A dare

William Danforth wasn’t supposed to live. His constant sicknesses had left him weak and frail and the doctors said he would never live to see adulthood.

One day at school, however, his teacher singled him out and dared him to “become the healthiest boy in the class.” This seemed impossible to the young William as he glanced at all the robust children around him. But the teacher looked him right in the eye and continued, “I dare you to chase those chills and fevers out of your system. I dare you to fill your body with fresh air, pure water, wholesome food and daily exercise until your cheeks are rosy, your chest full and your limbs sturdy. I dare you to become the healthiest boy in this class!” the teacher ended with a flourish.

William took that dare and went on live a vibrant life. 70 years later, his enthusiasm about life and health was still uncontainable. “Everyone can be strong,” he could be found declaring with conviction. His story can be found in his book I Dare You.

Dr. Ben Carson, the famous neurosurgeon who was the first to successfully separate conjoined twins at the head, had trouble even passing elementary school. He was continually called stupid by his schoolmates and his failing grades reflected his struggles. This went on until one day his mama looked him in the eye and said, “Benny, you can do anything anybody else can do, but you can do it better.” She then laid out a dare of sorts by saying, “All you have to do is learn how to see things from a different angle.” She instructed him to read two books a week and give her written reports on each one.

Ben took the dare and went on to become one of the most widely recognized neurosurgeons of his time. His story can be found in his autobiography, Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story.

Abraham Lincoln never had more than a year of formal education in his life. His mom died when he was a boy, and later, his fiancée did as well. Both deaths left him heartbroken. Not wanting to become a poor farmer like his dad, Lincoln dared himself to become different. Through reading every book he could get his hands, on he taught himself surveying, law, politics, humor, public speaking, and many others things.

He went on to become one of the greatest presidents in American history by (among other things) writing the Emancipation Proclamation and leading our nation through the great Civil War. His story will be echoed through the end of time in the history of our country and in innumerable biographies.

All these stories came about because of a dare. A spark that fanned hope into a trampled spirit which burst into life. “Dare” from Webster’s dictionary means: to have sufficient courage for any purpose; not to be afraid; to venture.

Those that wrap trembling fingers around a dare to become more, and never loosen their grip will one day move beyond the mind-doubts to taste the bounty of the heart’s courage.

I leave you with this song by Switchfoot:

Photo Credit: rbbaird via Compfight cc