COURAGE
                    ****************

     Courage is the strength to stand up
     When it's easier to fall down and lose hold.
     It is the conviction to explore new horizons
     When it's easier to believe what we've been told.
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     Courage is the desire to maintain our integrity
     When it's easier to look the other way.
     It is feeling happy and alive, and moving forward
     When it's easier to feel sorry for ourselves and
     stay.
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     Courage is the will to shape our world
     When it's easier to let someone else do it for us.
     It is the recognition that none of us are perfect
     When it's easier to criticize others and fuss.
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     Courage is the power to step forward and lead
     When it's easier to follow the crowd;
     their please resound.
     It is the spirit that places you on top of the
     mountain
     When it's easier to never leave the ground.
                        **********
     The foundation of courage is solid,
     The rock that doesn't roll.
     Courage is the freedom
     Of our mind, body, and soul!

Should You...
Should you find it hard to get to sleep tonight; Just
  remember the homeless family who has no bed to lie in.
Should you find yourself stuck in traffic; don't despair.
  There are people in this world for whom driving is
  an unheard of privilege.
Should you have a bad day at work; Think of the man who
  has been out of work for the last three months.
Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; Think of
  the person who has never known what it's like to love
  and be loved in return.
Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; Think
  of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a
  day, seven days a week, for $50.00 to feed her family.
Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from
  assistance, Think of the paraplegic who would love the
  opportunity to take that walk.
Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; Think of
  the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair
  to examine.
Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering; what is
  life all about,what is my purpose? Be thankful,there are
those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.
Should you find yourself the victim of other people's
  bitterness,ignorance, smallness or insecurities;
  Remember, things could be worse.  You could be them!!!

                             To Touch The Heart

                     To touch the heart of someone dear -
                     though it might sometimes cause a tear
                     to fall or rest upon the cheek -
                     Should be something all should seek.

                     For often hearts - not touched at all -
                     start hardening and shrinking small.
                     And then the time - it takes to grow
                     A loving heart - is very slow.

                     For hearts expand as those who care -
                     extend their love and - let us share
                     a moment, space or special phrase
                     that eases pain on dreary days.
                     Or simply starts our lips to smile
                     and brightens time for just a while.

                     The ways and kinds and means of sharing -
                     it seems to me - Are based on caring.

                     And though we're often worlds apart.
                     You still can touch my very heart.
                     You make me smile or shed a tear.
                     And I'll remember year to year
                     Just how your 'touching' helped me grow.
                     And I just thought I'd tell you so.