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Courage: An essential Life Skill that must be sown, nurtured and brought to fruition
What do I mean by “Cultivating Courage”?
As a teenager I enjoyed working on my Grandparent’s farm. It was very satisfying to literally see the fruits of my labor. I even considered the idea of taking over the family farm (which had been owned by my family for over 100 years) when my grandpa retired, but God closed that door, and opened others.
Farmers, and Gardeners, do not just randomly toss seeds on the ground and command them to “Grow! Be fruitful!” and then expect very much, if anything. It takes much effort. It takes nurturing.
Likewise, saying to a child, “Be Brave!” is similar to just tossing seeds on the ground, uttering some motivational platitude, and then hoping for the best.
For the “seeds of courage” to take root and produce the best fruit possible, they should be thoughtfully nurtured and cultivated.
Of course, this raises many questions…
How is the “soil” of a child’s life prepared?
What do the seeds of courage look like?
How are courage seeds planted?
What’s the best environment for the seeds of courage to grow?
What are some environmental challenges that will arise and effect growth?
How are the roots, shoots, and stalks strengthened to withstand difficulties?
What “manmade” threats to the development of courage exist?
How are the fledgling sprouts of courage nourished and nurtured to produce quality fruit in abundance?
Exploring answers to these questions, and more, are the purpose of this newsletter.
What other questions about raising courageous kids do you have? Let me know in the comments section below.
I would also love to hear stories of how you have encouraged kids to be courageous. What was the situation? How did the child handle it? How did you help the child to be brave? What was the outcome? What resources have you used?
Book Recommendation
Violet The Pilot, by Steve Breen
Violet is a courageous, good-natured girl who excels at building innovative flying machines from parts found in her father’s junkyard. This book touches on all sorts of important topics including bullying, engineering, repurposing, and putting the needs of others ahead of your own desires. The illustrations are super cute, humorous, and are sure to elicit chuckles from child and adult alike.
Violet The Pilot is one of my all-time favorite Children’s Books, as well as my 3-year-old granddaughter’s. Every year I read this book to the 1st Grade students at the school where I volunteer, and it is always a hit.
This story can prompt discussions of bullying, doing the right thing, and the courage to preserver and help others in need, especially if it requires personal sacrifice.
I also use this story as an opportunity for a history lesson. Violet’s cute sidekick, Orville, is no doubt named after Orville Wright. Orville, and his brother Wilber, invented and flew, the first powered airplane at Kitty Hawk, NC in 1903. The Write Brother’s first plane looks like something Violet would have pieced together.
Thank you for your wonderful support and encouragement!
My warmest regards to you and your family,
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