Courage is required. Still.

The very model of courage in the history of human progress is Martin Luther King Jr. A grateful nation acknowledges his contribution and sacrifice with a federal holiday on the Monday after his birthday of January 15. Thinking about the arc of his selfless and tireless efforts to serve humanity inspired us to consider, What is real courage…the courage required to change the human drift toward inequality and injustice?

Often in challenging times we can be dazzled by outward acts of incredible self-sacrifice, goodness, and even defiance – but don’t realize the depth and development of the courage required prior to producing the ultimate act.

Individual courage forms quietly, modestly, independently. The cultivation of courage just isn’t that obvious – even to the individual! Unless and until there is a demand, that moment when it is clear that one must act for the good of all humanity. What then becomes obvious is that the willngness to act courageously can’t be accomplished without the prior cultivation of courage.

Goodness knows, opportunities to do what matters most abound. Bobby Kennedy offered a short list: “Stand up for an ideal, act to improve the lot of others, strike out against injustice…” We all can name our favorite “profiles in courage.” Martin Luther King would surely be at the top of many such lists.

But courageous cultivation and preparation – the journey to be willing and ready to act – is often nameless. And it really is required of each of us. Because you don’t know when your moment to rise and stand for justice, for truth, will come. You are the driver of your own cultivation of courage.

Here’s how you can cultivate courage:

• Clarify your moral code and let it guide your motives.
• Dare to think for yourself and discern the facts.
• Listen with respect and consider other perspectives.
• Speak truth – kindly, firmly, unconditionally.

Courage is an inherent spiritual value that rests in the soil of a good heart and, with nourishment and the light of day, grows to bear fruit and feed humanity. So let’s resolve to prepare to be courageous, starting now. The purpose? You expect to be called to action.