Courage

Another core value of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine and the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina is Courage. It is an important value because, to me, it is about always standing behind your mission, purpose and beliefs.

I remember watching the movie “12 Angry Men” with Henry Fonda. It is an old movie but it has a great message. It tells the story of one juror who had the courage to stand up against all of the other jurors who wanted to convict a man. The reasons they wanted to convict varied and their reasons appeared self-serving. Some of the jurors were missing work, some were late for an appointment and some thought the room was too hot because of no air conditioning. Others had perceived biases that tainted their objectivity. For example, the young man on trial was Hispanic and one juror had had a bad experience with a Hispanic person in the past and was, therefore, prejudice. Henry Fonda’s character not only showed the courage to stand alone with his vote of not guilty, but he was able to point out the weaknesses in the arguments of the other jurors. He stood by his convictions, beliefs and principles and had the courage to go against the majority. In the end, justice was served and the man was found not guilty, in large part due to Fonda’s character’s courage.

We all face difficulties in our lives and what sets people with courage apart from others is fortitude. Often courage requires risk because the outcome could be harmful. God gives us all many gifts and he allows us to use those gifts when ever possible.

So what does courage mean? Courage is doing the right thing when the wrong thing seems to produce better results. Courage is looking past yourself and dedicating your energy to the betterment of mankind. Courage is the ability to set aside all your disappointments and still be able to open your heart and mind to others and give them your all. Courage is the ability to say I was wrong and I am sorry. Courage is doing something difficult, and even dangerous, selflessly. Courage is grace under pressure and humility out of honor. Courage is knowing what not to fear.

Lastly, courage is standing for your principles and beliefs regardless of the obstacles and barriers that are put before you. Courage is an important core value and something that lies within every single one of us.

Tom Keith is the president of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina.