Sometimes, courage doesn’t look like a heroic movie scene. Sometimes, it looks like choosing to speak the truth, even when it’s hard or even when it scares you. For me, courage has become real through two powerful sources: my faith in Christ and the story of Alexey Navalny.
Alexey Navalny was a Russian activist and politician who has spent years challenging corruption in Russia. He became one of the most well-known critics of President Vladimir Putin, exposing government wrongdoing and inspiring people to fight for justice. Navalny has faced imprisonment, threats, and even a near-fatal poisoning because of his work. Despite these dangers, he returned to Russia, determined to continue his mission. What makes his story extraordinary is not just his activism, but his unwavering moral courage and his Christian faith, which gave him strength in moments of extreme fear and uncertainty.
For me, Navalny’s example has been deeply inspiring. I came from a world broken by war. Watching the conflict between Russia and Ukraine unfold left me feeling powerless, scared, and silenced. I didn’t know how to process the pain, and I didn’t know if I had the strength to face the reality around me. But reflecting on Navalny’s courage reminded me that fear doesn’t have to control us. His willingness to stand up for what is right showed me that true bravery comes from faith and conviction, even when it meant facing prison or death.
Finding Christ in my own life gave me similar courage. I began to pray for people affected by the war, to hope, and even to speak honestly about the situation without fear of judgment. Like Navalny, I learned that courage often requires standing alone, refusing to stay silent, and acting according to conscience. Whether it’s sharing your thoughts, offering help, or simply refusing to ignore injustice, bravery is not the absence of fear. It is the choice to do what is right despite it.
Navalny’s story and my faith remind me that courage is not just for heroes in history books. It is something we can live with every day. By choosing to act with integrity, to speak the truth, and to trust in something greater than ourselves, we can face challenges with strength. Even in dark or difficult times, bravery grows when we refuse to let fear decide our actions, and one person’s courage can inspire many others.
As Navalny once said: “The main thing is not to be afraid. Do not be silent. Even if they try to break you, even if they try to scare you—stand up for what you believe is right.” His words continue to inspire me to speak boldly, pray for others, and live with courage in the face of uncertainty.
Sources
Moore, Russell. “What a Murdered Russian Dissident Can Teach Us About Moral Courage.” Christianity Today, 22 Feb. 2024, www.christianitytoday.com/2024/02/alexei-navalny-russell-moore-putin-russia-moral-courage.