David C Cook COVID-19 Response

Courage against Fear

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Materials Needed:

  • Internet access
  • Whiteboard and markers

Before students arrive, write the word “COURAGE” on the whiteboard.  As students enter, ask them to write, draw, or in some way represent things that they’ve seen or heard of that show courage.  Some examples could include heroic acts that have been in the news, crazy stunts their friends have tried, or a story of someone sticking up for a friend. Once everyone has arrived, ask your teens to take a look at what is written on the board and see what similarities they can find between the courageous acts they recorded.

Courage can take a lot of forms.  Think about whether you would consider the things in this video courageous.

Share the following video [3:10]:
Wallendas describe high-wire walk in Times Square
https://dcc-web-1.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/RLD+Assets/Wallendas+describe+high-wire+walk+in+Times+Square.mp4

In June, Nik Wallenda and his sister Lijana walked across Times Square on a tight rope—her first public performance since the terrible accident their family experienced while rehearsing in 2017. Weeks after the spill, Lijana told NBC Today Show viewers through wired-shut jaws that she “broke every bone in my face and so they had to put it all back together. I have three plates and 72 screws in my face.”

  • What kind of courage do you think it took to attempt this type of feat after the accident Nik and Lijana experienced? (Answers will vary. They could include that it might have taken more courage for Lijana since she was injured in the earlier accident while Nik was able to grab the wire and hold on or that it took incredible courage for both of them.)
  • Would YOU attempt a stunt like that? Why or why not? (Answers will vary.  Some students might answer that they would like to try an amazing stunt of this nature while others might comment that you would have to dedicate your whole life to getting good enough—something they aren’t willing to do.)
  • Nik Wallenda said, “Do not let fear hold you back.” Have you ever let fear keep you from doing something? Will you tell us about it? (Allow a few students to share; be prepared to share your own experience.)

Talking about courage could mean a lot of different things.  To some people, courage might mean bike or skateboard stunts.  To others, courage might mean giving a speech in front of the class.  Courage is more than just taking risks.  We call soldiers courageous, people who stand up to bullies courageous, and people fighting a deadly disease courageous.  Courage is highly valued in our society.  The Bible talks a lot about courage, too.  Our story today focuses on a person God called to be courageous.  Let’s check it out.

Additional resources:
Video of 2017 Nik Wallenda accident emerges
https://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20190321/video-of-2017-nik-wallenda-accident-emerges

Looking for Steps 2 & 3?

You can find Steps 2 and 3 in your teacher’s guide. To purchase a teacher’s guide, please visit: Bible-in-Life or Echoes.

Materials Needed:

  • Internet access
  • 1 small rock (egg-sized or slightly smaller) per student
  • White chalk
  • Baby wipes or wet washcloths
  • Permanent markers in a variety of colors

Spread the word

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