Most people leave it off when they are listing personal characteristics on a resume. Who considers themselves brave? Anti poachers, I suppose, and rock climbers. But ordinary folks don't dangle with danger in their free time. 

Yet it was the question I posed to a parliment of elderly friends this week. 

"When were you brave?"

These were octogenarians who have raised families, buried partners, moved across the country, and endured hardships. Thrifty? Yes. Patient? To a fault. Faithful? Without question. But brave? 

It was my good luck to hear them consider the word, and finally concede that they had indeed stepped into courage. It did not always feel like bravado at the time. Rather, it was a willingness to do what was needed. 

A friend often tells me that "Courage is fear that has said her prayers". Which is a scenario that I find myself in. Going with three small children to the grocery store and too little money in my pocket was my own version of a rock face.  Wading through paperwork and bureaucracy in the hunt for services for our son was enough of a jungle for me. 

I wonder what happens when we write the words "be brave" on our to do list. Even if it is in pencil.