Courage

With everything that has been happening in the world I thought I would write about "Courage".

In the past 6 months, this part of the world has endured fires, floods, cyclones, earthquakes, Tsunami's and radiation scares.  I am sure that a lot of us are wondering when it all might end?  

Australians who have been affected by cyclones and floods have that "Can do" attitude.  They have all helped one another by "mucking in", cleaning up and getting on with rebuilding their lives.To me this shows courage, people who have lost everything, helping and thinking of others before themselves.

The people of Christchurch in New Zealand have not only endured one earthquake but two devastating quakes.  The second one in February demolished part of a beautiful city and took almost 200 lives.  But the tough courageous Kiwi's have vowed to rebuild!

In Japan I watched in horror, through live television, as a Tsunami smashed into coastal towns.  Never had I ever seen water move so fast and wipe out everything in its path.  Not only do the Japanese people have to deal with the after effects of the Tsunami but also the rubble of the earthquake and now dealing with the radiation from the damaged nuclear reactors.  With over 27,000 people missing or dead, the Japanese peole are stoic and courageous beyond belief.

I heard a quote once that stated "Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyse you, they are supposed to help you discover who you are."  Well I don't know about you but these tragedies would have paralysed me!  I guess most of us will never know what we are capable of doing during a crisis until the crisis hits us.

I for one am truly amazed at the courage shown by everone who have been through these terrible situations.  Even more so the courageous men and women who work in the rescue service, who have gone to these devastated areas to help not only resuce, but to also look for and identify the dead.  Toughest job in the world!

The word Courage is defined in the dictionary as "the quality of mind that enables one to encounter difficulties and danger with firmness or without fear: bravery"

Personally I don't think there is any definition worthy of all these courageous people.  I believe they are tougher than courage and other words that spring to mind such as bravery, guts, pluck and valour still don't do them justice either.

So to all those out there who are living, surviving and rebuilding their lives I salute you!  My thoughts, prayers, respect and admiration are with you.