Forming Our Youth: Fortitude

Forming Our Youth:
a Marriage-Building Parish Building Block

We must form young people in the beliefs and virtues necessary for healthy relationships. > Read more about this building block

As part of the Marriage Building Parish initiative, the Catholic Family Institute, with permission from Four Court Press LTD, will feature excerpts from Mr. Isaac’s book each month in the bulletin and on this blog.



Character Building: A Guide for Parents and Teachers by David Isaacs

In his book, Mr. Isaacs explores twenty-four virtues we should develop to have more “self-mastery and better serve others,” abilities we all hope our children will have.  Recognizing that the example we set leaves a more lasting impression on our children than the words we say, each chapter includes a description of a virtue and a series of questions that help assess how well you are living that virtue and how well you are helping to develop the virtue in children/students.

The second virtue discussed is Fortitude (or Courage).

Having fortitude or courage means that a person resists harmful influences, withstands difficulties and strives to act positively to overcome obstacles and undertake great deeds. It is daily choosing right over wrong and overcoming fear, foolishness and indifference to do good for others and society at large.

A truly courageous person must:

• Move beyond selfishness to love and serve others and constantly work to surpass his/her personal best to yield more as a way to give glory to God.
• Accept what happens to him/her in a sportsmanlike way and try to find the positive in the most disagreeable situations.
• Be able to put up with discomfort and deprivation without complaint.
• Be willing to attempt something even if it is difficult or arduous.
• Show initiative and try to be a part of the solution rather than just complaining about the problem.

Answer the following questions and discuss your reflections with a spouse/friend.

Do I Practice Fortitude?

• Do I try to overcome laziness, routine and blind imitation of others by thinking for myself, in light of Church teaching, about what is really "right?"
• Do I make an effort to carry out everyday chores carefully and lovingly and always do my "best" at even the most mundane of tasks?
• Do I complain frequently about personal discomfort, difficulties and the world around me?

Do I Teach Others to Practice Fortitude?

• Do I help the children discover what "good" means in each circumstance?
• Do I try to get the children to solve their own problems?
• Do I help the children gradually face up to things that scare them?
• Do I look for ways for the children to become enthusiastic and take initiative about a worthwhile project and to see it through despite difficulties?
• Do I encourage and provide activities for the children that require physical effort?

Please share your thoughts and comments.