Bravery and What it Means to be Brave
Bravery comes in many forms, such as standing up for what you believe in. It may be as simple as speaking up for yourself or someone else, or it may be risking your own safety or life to save an animal or person in distress.
From the time we are small we learn how to be brave, brave enough to hold back the tears from skinning your knee, getting a shot (I’m still not brave in that area), or being teased.
Relating Bravery to my Lion Painting
This whole topic came up as a simple comment on my recent WIP (work in progress) painting from one of my Facebook followers. It rang a bell and stuck.
After deciding Brave Lion was the perfect name for this painting, I was on a quest to find out how bravery relates to lions. It’s obvious they are fierce hunters, but lions have historically been admired for bravery. They are even symbolic for:
- Strength
- Courage
- Fearlessness
You can read more about their symbolic meaning here: http://animal-symbols.com/lion-symbol.html
The Meaning of Bravery
Next I asked y family what bravery means to them. Here are the results.
What Bravery Means to My Family:
- Standing up for yourself
- Standing up for others
- Leaving your fears behind and persevering
- Facing your fears
- Courage
- No fear of the unknown
- Taking a challenge
- Strength
Examples of Bravery
My family’s response impressed me. I have to agree. I would also add that it is equally important to be brave enough to help other humans or animals in distress.
For example, I was at a store last week and the lady at the checkout next to me was counting change forever. I wanted to help, but wasn’t sure if I’d offend her. Near the end of my purchase, I decided to take the risk. Not having much cash on me, I slipped her a $5. At first, she said, “Oh it’s okay”, but I insisted. She turned to the person with her and notified him. Next thing you know, a small man with a different voice was thanking me. It then dawned on me that he had some kind of handicap. The bottom line is, I’m glad I reached out to help. They were obviously in despair and scraping to get by.
I finished my lion a few days later.
Information about Lions
If you admire these beautiful animals as much as I do, I encourage you to follow Kevin Richardson on Facebook or Instagram. He has an amazing connection with them and is a huge advocate for these brave beauties. His website is: http://www.lionwhisperer.co.za/conservation.php
In closing, I’d love to hear your comments about what bravery means to you, and feel free to leave a story about any brave situations you have experienced.
Written by,
Tina A Stoffel
Tinasfinearts.com
