Ring The bells

In 1799, when the armies of Napoleon were sweeping over Europe, 18,000 French troops suddenly appeared on the heights above the Austrian town of Feldkirch.  It was Easter Sunday and the rising sun glittered on the weapons of the French soldiers as they overlooked the village below.

As the story is told, the townspeople called a hasty council meeting to decide what to do. Resisting such an army was out of the question.  Finally, the dean of St. Stephen’s Church stood up and said, "It is Easter Day. Ring the bells, have services as usual, and leave the matter in God's hands."  The citizens agreed to do as the church leader suggested and from the towers of Feldkirch there rang out loud and joyous peals calling worshippers to gather.

The French heard the sudden clanging of the bells with surprise and alarm. They concluded that the Austrian army had arrived to defend the town. Napoleon’s military commander broke up his camp, gave the order to march and, before the bells had ceased tolling, not a soldier was to be seen.

That day the townspeople of Feldkirch learned that courage is discovered not in the absence of danger but in the decision to move forward despite the danger.  To live. To ring the bells.