True Courage, by Daniel Whyte IV with Danyel Ezekiel Whyte V

Dear YB:

Many of us, as boys, get the true meaning of courage and cowardice all twisted up. You see, many times, we call that which is courage-cowardice, and that which is cowardice, we call courage. I believe that if we are to develop good character traits, we must get these two straightened out.

I am reminded of two stories that I once read which I will take the liberty to relate to you here. I hope they will help to clear up the confusion between courage and cowardice that you may have in your mind. Here they are:

George came home one day dripping wet, and his other asked him why. George told her, "One of the boys said I dare not jump into the creek, and I tell you, Mother, I am not one to be dared."

Now, was it courage that led George to jump into the creek? No. George was AFRAID that the other boys would call him a coward if he did not jump into the creek. And since a coward is one who is afraid, we see that George was a coward because he was afraid.

Below is the second story that demonstrates true courage:

One day, Edward walked up to James, stuck his fist on his face, and said, "Strike that if you dare." James said, "Edward, if you want to fight, you have come to the wrong boy. I never fight because it is wrong. You can call me a coward if you want to, but I will show you that I have the courage enough not to be tempted by your ridicule to do what I know is wrong."

James was courageous because he was not afraid to say no to something he knew was wrong-he didn't care whether or not Edward called him a coward.

Now, you tell me, who was really courageous? (Oh, I've already answered that question. Haven't I?) James was definitely courageous, and the only word to sum up George would be "coward." You see, George was afraid to do what was right, and James was not afraid to say no to what was wrong.

In closing, let me share this poem with you:

Dare to be honest, good, and sincere,

Dare to be upright, and you need never fear.

Dare to be brave in the cause of the right,

Dare with the enemy ever to fight.

Dare to be loving and patient each day,

Dare speak the truth whatever you say.

Dare to be gentle and orderly too,

Dare shun the evil, whatever you do.

Dare to be cheerful, forgiving, and mild.

Dare shun the people whom sin has defiled.

Dare to speak kindly, and ever be true,