Valiant

Valiant
I asked Merril “what should I write about in my post?”  She said valiant.
The first thought I had was an old Valiant we had seen driving around that day.  It was probably late 60’s early 70’s.  Common once.  Rare now.  But that was not the valiant she meant.
Merril was talking about the valiant the dictionary defines as “possessing or acting with bravery or boldness.”
To me there are definitely people that act that way either in their profession or due to circumstances they find themselves in.  There are many instances I hear about.  Often those involved are given a medal or acknowledged as having done something extraordinary and selfless.  I think of the guy near Mackay who’s mate had diabetes and did not feel anything in his legs.  His mate saw a snake around a leg and removed it.  In the process he was bitten and died.  To me that was selfless.
Valiant to me most often shows itself in doing something extraordinary for others.  Though not always.  Sometimes a valiant act is doing something I am afraid to do.  It is for my own personal development.  Something I do by choice though everything within me may be discouraging me from it - not for my betterment or safety, but due to fear.
On the other hand, there are valiant acts like the one described above that involve another or a number of others.  Acts where personal safety can take a back seat and rescuing someone else who cannot help themselves.
I also think getting out of bed and facing another day can be a valiant act.  Life and people can be against me and just making it though the day is a valiant act.  Chances are tomorrow will involve valiant acts also.
I have mentioned that I bought a record once just because I liked the title “local hero.”  To me many valiant acts are performed by everyday people.  Their acts do not make the headlines, but they do make the headlines of their lives.  Overcoming the odds, facing fears.  All valiant acts that make a difference in a person's life and sometimes in the lives of others also.