What is your picture of courage? Is it firemen going back into a burning building to rescue a child or a soldier leading his fellow troops into the front lines, or a family choosing their faith over freedom when faced with death? I admit these images do come to mind when I hear the word and can blind me from seeing the strong and courageous people right in my path. Though not firemen, soldiers, or martyrs, they have “been made bold.”

One such person often comes to my memory to convict as well as encourage me.

In a corner of our campus was a small daycare center where many of my teacher friends took their children. The young countryside girls who worked as aides were often bribed by the more affluent parents to give special care to their children–helping them with dressing, eating, art activities, etc. The aides were happy to earn some extra money. But one young woman was not like the others. She refused to treat the children differently. She quietly told anyone who asked that God loved everyone the same and so did she. Her fellow workers laughed as the business came their way. Parents were irritated but also puzzled as they could not fathom a poor girl passing up this opportunity.

How do I know this story? One of the parents was a good friend who shared with me this repeated topic of conversation at her daughter’s school. She was content with her child’s care without any bribing but was struck by the girl’s courage. While others ridiculed her, my friend was noticeably touched and perplexed. Who was this God?

Years later, my friend would choose to believe in the One who loved the whole world. I would look back and see the many people whose daily, courageous life choices challenged her priorities.

Oh, young girl in a little preschool in China, I wonder if you ever knew the power of your actions.