What If We Were All Taught to Run Towards Danger?
Imagine a world where we were all raised to run toward danger—not recklessly, but with the purpose of saving a fellow human being. This isn’t just a heroic fantasy; it’s a mindset that could transform our communities. And the actions of Petty Officer 3rd Class Lauren J. Singer show us exactly what that kind of courage looks like.
Singer’s story is one of instinct, bravery, and quick thinking. While driving across the Coronado Bridge in San Diego, she noticed a stranded motorist on the side of the road. Something didn’t sit right. Despite the man’s claim that he was fine, Singer observed him tying a rope around his neck and preparing to jump off the bridge.
In that split second, she made a decision that changed everything. She rushed to his side, pulling him back to safety. What followed was a series of sharp observations and decisive actions. She cut the rope from his neck, removed a knife from the barrier, and kicked it under the car. She discovered a firearm in his pocket and directed others to secure it in the trunk while they called for help.
Singer stayed with the man, calm and resolute, until California Highway Patrol arrived. Her willingness to intervene, even at great personal risk, saved his life.
For her extraordinary actions, Singer was named the USO Sailor of the Year in 2020. But her story is more than a recognition of courage; it’s a challenge to all of us.
Courage in Everyday Life
Singer’s actions make us ask: How different would our communities look if we were all taught to run toward danger to help someone in need?
Courage doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of values, training, and a belief that stepping in matters. Singer’s training in the U.S. Navy undoubtedly played a role in her readiness, but there’s something deeper at work here—a commitment to serve others, even at personal risk.
You don’t need to wear a uniform to embody that kind of courage. It starts with small actions. It starts with noticing when someone is in distress and choosing to act instead of walking away.
A Culture of Courage
At The Courage Inside, we believe courage should be a standard, not an exception. Stories like Lauren Singer’s remind us of the power of individual action. Whether it’s stepping in to help someone in crisis, speaking up in the workplace, or tackling a fear you’ve avoided for years, courage is a muscle we can all develop.
What would it look like if we nurtured that kind of bravery in our children? What if we encouraged compassion, vigilance, and action in our everyday lives?
Singer’s story inspires us not just because of the life she saved but because it shows us what’s possible when someone chooses courage over fear.
Let her story be a call to action for all of us. The next time you see someone in need, remember that your actions could make all the difference.
