Life's Everyday Gifts

And the road that I have walked upon

Well it filled my pockets

And emptied out my soul.

-- ‘Waiting’ by George Michael

Sometimes, the most unexpected things in life can turn out to be remarkably teachable moments and gifts. I was flipping through the channels the other day when I came across ‘George Michael: Freedom’ on Showtime. The documentary covers the late British pop singer’s career, with a focus on his critically acclaimed album, ‘Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1.’

Hearing the songs brought back a flood of memories. When it was released in 1990, I remember being surprised at how much I liked it. I was not a fan of Wham!, Michael’s former band. Nor was I really a fan of pop music. But something drew me to this album. It takes listeners on a complete emotional ride. Topics range from faith, morality, relationships, loss, war, and ultimately, perhaps, redemption and survival. Some lyrics are deep and speak of heartbreak, while others are upbeat and bluntly self-critical.

By the album’s final song, it is apparent that this was a labor of love, perhaps with an emphasis on the labor part. It’s hard to expose oneself – the good and the bad – in any venture, especially one that Michael knew would reach millions of fans. While the music was beautiful, it took me a while to understand why the album continues to reach me today – courage. It took courage for George Michael to write songs about his own heartbreak, weakness, and regrets.

Courage comes in many forms. There is the obvious courage and bravery of our men and women in uniform and first responders. Their lives are at risk literally each time they put on their uniforms. But courage is more than this, and if we look closely, we can see it all around us. The type of courage exhibited by Michael in his songwriting, and by so many around us in their daily struggles, is a quiet courage, but it is vital. Where would we be without the quiet courage of everyday people?

While reflecting upon the music, it dawned on me that there are many examples of quiet courage in my life, people fighting their own personal battles.

My mother, frightened because her life was about to change dramatically, cared for my dying father for the last four months of his life and taught her adult children a beautiful lesson about strength, love, and devotion.

Alex, a little boy afflicted with cancer who is undergoing painful post-surgery physical rehabilitation, reminds his Twitter followers to smile and be kind to animals.

My sister-in-law, Rachel, who is fighting her second battle with breast cancer in three years, continues to work for her family, care for her children, and set an inspirational example of the power of the human will.

Where would we be without the quiet courage of everyday people?

If we just open our eyes, we can see courageous people all around us. They bring us out of our own self-pity and help us feel empathy, connection, and respect for the strength of everyday heroes. This is a precious gift.

The author Mary Anne Radmacher wrote, “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’”

There’s a way back for every man,

So here I am.

Don’t people change? Here I am.

Is it too late to try again?

Here I am.

-- ‘Waiting’ by George Michael

The documentary and the music were an unexpected gift. George Michael told a good and relatable story, one of quiet courage. He shared his personal life and ‘tried again’ to redeem himself and make things right. His songs inspired me to write about remarkable and courageous people. And to remember how fortunate I am to have them in my life.