Bravery: A Lesson from a Camping Trip

Dear friends, today I’d like to share a tale from my younger days, a story that taught me the true meaning of bravery. This tale is set against the backdrop of a camping trip, a setting that often brings out the best and worst in us. So, sit back, relax, and let’s journey together into the wilderness of yesteryears.

The Unexpected Encounter

It was the summer of ’72, and I was on a camping trip with my best mates in the Great Smoky Mountains. We were young, adventurous, and eager to explore the world. Little did we know, we were about to learn a life lesson that would stay with us forever.

One evening, as the sun was setting, we found ourselves face-to-face with a black bear. It was a terrifying sight, one that could easily send chills down anyone’s spine. But in that moment of fear, I realized something crucial about bravery.

Bravery is Not the Absence of Fear

Contrary to popular belief, bravery isn’t about not feeling fear. It’s about feeling the fear and choosing to act anyway. As we stood there, frozen in our tracks, I felt a surge of fear. But I also felt a stronger urge to protect my friends. I picked up a nearby stick, waved it around, and made as much noise as I could. The bear, startled by the sudden commotion, decided to retreat.

Bravery is a Choice

That day, I learned that bravery is a choice. It’s about making the decision to stand up in the face of adversity, to protect those you care about, and to do what’s right, even when it’s difficult. It’s about choosing to act, even when every fiber of your being is telling you to run.

Bravery is a Virtue

Bravery is a virtue that we all possess, but it often lies dormant until we’re faced with a situation that calls for it. That camping trip was a turning point in my life. It taught me that I was capable of being brave, and it’s a lesson I’ve carried with me ever since.

So, my dear friends, remember this: you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. Don’t wait for a bear on a camping trip to discover your bravery. Embrace it, nurture it, and let it guide you through life’s challenges.

Until next time, stay brave.

Kev