Reluctant Courage

Reflections on the unassuming hero

While re-reading the Lord of the Rings trilogy recently, I was struck by a line so intensely that I had to pause. “I will take the Ring, though I do not know the way.”

Frodo was afraid. All he wanted was to be a nobody again, safe in the Shire. But fate had other plans for him. It’s a story as old, if not older, than the Bible.

It reminded me of a meditation intensive I did in India. During a session, the teacher referenced the Matrix movie, noting that Neo had no desire to be special, which was part of what made him “The One.” I spoke on this topic recently in my post On Being Nobody, so I won’t go into detail here.

What I will say is there’s something both powerful and awe-inspiring in the archetype of the unassuming hero. We praise them for their courage (not fearlessness), while still appreciating their sincerity and true humility.

With the ever-present shadow of darkness looming over our global politics, I often wonder if I have what it takes to be a light in the world. Can I be courageous? Or do I have too many ideas in my head of what a hero is supposed to be?

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Reluctant Courage


When kings debate the end of things

and warriors speak in steel;

When maps are marked with certain doom

and every fate feels sealed



There, from the edge of assembled might,

a small voice rose through the gathering night,

breaking the silence that held its sway:

“I will take the Ring, though I do not know the way.”



It needs no strength nor iron will

to boast before the start,

reluctant courage makes its home

inside an ordinary heart.



And in a room of humming light,

where truth was bent by code,

a man who doubted destiny

refused the chosen road.



He did not glow with prophecy,

nor hunger for a throne.

When asked if he believed the tale,

he said, “I’m not the One.”



Yet when the air began to tear

and bullets split the skin,

he died—and love called back to him

what he could not believe within.



Those who yearn to matter most

are rarely those who rise.

The hunt for fame and louder praise

clouds once-clear, untroubled eyes.



But those at ease with being small,

unknown, unseen, uncelebrated

are often the reluctant hands

by which the world is fated.



Despite their fear and clinging doubts,

they step when others stall—

not for glory, not for name,

but because the moment calls.



For courage is not forged in fire

nor born of certainty.

It grows in those who doubt themselves

and act reluctantly.

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I once heard that leadership is lonely. I believe courage can be lonely, too. The courage to stand when everyone else is lying down. The courage to speak up when all others are silent. The courage to stay true when the pressures of conformity cave in.

It’s not about a show of confidence or display of bravado; it’s the trembling “yes” amidst deep despair.

This is the type of courage I hope for.

I’m reminded of what the Oracle told Neo, ”You got the gift, but it looks like you’re waiting for something.”

Perhaps she’s right, for I’m not sure how to respond.

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