I learned that courage was 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. ~~Nelson Mandela
Yesterday, as I drove home from work and listened to the news about the terrorist attacks in Paris, I couldn’t help but feel it would somehow be inappropriate to write about gratitude in the middle of such a horrific event.
Then, I heard about displays of courage in the midst of terror:
Watch Thousands of Parisians Respond to the Terrorist Attacks in the Best Way Possible – Soccer fans joined in unison, singing the French national anthem as they were ordered to exit the stadium after explosions erupted.
“Open Door” Invitation Spreads on Social Media Amid the Attacks – Parisians opened the doors of their homes to people on the streets who were in need of shelter after the attacks.
The world has changed in frightening ways. I’ll admit, when I hear stories about the inhumanity of terrorism, it feels petty to think about blessings and gratitude. But I’m thankful for the courage of the people in the above stories.
I pray for the people of Paris, for their continued courage, and for the ability of all of us to push past our fears in the face of terror.
Jan Morrill Writes 
These are moments that define who we are. We are seeing that, both the good side and the bad side. As for being grateful, there is always something for which to be grateful.
janet
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, Janet! And I’m grateful for that.
LikeLike
Janet, the sad thing is, we don’t seem to remember what fear has driven us to do in the past. The only value that can come from such mistakes is to remember and learn from them, and it seems all of that is forgotten.
LikeLike
Pingback: Fear of the Huddled Masses | THE RED KIMONO