2022 Week 33 Filipino Value Focus: COURAGE

Nelson Mandela once said, “Courage [is] not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” Mandela's profound statement encapsulates an invaluable principle of a man and woman of courage – one who does not negate the presence of fear nor deny its attempts to intimidate. However, one who has the grace to govern and the power to prevail, such that doubt is silenced and loses its grip, and the man and woman of courage takes charge to uphold moral standards and ethical principles even in the midst of adversity and opposition.

In a society where moral decay and decline seem to be the norm and aggravated by apathy and passivity, we need men and women of courage, those who do not conform but instead be the voice and catalyst of change in rebuilding the moral infrastructure of our society by transforming the nation through exemplary values. These are the men and women of courage who are willing to die to their selfish interests for the sake of the common good and the nation. They speak the values, model the values, and live the values in their homes, respective agencies or institutions and in their communities until we see the Philippines rise and become a value-laden society whose hallmark of public service is characterized by righteousness, transparency, and accountability.

This is a real test of courage – to stand for righteousness, for values and the moral principles when circumstances speak otherwise. During the time of Daniel, he was compelled to bow before the idol of Nebuchadnezzar. It was against his principles so despite the order that those who will not bow down will be punished severely, he took courage not to lay aside his principles. He stood ground on what is right before the sight of God. The idol of Nebuchadnezzar speak about unrighteousness, illegal and immoral acts. Many times, we are forced by circumstances to bow and go with the Blow of corruption, greed and irregularity. Like Daniel, we must stand on our ground and not give in to these wiles of the enemy. Have the courage to stand for what is right. Have the courage to do what is right before God, country and fellowmen. “Faced with what is right, to leave it undone shows a lack of courage.”

ACTION PLAN

1. Identify the values and moral standards we have been fighting for or intend to fight to be re-established in our families, agencies, and communities.
   
2. In our attempt to re-establish the values and moral standards, identify the possible oppositions and challenges we may be encountering. Pray and discuss with like-minded people about how we can conquer them.

DECLARATION

We are courageous people. With the aid of the Almighty God, we have the grace to govern and the power to prevail. We dare to speak the values, model the values and live the values until the moral infrastructure of our families, agencies, and our nation is rebuilt.​

​PRAYER

Heavenly Father, teach us to be courageous. Grant us the grace not to be passive with the moral decay and decline in our society. Stir in our hearts the courage and the tenacity to pursue righteousness and live exemplary lives. Amen.​

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