This paper presented a challenge for me due to the absence of clear guidelines and expectations, which I am accustomed to receiving. Unlike previous assignments, we were provided with a statement and given the liberty to decide how we wished to convey our thoughts or ideas. This posed a difficulty for me as I have always been an individual who possesses ample opinions and can be observed engaging in conversations with anyone willing to lend an ear. The topic assigned was “Bravery in the face of Adversity.” During my research, I stumbled upon a definition of bravery that characterizes it as “a quality of spirit that enables one to confront danger or suffering without exhibiting fear.”
Adversity, which refers to a state of misfortune or bad luck, is what I initially planned to discuss. Specifically, I wanted to explore the hardships faced by African-American soldiers during the Civil War and reflect on their challenges during that devastating period. In fact, I even intended to compose a poem on this matter (opening). However, as I reflect further on its relevance to my own life, I realize that bravery is required each day in order for me to endure. Throughout the past year, I have experienced multiple tragedies such as my mother losing her job and more than ten family members passing away. Additionally, being an adolescent girl growing up in this tumultuous world means constantly confronting numerous obstacles.
Due to the job market downturn in Georgia, many people are grateful for any employment opportunity they can find, such as jobs in education, finance, and fast food chains like McDonalds. Unfortunately, my mother is among those who have been unsuccessful in finding a job. To support ourselves, we have relied on her savings, child support payments, and food stamps. However, our situation is becoming increasingly desperate. Each morning, my mom puts on a brave face and prepares us for the day ahead before dedicating her time to searching for employment. She has first-hand experience of the taste, feeling, and impact that unfavorable circumstances have on a paycheck.
My mother exemplifies bravery when confronting adversity. Only a few people are aware that we are nearly out of funds. In fact, we prefer to maintain this secrecy. However, when assigned this task, I realized that one of the most effective ways to relate it to my own life was by examining my immediate surroundings. Bravery is defined as “a quality of spirit that enables one to confront danger and suffering without displaying fear.” Our current situation puts our lifestyle at risk. My mother must confront the heartbreak and suffering that arise from feeling incapable of providing for her family. I assist whenever possible. My mother possesses that spirit and quality of bravery.
Despite her own fear, she faces the challenges of our lives with courage. She conceals her fears from me and my younger siblings, demonstrating her strength. She also finds solace in her faith, believing that with God’s help, she can overcome this adversity. According to Psalms 46:10, it states “Be Still and know that I am God…”. Unfortunately, in October we experienced a series of losses. Firstly, my Granny passed away, followed by my aunt and a close friend within a span of twenty-four hours. Most recently, we lost my great uncle who played a fatherly role to many of us who grew up without fathers. This year, I have attended an excessive number of funerals that no one person should have to endure.
Each day, someone wakes up to find emptiness beside them in bed, in their house, or in terms of lacking a parent or role model. My family has faced numerous challenges, requiring immense courage in the face of what appears to be a never-ending streak of misfortune. The causes of these deaths ranged from natural causes due to old age or illness, to one tragic incident that was deliberately premature. I strongly believe that if my cousin had received guidance on God’s love and the ability to turn to Him when everything goes awry, he would still be with us today as an eighteen-year-old who cherished life and its many offerings.
If he had displayed genuine courage, he would still be alive presently. By committing suicide and not having faith in God to pave a way, he demonstrated fear. It would have been beneficial if he hadn’t been brought up in a godless household where his mother lacks belief in Him. Nonetheless, I maintain that exhibiting bravery and persevering through life’s difficulties requires effort. Certain individuals appear to be perpetually plagued by adversity and misfortune. However, with God’s love and strength, He can bestow upon us the comprehension to cope with overwhelming challenges.
Bravery in difficult situations involves confronting things beyond your control with composure. My mother and my family epitomize this concept. In the midst of the Civil War, the idea of allowing blacks to serve as soldiers faced widespread opposition. Their skills were only valued for labor, and they encountered adversity every day. However, I imagine there was immense joy each time they returned. Initially, facing fears may seem minor when taught in kindergarten, but doubts arise with maturity. Overcoming adversity becomes more challenging. Nevertheless, by seeking bravery from God, I can find the strength to confront these challenges.
