I received an e-mail this morning from someone I’d never met, who was responding to one of my articles on NewsBlaze. I looked at his website and discovered that, like me, he was using his story to help others.
I’m not going to post his site or personal information here because I didn’t ask, and didn’t even know I was going to be writing about this until about 5 seconds ago! But I was absolutely amazed and touched by his courage.
I think this is a rare gift – to be able to transcend your own self to realize that there are others going through the same thing, or others supporting those who are suffering. It’s empathy that transcends your personal story, and it’s beautiful.
When I think of a knight in the middle ages, words come to me, like chivalry, honor, grace, justice, compassion–the courage to fight your enemy even when you know you will lose. But can you ever really lose if you’ve helped someone else out in the process? People like this man are this centuries knights, exhibiting courage and honor.
All of us have the opportunity to be this centuries knights. All of us have the opportunity to rise above our own fears and limitations and draw together in community. Every person has the choice to choose a path of light – of compassion, of empathy and honesty.
Luckily, I am pleased to report to you that my readers are all knights too. In this century, knights can be men or women, of any race and of any sexuality. The one thing that matters in being a knight of this century is courage. The courage to share the most difficult parts of your own self to help another is a fierce battle that may always be undervalued by those who don’t understand. However, for those who do understand, your empathy and courage are beyond measure.
“Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing. Use the pain as fuel, as a reminder of your strength.” August Wilson (thinkexist.com)
“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” Winston Churchill (thinkexist.com)
I dub thee…
All best,
Rose
