Most of us have made a decision at one time or another that we wish we could pull back or reverse. Sometimes our pride holds us back from admitting if we were wrong, misguided or followed bad advice. There are times when we are sincere in our decisions or choices, but the truth of the matter is we can be sincerely wrong. Whether it is something that affects us personally or the masses, once we realize we have been traveling down the wrong road, we must find the courage to turn around and get back on the right path. Why does this seem to be such a difficult task?
Recently when Congress was dealing with the issue of impeaching #45, for the second time, Representative Hoyer from Maryland shared what he phrased a “Call to Courage” to his fellow colleagues. This means people must put aside their differences, personal opinions and preferences and do what is best for the greater good, for America, and for humanity. As it relates to our government, we must remember what our country stands for. We are governed by a democracy not a demigod. Stacey Abrams shares in her latest book, Our Time Is Now, “To restore our country, we have to deconstruct what got us here and (figure out) how to repair our nation before it is too late.” When it came time for the vote there were those that listened to this call even against much push back. When I think about all the things that my grandparents and great grandparents went through, I know with courage we can get through what faces us today.
To change is a choice. To do so may sometimes take courage, but it is a choice we all have the power to make. There comes a time where we must stand up to the pressure society can place on us as well as sometimes those that are closest to us. Pressure can make us feel confused as if we are in a bad dream and we just want to wake up. When we finally wake up, we can come to our senses and make better choices. Well, it is time for us to all wake up! To have the ability to do what must be done we have to be in alignment with our virtues and be alert. Maya Angelou said, “Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.”
What is currently challenging you to do something you know you should do, but you do not quite have the courage to do? In times like these we must search our conscience. There are so many things pulling at us in our personal and professional lives that can make things become blurry causing us to make choices that ultimately lead us down the wrong path. There is a difference between making a bad choice and making the wrong choice. A bad choice can have little to no consequence, but a wrong choice can affect generations to come. It takes courage to step out on faith and do the right thing for the greater good.
I have experienced several situations where I had to have courage to do what was best. Whether it was the end of a marriage or challenge my birth mother why she left me at such a young age or asking my father why he behaved the way he did. I have also had tough conversations with people I care about and asked them how they could follow someone that has done so much harm. What I have learned is that we must all be responsible for the choices we make. We can challenge others by giving them a “call to courage,” but ultimately, we can only hope and pray they will answer the call. We must ask ourselves, have we?
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on!
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is an international coach, consultant, trainer, author, and speaker. You can hear her every Wednesday on Instagram Live at 12 noon PST @wendygladney
