Choosing to Be Brave

Before any injustice can change, someone needs to say, “This is not the way the world is supposed to be,” and be willing to follow through. If that thought makes you feel queasy, the good news is, it’s normal to feel fear. ASJ-Honduras Executive Director Carlos Hernández talks openly and honestly about the fear he felt when he was asked to join a historic commission to purge Honduras’ corrupt police. He remarks, “I have learned that fear does not need to get the final word. I can adopt the call of 1 John 4:18 and let love drive those fears away – to love in spite of fear, to love beyond it...because I love my children so much that I want them to grow up in a country where peace and justice reign.” Loving beyond fear is how we define bravery. Since 2016, the purge commission has removed over 6,000 officers and introduced reforms in hiring and training – work that is still ongoing.

Watch the 16-minute mini-documentary to learn how bravery fueled Honduras’ efforts to clean up the police.

Reflect + Act: What is one way you can practice being brave and speaking truth when you encounter wrongdoing this week?

Remember: The purge commission was not a solo effort; it was only possible because of the civil society members’ commitment to shared values. Who is on your team? Can you ask them to hold you accountable to being brave this week?