BOLDness

We probably all remember learning at a young age about Benjamin Franklin’s discovery of electricity. After being warned of the dangers of being outside during a thunderstorm, especially while in contact with metal, we were told that “if it wasn’t for Benjamin Franklin”, with his arm held high in the sky attached to a key and a kite, we would not have the revolutionary innovation of electricity. We only remember this because it was radical; it was risky. But his discovery did not come without struggle and criticism. In fact, during one of his infamous experiments, Franklin was seriously electrocuted. But that didn’t stop him. His tenacious spirit made him persevere to ultimately make one of the greatest discoveries of all time. Boldness is exactly that- taking what everyone else deems impossible or illogical, and approaching it head-on, without fear and with servility.

And we recognize that boldness is defined by action, not mere words. One of the defining aspects of a “hero”, as we label them, is one who acts boldly. When the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department got the active shooter call at 10:13 a.m. on March 27, 2023, they did not hesitate to act. At 10:27 a.m.,the suspect was shot and killed. In body cam footage of the authorities on the scene, it is evident that they acted boldly, taking the suspect down within only 14 minutes of the first 911 call. Now officer Rex Engelbert and officer Michael Collazo, have aptly been named heroes for their brave and bold efforts.

By contrast, cowardice manifests itself when fear and hesitation lead to inaction. This was most evident in the lapse of time in the 2022 Uvalde school shooting in Texas. An excruciating and devastating 90 minutes passed before the authorities intercepted the shooter. Although there were dozens of armed law enforcement on the scene, they were paralyzed by uncertainty and indecisiveness. Their response, or lack thereof, has been scrutinized relentlessly. And while there are significant differences between the two attacks, the most notable difference is the response of law enforcement officers. The boldness of the Nashville officers will forever set them apart.