Actions taken by individuals or organizations have expected and intended consequences.
Very often, however, the original intent is veered from either in a positive or negative way that wasn’t part of the original plan.
This is what is known as the law of unintended consequences.
Let me give you an example I found online.
Many password policies require you to use a mix of upper and lower case letters as well as characters and numbers. The original intent was to help people make their accounts, or whatever, more secure.
However, people are unable to remember the more cryptic passwords so they write them down and store them somewhere, which makes them less secure than simply letting the user pick a password that is easily remembered.
At this point, it’s important to realize that the word consequence is not a negative word, or a positive word for that matter. It is a neutral word that simply means the effect, result, or outcome of something occurring earlier.
So, what does all this have to do with courage?
Today, Monday, April 18, 2016, is the scheduled beginning of a trial for a woman who heard me speak back in 2013. I realize you may not be reading this on the 18th but just play along.
The trial is a result of her taking action after hearing my message that had huge consequences on her life.
In short, she did the right thing when many, if not most, would have caved in fear.
Somewhere down the road I hope to be able to share her story with you.
When I began my journey of talking about living more courageously I hoped that people would hear my message and do something that stretched them and made them feel at least a bit uncomfortable.
I’d hoped that someone might apply for a job that they maybe wouldn’t have if they hadn’t heard me.
I’d hoped that someone might stand up to a co-worker that was always taking advantage of them.
I’d hoped that someone might start their own business just as I had done.
She sent me her first e-mail to me a full year after she had heard me speak. Until that time I had no idea this was going on for her as a result of hearing my presentation.
My initial reaction was one of shock as I thought to myself that this isn’t what I had intended. Her outcome was an unintended consequence.
It didn’t take long for me to realize, as I processed through her e-mail multiple times that my message of courage is bigger than me and bigger than I had imagined.
Throughout much of my life I have thought small. I’ve struggled to dream big and hope beyond minimal expectation.
She courageously did exactly what I encourage people to do and she has paid a big price. I’ve written several times before that there is a price to be paid for being courageous.
I can tell you this much; if put in the same position again I know she would make the same decision even knowing the cost.
Please understand me when I tell you this isn’t about me doing anything special.
I believe that God has given me this message on courage to help me to grow but also to share with others.
I am merely the messenger. She, and others like her are the heroes and the courageous ones.
As you go through this week, if you are a person of faith, I would ask you to pray for this woman as she continues to fight because she did the right thing.
Whether we live our lives in fear or courageously there will likely be unintended consequences.
Choose to think big. I’m working on it.
Choose to live courageously as it is always the better choice regardless of the consequences.
1 Peter 3:14
Have a STRONG and COURAGEOUS day!
Cryptic, but powerful thoughts this week Dave. Can imagine that you get many stories of peoples Courage that might give you pause to think, “well that wasn’t what I meant”. But I also believe your “mission” is to speak to those that may already know what it will take to change their lives, but need that extra push to make the move to accomplish that change. We always talk about God working in strange ways, but really, what is strange about taking control and being courageous in making our lives better and more fruitful? You are a missionary of sorts, so keep on doing your blog, keep on giving us examples of Courage and helping us all become better people, seeking Gods Grace through Courage to live our lives accordingly! Blessings!
Craig, your words and continued interaction mean more than you know. As I may have told you before, it is an interesting journey to speak, write and encourage others to lead more courageous lives while struggling to do so in my own life. People such as the lady I wrote about and people such as yourself give me the nudge to keep going! God’s blessing to you, my friend!
Thanks Dave, your kind words and commitment to this journey are what encourages all of your readers to move forward in Courage!!
I will pray.
Thank you, Holly! She has told me she is so grateful to have people praying for her that don’t even know her!