Called to Be Courageous

Elizabeth Reardon ponders the little ways we are called to be courageous witnesses of our faith.

Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5) 

With the Easter season upon us, once again my thoughts turn to the witness of the disciples and experience of new believers in an unbelieving world. There, such witness of faith in a risen Christ required courage in the face of certain punishment or death. Here in the Western world, we may feel a measure of comfort, secluded from persecution or reproof. Though one glace at the evening news reminds us that death is but a daily reality for countless Christians in other parts of the world.  

And yet, we too are called to witness, resisting the temptation to become complacent or falsely secure in the practice of our faith. In this current culture of relative truth, quite often we might even fail to speak to the soundness of our belief for fear of offending another. 

What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?  (Romans 8:31) 

Courage Close to Home 

It was picture day and my then-eighth grade son proudly walked into the kitchen displaying the Benedictine crucifix I had brought back from Rome around his neck. Beaming, he asked me my opinion of his choice of attire and thanked me for his gift once again, adding that his faith was a part of who he was, and that he wanted this to be evidenced also in the pictorial record. Fast forward a few hours, and that smile so visible that morning had disappeared, along with the crucifix. It was so transparent that something had occurred, I had to ask, “What happened today?”  

“Mom, I didn’t want to say anything to you, but … my day went horribly. You know my crucifix? I was told not to wear it. Well, his exact words were to put my faith away, that it offended him.” 

Inquiring a bit further, I asked if it was a teacher or student that had made the comment.  

“Another student,” he replied, “but it really hurt … so insulting that I was being told to be someone else. How can wearing a cross really be offensive?”  

“Well, oftentimes that response comes from a previous hurt … maybe one that he or his parents may have experienced. The crucifix is a visible sign of the faith that we profess and therefore a reminder to others as well. So, what did you do?”  

“I chose to tuck it inside my shirt,” his eyes suddenly turning downward, “but I really didn’t want to.”  

Choosing Not to Remain Silent and Hidden

“I understand … you have always been so considerate of others, and their feelings. You do know that you and your beliefs are important too, right? It’s hard, I know, to want to express your love of Christ and then be rejected for it. But just remember, so was Christ and each of the apostles that followed after Him. Not everyone will embrace our witness of the great love and mercy of Christ, or accept us for it, but that doesn’t mean we are to remain silent and hidden.” 

That following spring, my son asked his father and I to please consider a small Catholic high school rather than the public high school he would have attended.  We agreed, recognizing he was asking to be in an environment of teachers and peers who better supported him in his faith. In fact, his Confirmation sponsor would be his religion teacher from the previous year who had first mentored him as a new student. His chosen confirmation name? Paul. Who, as he described, was witness to the risen Christ and a bold proclaimer of the Good News.

As the years can attest, this young man is continually seeking to grow closer to Christ and express that convincingly to others through courageous love and service. 

It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard. (Acts 4:20) 

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Copyright 2025 Elizabeth Reardon
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