The STOPLight

What is courage?

We humans celebrate and honor courage. But sometimes what we are honoring is actually fear; it's imaginary courage. True courage is often unrecognized or overlooked.

Imaginary courage

As a gang member, Jack is cool as long as he carries out the gang's orders. His assignment is to get a girl to fall for him, then get her into drugs. She'll be put out on the streets to sell drugs and sex to make money.

Jack faces the possibility of getting caught and going to prison, but he fears failure and the gang more than prison. His fear drives him to act boldly and courageously to snare the girl -- to really prove himself.

But is this really courage? No, Jack is acting because of fear. He is a coward in cool clothing. He sacrificed his own regard for another human being for the sake of "not looking bad" -- not failing. This is bogus courage, imaginary courage. True courage does not knuckle under to fear or destroy the lives of others.

Overlooked courage

While on the Internet, Pete inadvertently came across some pornographic photos. His mind was instantly full of ideas, but he knew the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." He asked himself: Would I want my picture flashed around? Would I want my future children to see my pornographic picture somewhere? He logged off.

Because he was tempted, Pete called and told his buddy Mike about it. "…They looked appealing but I logged off. Some of those girls could have been abused. I don't want to get into this stuff. Will you help me stay away?"

Mike replied, "Are you crazy? Tell me where you found it!"

But Pete persisted, "Listen! I'm a weak guy. I don't want to use people. I don't want anybody leering at me or downloading my picture. Do you?"

Mike laughingly answered, "No! Okay, I'll be your tree trunk, you weak sap." Pete laughed too -- he felt whole inside.

True courage

Our human tendency is to do almost anything rather than be seen as un-cool or be called a coward. Anyone can go along with the crowd, avoid ridicule, yield to the expectations of others. But that's fear.

What if true courage is simply having the guts to do the right thing? Maybe it feels awkward or scary, but it is a step that takes guts. To step beyond fear of criticism and fear of failure for the sake of others is true courage.

As you read the story on page one, note that some of Bill's customers emphatically said no to his offer of adult videos. Although it's easier to take the low road, they chose the high road. Many churches are pioneering a Wise as Serpents curriculum to equip their youth with Christian street smarts. They've stepped bravely into new territory, beyond fear of criticism or fear of failure, for the sake of their youth. As you read this issue of The STOPLight -- about young men in prostitution, girls using pornography, and customers of the sex industry -- consider what you personally can do to combat the evil and deceptive tactics of the sex industry.

This is your time to be courageous.

by Rev. Al Erickson, founder and director of A-STOP

In 2002 our organization changed its name to Adults Saving Kids. Prior to that we were called A-STOP (Alliance for Speaking Truths On Prostitution), STOP (Speaking Truths On Prostitution), or Grassroots Ministry Alliance.