Guts...for What?

Call it determination. Or grit. Or even gumption. Fortitude. Willpower. There are more than a few words we use to describe commitment. But that’s what it is. Sticking with something – or someone – even if it’s hard. Staying the course even when it’s tough. Hanging in even if it means hanging on. When we examine our lives carefully, we will see signs of it. We can readily spy those causes or people or organizations or movements to which we have given ourselves. We realize that we’ve had whatever it took, the guts, to see something through. But guts for what?

Thanks to my computer, I am aware that this date (October 2) is the birthday of Mahatma Ghandi. His birth in 1869 was a long time ago, but his life’s legacy lives on. Ghandi was stubbornly passionate about his native country’s freedom from British rule. Believing firmly in civil disobedience and non-violence, Ghandi quietly and sacrificially fought for what he longed to see. Mahatma Ghandi had guts for the welfare of his people.

Not many of us can claim the same kind of dedication or the same level of endurance for the benefit of others. We might be able to celebrate sticking to a diet or an exercise regime but not fighting for our nation’s justice without backing down. We could be recognized as a leader in our local government but probably not as one who doggedly advocates for unpopular change. We’re fierce in the face of the struggles of our favored family members but probably not so much if we were to come under fire for standing alongside the underserved in our community. We can see that we’ve got guts for a short-term project or two but not for a challenging commitment with no end or resolution in sight.

Call it compassion. Or empathy. Or kindness. Or awareness. Or even walking in another’s shoes. It’s that sense of been-there-done-that in our own lives that enables us to see it in another’s and feel moved to say something or do something or take a stand for something. Where do we feel that kind of stuff? In our gut. Those who have survived cancer or abuse or homelessness or depression or addiction or robbery or unemployment get it and often want to make a difference in the lives of others. We discover that we’ve got guts for doing whatever we can to bring about changes that enhance the wellbeing of those who suffer in our world of hurt.

And it is that. Shootings. Violent attacks. Targeted destruction. Discrimination. Is it escalating or are we simply more aware? And is anyone doing anything about it all or have we grown complacent? Who’s got the guts for it?