Courage, A Role Model, My Friend Walker | Filed under Friends, Sunday’s Services
I have some of the most wonderful friends one could find right here in my blog community. Today I dedicate this post to the one who likes to make me think the most and push my buttons these days, yes you Walker.You are a kind soul with a very gruff exterior that will give your last to the one who most needed it. As you talk, I listen and I ponder which so often gets me into trouble or just gets be deeper so here is my latest pondering and it is all your fault Walker…..You really did it with this post and I encourage those who have not read this and do not know my friend to go read this post. and then read the post above to see just the many sides to Walker. Stand up take a bow but don’t fall because I’m not picking you up if you do and the next person will run up and kick you because that my friend is the world we live today. Now give me your hand, Walker and get up.
Robert J. McCracken once said
The world is not perishing for the want of clever or talented or well-meaning people. It is perishing for the want of people of courage and resolution.
Now that says a lot if you just stop for a minute and ponder that or even better if you just go here and read this. That has me thinking more and more of just where are we going today? Am I contributing to the downfall of the world? Am I providing a role model for others of someone who stands by my beliefs and is willing to support other people who are being abused and manipulated, or am I providing a role model of someone who is completely self-interested, without a thought given to others? And remember, even if we do think of others often, we can’t be a role model through thought alone–people can see only what we do, not what we think.
I’m not sure that I believe that the world is “perishing,” but I do know that the world situation isn’t nearly as positive as it could be, and many people suffer needlessly at the hands of others. There are many injustices that we could do something about if we made the effort.
On the other hand, we all have only so much time in each day, and we all have responsibilities and obligations that may prevent us from devoting time to things that demand our courage. I remember a Dickens novel–Bleak House, I believe, in which a woman spent most of her time trying to raise money for the poor children of some far-away undeveloped country, while her own children were completely neglected, with clothes that were falling apart and having to make their own meals.
Sometimes, it takes the greater courage to toil away in silence, unnoticed, as we make sure that the people we love don’t suffer from our neglect. One day we’ll send them out into the world, and the type of persons we send out–one who will contribute to the love and peace of the world or one who will contribute to the greed and enmity of the world–depends on our willingness to stick to our resolve to provide.
Questions to ponder:
What things that you’ve done have taken the most courage?
What’s the most important part of being a role model to you?
What kinds of things in this world can you personally help to alleviate or make better?
Just think about what Richard L. Evans said
We need the courage to start and continue what we should do, and courage to stop what we shouldn’t do.
Take some time ponder these questions and I would like to see what you think, I am still pondering these. I will return and answer mine in the comments later.
June 4th, 2006 at 8:53 pm
I think it takes courage to do the little things, for example, tell a close relative they’re being racist, or stop a conversation that is degrading someone. Sometimes we think we have to change things in the world “out there” when what you need to do is just make a difference close to home.
The most important part of being a role model for me is to make sure my boys grow up to be good, caring men. I cannot expect them to do anything I would not, and I cannot stand to be a hypocrite, so I try to lead by example.
It’s hard to say what I can make better. I spend so much of my time just taking care of the boys. They’re at that age where my life centers around them. And perhaps that isn’t a bad thing, because part of that is getting involved in the things they do. Whether it’s helping out with a sporting team or with a cub scout den, you use your time and talents as best you can.
June 4th, 2006 at 9:01 pm
Hum… yuou want me to think on a Sunday evening! Have a good week girl!
June 4th, 2006 at 9:33 pm
He is a wonderful friend, isn’t he?
Tune in tomorrow to mine, Vickie, he’s sharing home plate with another special friend
June 4th, 2006 at 10:34 pm
Honesty, integrity, compassion are qualities I look for in role models. Some of the worlds best leaders have not been elected, but have been recognized for what they’ve done, both on a large scale and in our own home towns.
I’m glad Walker is there for you and he is a good friend.
I can see why he’s a role model for you, after all he’s gone through.
June 4th, 2006 at 11:58 pm
Very thought provoking post, Miss Vickie. Obviously, Walker’s not the only one capable of it
It’s taken the most courage when I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone to help someone who was obviously in distress. My discomfort was nothing compared to what they were going through, and I helped her through her situation, even though I didn’t think I was capable of it. I try to remember that whenever I feel out of my depth.
I agree with Vince. There are so many things close to home that we could help with. Just providing a listening ear can make a huge difference to somone who is pushed to their limits.
June 5th, 2006 at 2:16 am
You bring up a point in a day and time that is wrought with conflicting messages. We each have to take a stand on what we believe. Tonight I was updating my Bloglist and like you, realized what an amazing group of friends I have here like you! I will visit Walker to say hello!
June 5th, 2006 at 3:57 am
Hi Vickie ~~ A thought provoking post. I read the post
that Walker told of the dreadful experience his little
niece had. It is hsrd to believe that no-one helped.
Both you and he are lucky to have each other’s friendship
Thanks for your comments. Take care, Merle.
June 5th, 2006 at 5:03 am
Hi Vickie, re your comment, of course I forgive you for not getting to my B’day, with the stuff you have going on in your life I think you accomplish miracles. ((Hugs))
June 5th, 2006 at 8:26 am
What things that you’ve done have taken the most courage?
I’m not sure it’s happened yet.
What’s the most important part of being a role model to you?
It has everything to do with my son and his young family.
What kinds of things in this world can you personally help to alleviate or make better?
Alas, very little.
June 5th, 2006 at 10:20 am
How a person defines and shows courage is different from each individual to the next. For some it’s getting out of bed in the morning fighting a dragging depression, for others it’s speaking out loud in a crowded room and yet still for others it’s not speaking at all but accepting life as it comes.
I think of yourself as a very couragous person. You get up each day, knowing that life will not be easy or comfortable, and you still handle yourself with dignity and class.
I think if everyone took the time to spend an hour in their neighbor’s skin to see how others live and feel, that would be a HUGE step in improving the world and how we treat others.
June 5th, 2006 at 10:33 am
Walker is certainly a one of a kind. What a nice post! I try and help other people whose children have special needs and just break down barriers in general for all folks who have disabilities. It is probably the thing I feel most passionate about.
June 5th, 2006 at 12:56 pm
One of the most courageous things I’ve done recently was write on my blog about my relationship with God. http://www.accidentalthinker.com/2006/03/my_heart_is_on_fire.htm
While it shouldn’t have taken any courage at all, it was something I was pretty apprehensive about at the time.
In role models, I look for people who are kind and genuine. As for the type of role model I want to be, I’ve written about that as it pertains to my children here:
http://www.accidentalthinker.com/2006/04/my_legacy_to_you.htm
Things I can personally help alleviate or make better? I’m working on figuring that out. My faith has become increasing important to me over the last couple of years, and what I constantly ask myself is whether what I am doing, no matter what it is, is serving God. I don’t think God expects me to change the world, but if I can touch peoople on an invididual level, even if it’s just one person in my entire lifetime, that’s what I hope to be able to do.
June 5th, 2006 at 3:55 pm
One of the traits I find most admirable in a role model is when they admit they are human, and not without fault. They never put themselves on a pedestal, and are the first to “pick’ you up when you’ve been knocked down. Traits that are within you, Ms. Vickie.
Some of the things I’ve had to do –I don’t know about courageous–is face with world after Daddy died and after my accident. To face the world with a smile on my face even though I was falling to pieces emotionally on the inside.
Listen. . .I can listen if anyone needs to vent. I’m only as far away as the stroke of a key on a keyboard.
June 5th, 2006 at 5:33 pm
First I want to thank you for your kind words.
Now I would now like to disagree with you.
If there is a role model to be here it’s you.
Just look at your last few weeks and you will see what I mean.
Up at dawn and off to the hospital to be with your mother in law.
The drive baqck home I dont know how many hours to be there for your mother and then STOP to help a complete stranger on the street to get to her destination at your expence.
Who was there when I needed someone not to long ago and encouraged me to move on.
That was you so don’t go blaming me for you being a special and beautiful person.
That’s all your doing, so take the credit.
Stand up and let us applaude a woman who with her own hell to deal with, strives to make other people happy.
No, you are my hero and role model
June 5th, 2006 at 6:51 pm
The only thing I’ve ever done that I would consider courageous would have been speaking to a group of highly intelligent health care professionals, giving my opinion on how they could better help those who cannot help themselves.
The best role models I’ve had in my life were those who said what they meant, and meant what they said.
One of things I could do (and should do more often) smile, listen, talk to those who feel they have nothing to smile about.
This was a great post Ms. Vickie, and one that does not surprise me in that you have such a great heart for others.
June 5th, 2006 at 6:57 pm
1. What things that you’ve done have taken the most courage?
Helping a poor lady across the street while dodging cars, after getting chased off the cross walk because it was being painted!
2. What’s the most important part of being a role model to you?
Being able to admit when you’re wrong, before you run for your life!
3. What kinds of things in this world can you personally help to alleviate or make better?
I always like to give my friend Old Lady Bags money, so she can get something to eat, specially when I’m on a diet!
June 5th, 2006 at 6:58 pm
Vickie, I think your blog ate my answers!
June 5th, 2006 at 8:49 pm
Courage is really different things to different people. I’m not sure at my age I could have stopped the thief in Walker’s story. Maybe could have hit him over the head with a bottle but in this age of sue everybody, what would have it gained for me or the victim?
You need to live by the courage of your convictions, whatever they are. And that you don’t share the same convictions as Walker doesn’t mean your less of a person for it. My two cents.
June 5th, 2006 at 9:31 pm
The courage question: Having my children, serving my country, moving on when loved ones leave us before they have had a long life.
Role model: Love, patience, care, thoughtful, devoted.
What can I do?
I hope that I raise my children to be loving and productive members of our society.
Every little thing you can do or say to help a person is need makes the world a better place. Sometimes it is just a look, hug, or call.
June 5th, 2006 at 9:55 pm
hello vickie and friends. I have met people I would like to be like. Ms Vickie you are one. I would like to be like you.
June 6th, 2006 at 1:06 am
Hi Vicki,
Thanks for the birthday wishes at my site. You are always so sweet.
I believe the greatest gift we can give is a smile and genuine happiness/ It always rubs off on those around you.
June 6th, 2006 at 4:15 am
So true about courage, damn fine quote.
Cheers
June 6th, 2006 at 8:36 am
Robert J. McCracken’s quote was a good thought. Great post and comments!
June 6th, 2006 at 4:36 pm
I really like those quotes! Thank you for what you said the other day at my blog…. Take care!
June 6th, 2006 at 10:41 pm
I said I would come back and answer the questions later and I have ponder them for some time and will leave you with my thoughts.
What things that you’ve done have taken the most courage? At this point in my life I am not certain I can it has taken place—I am still waiting for that moment in my life.
What’s the most important part of being a role model to you? Never understanding the word you can not
What kinds of things in this world can you personally help to alleviate or make better? Educate and make life better for those disabled. I am especially focused on Multiple Sclerosis those who “I look good but” and would like to one day be a Motivational Speaker who could help individuals maintain independence, physical health, and emotional well-being. My first step is taking place here now.
Thanks
to each of you that answered these questions. Each one had great answerers and as we all know, there was no right or wrong answers.:heart:
June 7th, 2006 at 12:32 pm
Just dropping by to say hello Vickie !
June 7th, 2006 at 2:19 pm
Courage? Courage to me is what it takes to BE a role model~~and courage is what it takes to MAKE a difference.
Something we can all do, if we have the COURAGE to quit making excuses as to why we can’t.
Vickie, You exemplify the word courage.~~ by being the role model that you are to so many, as witnessed by the comments on here, YOU are making a difference already and just don’t know it. Keep on smiling.