It was the summer of 1961. I was six years old. I was at my older brother’s baseball game behind West Ward Elementary School in Wahoo, NE.
It was the bottom half of the last inning and if my brother’s team got the other team out without scoring any runs they would win the game. The first two batters were retired very quickly.
Next up was a guy named Billy. He was the same age as my brother, 8. He also had a reputation as a tough guy and a bully.
As I stood behind the backstop with my friends Dennis and Doug, they challenged me to yell at Billy while he batted. At first I said no but they kept egging me on and I reluctantly, but courageously, accepted the challenge. Right after I yelled, “Swing, batter, swing,” and Billy swung and missed he turned to see who was yelling and glared fiercely into my eyes. Dennis and Doug smelled blood and urged me to go in for the kill. Adrenaline coursed through my veins as I yelled louder at each of the next two pitches. Each time Billy swung and missed and my brother’s team won the game.
As we turned to walk away and go wherever six year old boys go I ended up face to face with Billy. He apparently felt I had something to do with the outcome of his at bat and the game. I watched as his hand quickly turned into a fist and then he punched me. He got me right in the bladder and made me wet my pants.
I remember walking home that evening with a warm feeling. Not because I had wet my pants but because I had the courage to yell at Billy and help my brother’s team win the game.
Courage requires a price.
In 1981, Joe Delaney was named the AFC Rookie of the Year as a running back for the Kansas City Chiefs. In that same season he set four team records and was named to the Pro Bowl. Hopes were high for a long and successful career.
On June 29, 1983, Delaney was visiting a park with some friends. He heard some children screaming in a nearby pond. Without hesitation, he jumped into the pond to save the three struggling children. One was saved but two lost their lives in spite of Delaney’s efforts. Delaney lost his life as well.
Joe Delaney didn’t know how to swim and by some accounts was scared to death of the water. Joe didn’t know the boys he was trying to save. Delaney acted courageously. One would have to expect he knew the risks. He acted with courage anyway.
Courage requires a price. The price varies, but there is a price.
What price are you willing to pay to be courageous? Is there something in your life today that is calling for courageous action but you are unwilling because of the price? What needs to happen before you are willing to pay the price?
Have a STRONG and COURAGEOUS day!
I’ve been in Wahoo, NE! Does this make you a Big Red fan?
Ron, I moved away from NE when I was 8 but have always maintained a liking of the ‘huskers. I remember going to a couple of games as a kid and loving it! So, the short answer is, yes, I am a Big Red fan!
This photo is priceless! Thanks for your words of wisdom…many of us do not want to pay the price out of fear, fear of ridicule, rejection, embarrassment. Hopefully, we can get to a point to go forward and do what is right regardless of the price. Christ did that! WOW! Did HE ever pay the price!!
You’re right, Cindy. We don’t want to pay the price. I often wonder what price we pay because we stay in our fear and also who else pays a price because we don’t act courageously. We are blessed that Christ paid the price so that we wouldn’t have to pay even though we deserve to pay! Thanks, Cindy!