In days to come, many will be called to muster courage.

It is a unique kind of courage, perhaps even more demanding than that which requires us to defy the fear for our lives.

Ruby did have reason to fear for her life, but she had an even more profound call to courage. It was the courage to stand alone.

On this day in 1960 – Ruby Bridges becomes the first Black child to attend an all-White elementary school in Louisiana.

When Ruby Bridges set foot into that white school, she was separated from her support system for a very long day. No one was whispering in her ear that it was going to be OK.

No one was telling her that she could do this thing.

She was alone. She was maligned. She was considered to be a force for evil. Some thought she was defying God.

It is very possible that as you take unpopular stands, you will also be alone.

As you defend certain people who are at risk and vulnerable, you will be accused of being against your country, your family, and the God you are seeking to serve.

No one may be reassuring or supporting you.

It will take courage, the courage to stand alone.

Think of Ruby and the change she brought to the world and do not back down.