I've heard people talk about being fearless as though it were the ultimate accomplishment. I've heard others talking about faith as though it was all that was needed. I started pondering the difference between the two and which one was more beneficial. I know I have faith, but am I fearless? Thefreedicionary.com defines fearless as follows: without fear, brave, oblivious of dangers or perils or calmly resolute in facing them. It defines faith as : confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing, a strong or unshakable belief in something, esp without proof or evidence. So both deal with the unknown. Being fearless requires being resolute which is defined as such : firm in purpose or belief; steadfast. Hmmm, faith speaks of having "strong or unshakable belief." They seem similar, but are they the same?
Fearlessness requires bravery which is defined as possessing or displaying courage. Mark Twain said, “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear." Faith calls for one to have a strong belief. This is usually associated with religion, a belief in a higher power, but it is not limited to religion. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." Now that's unshakable belief! I've come back to this piece a few times, not sure where I was going, until I read Dr. King's quote, on this day which we have chosen to celebrate him.
Did you know that Dr. King never wanted to be the leader of the civil rights movement? He studied theology with the intention to become a preacher. It was when he was asked to join, and eventually lead, the Montgomery Bus Boycott that his purpose started becoming clear. He had much trepidation about taking on this role. He knew, after all, the dangers and repercussions of doing so. But Dr. King was a man of great faith. He knew a stair would appear with each step.
Did you know that Dr. King never wanted to be the leader of the civil rights movement? He studied theology with the intention to become a preacher. It was when he was asked to join, and eventually lead, the Montgomery Bus Boycott that his purpose started becoming clear. He had much trepidation about taking on this role. He knew, after all, the dangers and repercussions of doing so. But Dr. King was a man of great faith. He knew a stair would appear with each step.
Some may not agree with Dr. King's methods, or even his ideology. One does, however, have to respect the man for taking a role that made him a shield for those who backed them. The arrows hit him first. He was arrested 30 times during the civil rights movement. He made himself vulnerable in order to strengthen the lives of the people.
We have opportunities to make ourselves vulnerable and step out on faith daily. We share our views and opinions, we apply for jobs, go on dates. When we try to make connections of any kind with our fellow humans whether with family, friends, or romantically, we make ourselves vulnerable, and step out on faith. What if we step out on faith to do what is right and good for all, even if we have fear? Dr. King made many sacrifices for humanity, even in the face of danger. I give thanks for the sacrifices and the lessons on faith. Love and light.
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