Courage is one word with a spate of definitions

Courage.

It is what makes you stand when you feel you have nothing to stand for.

It is the strength to carry on.

It is the reason you joined the military.

It is the brand of a soldier.

It is what allows you to lead when it is easier to follow.

It is the mindset of a leader.

It is what causes you to walk away from a fight and risk being called “scared.”

It is the wisdom to know the difference.

It is what allows you to take the test over and over and over, until you pass it.

It is the will to not quit.

It is what allows you to tell him/her goodbye when you know it’s for the best, but you don’t want to let go.

It is the power to move forward.

It is what allows you to press toward the mark in the face of incredible odds.

It is the impervious membrane that protects.

It is what allows you to tell him that he’ll never put his hands on you again.

It is the characteristic of a survivor.

It is what allows you to take your children with only the clothes you have on your backs, the few dollars you have in the bank, and start over.

It is the urgency of a mother.

It is what allows you to embrace your truth, even when it is easier to live in denial.

It is the definition of clarity.

It is what makes you stay with your family, despite your readiness.

It is the badge of honor.

It is what causes you to crawl on your knees to find the pieces of your shattered hopes and put them together again.

It is the determination to live.

It is what allows you to try something you never thought you would and to learn what you never thought you could.

It is the agent of change.

It is what allows you to love who you love, despite whom it displeases.

It is the freedom to be.

It is what allows you to get to know someone who believes differently than you do.

It is the element of maturity.

It is what allows you to face crisis situations with a resolve that overshadows your fear.

It is the instinct to overcome.

It is what allows you to ask for help when you need it or to give it without expectation.

It is the trait of humility.

It is what allows you to tell someone that secret that you have kept for so many years.

It is the truth that frees.

It is what allows you to apologize for the wrong you have done and for the pain you have caused.

It is the balm that heals.

It is what allows you to say “I’m afraid” or “I can’t see my way,” but go on anyway.

It is the fabric of faith.

It is what allows you to walk alone when your family and friends turn away.

It is the navigator to life.

It is what allows you to love yourself enough to be yourself.

It is the boldness of true identity.

Courage.

It is the internal code to the safe of life. Have you figured it out?

Be encouraged.

Contact columnist LaTonya Dunn at [email protected].