How to Be Brave
A two-step guide
I imagine Heaven as a place without fear, populated by angels who love without condition. They’re like celestial Labrador Retrievers that way. Angels are also not afraid. They are never in any real danger. They just spread their wings and fly. Angels never have to worry about paying bills, having their hearts broken, or getting hit by a bus. For all eternity, it’s just light and warmth: singing and fluttering and occasional visits to poor ol’ Earth.
Immortality is boring, but it’s secure. Safe. Angels aren’t brave because they don’t have to be.
Sadly, I am mortal, and death swipes left on us all. I am constantly worried about what comes next. I am constantly asking myself questions. Who am I? What should I do? Should I roll the dice and eat grocery store sushi rolls? Yes? No? I want to be brave. I need to be brave. I want to be remembered for never running away from a righteous battle. I hope I am. Fortune favors the bold and, therefore, roots for the brave.
I am no hero, but I know a little about bravery. I’ve seen it. I know heroes. I’ve met them. They are as surprised as anyone that they did what they did. Whether it was daring to dream, ignoring odds, or wiping a feverish forehead and whispering, “you’re going to get better” when the truth was the doctors didn’t know if they would.
