Moral Courage: A Lesson from the Garden

Dear friends, I hope this message finds you well. Today, I’d like to share a story from my past, a tale that taught me a valuable lesson about moral courage. This story, like many of life’s best lessons, is rooted in the humble soil of my garden.

The Unexpected Seedling

Many years ago, while tending to my beloved garden, I noticed a tiny seedling sprouting amidst my carefully planned rows of vegetables. This was no ordinary seedling; it was a rose bush. Now, a rose bush in a vegetable garden is as out of place as a fish on a bicycle. But there it was, growing with a determination that was impossible to ignore.

The Dilemma

As a gardener, I was faced with a dilemma. Should I uproot this rose bush, restoring order to my vegetable garden? Or should I let it grow, disrupting my carefully planned rows? This decision, my friends, was a test of my moral courage.

Moral Courage in Action

Moral courage is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, or discouragement. It’s about doing what’s right, even when it’s not easy or convenient. In my garden, moral courage meant allowing the rose bush to grow, even though it disrupted my plans and expectations.

So, I let the rose bush grow. And grow it did. It blossomed into a beautiful, vibrant bush, adding a splash of color to my sea of green. It was a constant reminder of the importance of moral courage, of the beauty that can come from embracing the unexpected.

Applying the Lesson

Just like that rose bush, moral courage often sprouts in the most unexpected places. It may disrupt our plans, challenge our beliefs, or even make us uncomfortable. But when we embrace it, when we let it grow, it can add beauty and richness to our lives.

So, my friends, I encourage you to cultivate your own moral courage. Let it grow, let it blossom, and let it add color to your life. Remember, a garden is not defined by its uniformity, but by its diversity and resilience.

Until next time, keep growing.

Kev