Eight Mountaneering Steps to Courage

Are you preparing your child to live courageously?  Charles A. Smith, in his book Raising Courageous Kids, said “We are not born heroes.  The journey to find courage begins at birth.  As the seed of courage begins to grow, young children discover their emerging power, influence, and capacity for love.” 

Like one makes it to a mountain peak through a series of footsteps, one can develop courage and teach others more about courage by understanding a series of steps.  Dr. Smith suggests eight steps he suggests to help you and young people build courage.  Here is a preview of them:

1. Persevere toward a worthy goal (From power to willpower).
2. Love their neighbor as themselves (From community to caring).
3. Be smart with their heart (From danger to vigilance).
4. Stay in control in an emotional storm (From fear to composure)
5. Let themselves be touched by the suffering of others (From self to empathy)
6. Act consistently with their principles (from morality to integrity)
7. Take responsibility for their behavior (From justice to honor)
8. Be kind and protect themselves and others (From responsibility to valor)

May the child you work with grow to be courageous!  And may he or she find a courageous example in you.  “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

William Hurtado

P.S. Pictured is me on the summit of Mount Rainier, WA.  It took a great deal of courage–and a little bit of insanity–to make it to the tallest peak in the lower 48 states.