Virtue – a particular moral excellence

I believe that Courage is a moral excellence.

A Courageous person has “more at the heart.” More what? More Integrity, more Faith, more Self-control and greater ability to persevere and withstand danger, fear or adversity.

Courage is bolstered by a sense of destiny and purpose. When things are difficult a tough person can muster the ability to continue, but when things are impossible, Courage that can sense a greater purpose and see more to be accomplished must take over.

Threat of death does not deter true Courage. The Courageous do not see death as the end or the ultimate loss but as a tool reserved for use by a Master in order to refine character. Valor can cause one to face death with personal strength (firmness of mind or spirit, resolve or personal bravery), but Courage places confidence in the hands of one whose purpose is greater and who is able to strengthen the heart.

Valor comes from within but true Courage is infused from without. Courage is bestowed when we face what is beyond us… what is impossible for us.

Courage is the “more” in the heart that breaks down pride, looks for help beyond itself and Humbly accept it.

COURAGE IN COMMUNITY

Courage is important to true community for Courage is contagious. The sense of greater purpose and destiny possessed by the Courageous will spill over onto all who are nearby.

A community must have those with Courage if it is to become greater; if it is to influence. Courage alone is not enough. The other Virtues must be present in a community if that community is to influence for good. We have seen communities devoid of Virtue influence for evil.

Imagine a world made up of communities made up of Courageous people who value one another and exercise the Virtues.

What would that be like?