Courage

1 Chronicles 28:20

David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.”

I’ve learned so much this summer. Lessons have come from both inside and outside the office of the NAACP. One of the important lessons I have gained is about courage and maintaining courage through hard times. The GBCS EYA internship program incorporates learning about the history and culture of several minority groups, which most of them have a background of courage. Unfortunately, many minority groups have had to utilize courage to fight for basic rights. When we visited the Museum of the American Indian we learned about reservations and the push to invade Native American lands in order to make room for the determined colonist. At the African American Museum we learned about the enslavement of colored people for the benefit and growth of the newly forming country. Both groups, and so many more, have had tremendous struggles throughout the years. They have had to encourage unity and continuously fight for their freedoms and recognition. The oppression of these people affected them and so many generations beyond and the courageous fight continues to this day for so many.

I was honorably able to attend the 108th annual convention of the NAACP on the National Staff. This organization is the oldest civil rights organization of this country and continuously fights for the equality of all aspects of life for all, especially minority groups. The convention has tons of forums, meetings, booths, and panels to address the meaning of the organization and to promote awareness of issues. My fellow interns and I attended an interesting forum on criminal justice and mass incarceration Monday morning. The panelist spoke about the issues of the current justice system and how it degrades lives, separates families, and disturbs the mental health of millions daily. A very interesting point that was brought up several times is the need for more love and courage in our world. Many of the panelists spoke about how people are too afraid to approach and support other people; especially minorities. Children and youth go abandoned and without love in their lives and take to the streets and gangs to find it. They demanded change from the audience. A change for communities not to live in fear but to be courageous and step out of their comfort zones to support those who seek love and support in the wrong places. Courage is needed in this world and as a Christian it is a part of our earthly calling to be the ones leading social justice movements without fear.

This summer has strengthened my confidence in being a leader.  As Laurel Thatcher Ulrich once said “ Well behaved women rarely make history” and I think the summer of fighting for the vulnerable in so many different capacities has taught me some pretty “bad” behaviors.

Iris Gadsden

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