Bravery,
This characteristic can be innate or learned,
Grow inside someone or shrivel up in testing times,
Be right in your face or as quiet as a whisper.
Each day you can choose to be brave.

Life is full of struggle and pain,
Yet each morning we wake up and turn off the alarm,
Knowing the difficulties that are soon to come.
This is bravery.

Bravery is Henry Powell defending his country on the front line,
While his wife and three kids are at home.
Firefighter James Coyle rushing towards the plummeting Twin Towers,
Putting others’ lives ahead of his own.
This is bravery.

Six year old Timmy stepping up onto the stage to perform,
Trying to overcome his nervousness demonstrates his bravery.
Advocating for what you believe in the midst of persecution,
Were taught by both Martin Luther King, Jr., and Mahatma Ghandi.
This is bravery.

Teacher Maryrose Kristopik hid her fourth graders in a closet,
That terrifying day at Sandy Hook while Lanza screamed to open up,
She comforted and prayed with the frightened kids,
Saving them from the deadly gun on the other side of the door.
This is bravery.

Standing up for yourself,
Against bullies or abusive relationships is intimidating,
But defending yourself despite the risks,
This is bravery.

Everyone fights their own battles or monsters,
They leave with different scars,
Yet those who choose to continue on,
This is bravery.