in the face of adversity, admit their mistakes, learn NOT to repeat them, and also know their respective limits. I have been given a reminder and I thank those folks who have given me this reminder. It shows that they too are involved and care about my character and my development and that they do not want to see me fall on my face time and time again. I understand that it really isn't about them or their reputations, because there isn't an "I" in team - it is a group effort and something that I do appreciate even though the long face would tell you other wise.

Character does count - even in a world that makes heroes out of criminals and saints out of sinners. What is more, I have been reminded that my character does count, and that should make all the difference in the long run!

(Originally published 12 April 2006 on the blog "The Curbside Philosopher")

It's Now Official!

They finally announced it today - the Official Deployment Homepage is now active! Now, you can get insight to the who, what, where and why of the assignment here in Djibouti. Join us, will you? You can find us here...

www.4thpsc.com

Enjoy!

"Ita erat quando hic adveni" - It was like that when I got here

Originally published 07 April 2006 on the blog "Totum dependeat (Let it all hang out!)"

Ankle Appraisal

07 April 2006, Camp Lemonier - Horn of Africa

Hmmmm. I wonder if this picture would qualify as my shot for"Half-Nekkid Thursday?"

Too late! It's already Friday back in the states...it's still Thursday in Hawaii and parts of Alaska though. Hmmmm. Oh well, who cares anyhow! My train of thought has derailed and its time to get back on track...

A quick update on the ankle: I am bearing full weight less than 48 hours after the injury. Stuffing it securely into a boot with an Ace wrap for safety and extra-strength Tylenol for all other matter has really paid off!

I didn't get a chance to rest my ankle too much - that is an entirely different subject altogether which I will elaborate upon a later date. Any way, I feel better - my ankle feels better, and the day thusfar is looking better when compared to yesterday.

I will say for the record that the picture does not do the wound justice. The for real "in living color" sight is something that a camera can barely do justice to! I will also state that it looks far worse than it feels. I walked a mile plus today on the darn thing and only have some residual tenderness along with some minor loss of lateral support. (Yes, I do know what I am doing here - thank you very much!) I've been telling my orthopedic patients for years to stick to "RICE-A" (Rest, ice compression, elevation and anti-inflammatories) so it just made good sense to follow my own advice, right?

Doctor heal thyself and all...

Originally published 07 April 2006 on the blog "Totum dependeat (Let it all hang out!)"