"A Coward dies many deaths a brave man dies but one"

I'll never forget the first time my dad said this to me, being a young child and very visual I thought it would be better to be a coward because being 7 years old I wanted to live a long life and several sounded even better!   As the years crept by and he would say it again, and a again I realized he was trying to help me face my fears.  I was always afraid of confrontation, afraid I'd upset the person I needed to confront or loose their affection or friendship.  My dad would try to help me face my fears using this biblical quote.  It wasn't until he added, "the worse that will happen is they'll stop being your friend, and if that happens they were never were your friend to begin with." That some how liberated me, who would want to be friends with someone you couldn't be open and honest with!  I must admit, the first time I confronted someone that I feared the outcome it actually was a very positive experience.  She appreciated my honesty and actually thanked me.  It is a principal I live by now, it is still hard even at 48, most everyone I know fears the unknown and possible rejection.  Thankfully I have been blessed with a father that encouraged my independence and forth-righteousness.  I know now who my friends are with out a doubt, the truth will set you free, it really will.