It is life’s unpredictable events that reveal our character the most.
When life pushes us against a wall and threatens to take everything from us, it is our response that tells the truth about our soul.
When life is easy, we can talk a big game about our values and virtues. It is in the hardness of life–suffering, trial, and difficulty–that lays bare our innermost self, tearing off the masks we wear in easy times to reveal our true face.
On Sept. 29, 2006, Petty Officer Second Class Michael A. Monsoor of Navy SEAL Team Three revealed his character and showed his true face.
In Ramadi, Iraq, at the height of violence between United States forces and the insurgency, and less than one week when he was slated to go home, a live grenade bounced off Michael’s chest.
It was thrown by insurgents onto his rooftop sniper position where he, three other SEALs, and eight Iraqi soldiers were providing overwatch security.
He was sitting closest to the staircase and a quick dive to the side would bring him to safety.
