In this second part of Racheltjie de Beer’s story, we read further of her bravery, selfless love, and the strong family ties that make her legacy so special. Her story continues to show us today that fearlessness and love can transform our lives in quiet, profound ways.
We often imagine courage as a superheroine in a cape, executing incredible martial arts moves. But Racheltjie’s story shows us that true bravery is a quiet, determined choice made out of love. She didn’t have any special powers; her courage came only from her heart.
Imagine being lost in a blinding snowstorm, ice-cold and very afraid. Racheltjie’s heroic act was simply to decide to do something, to not just give up. Her most valiant choice was to use herself as a shield to protect her brother from the freezing cold. In our day-to-day lives, we can all be brave, whether you’re standing up for a friend at school or making a difficult choice to help someone you care about.
Racheltjie’s actions also teach us about selflessness, a rare word these days but necessary for the world we live in today. While it means putting someone else’s needs before your own, the sacrifice in real terms is much greater. This young girl gave her warmth and her own safety to save her brother. Importantly, this wasn’t for applause or recognition; it was an act of pure love.
In today’s world of social media, where we often share things for “likes” and comments, Racheltjie’s story reminds us that the most meaningful acts of kindness are often unseen and done for the right reasons. She wasn’t seeking validation; she was simply doing what was needed. It’s this stouthearted act of kindness that strengthens the friendships you have and makes your family feel so much more connected.
At the heart of this story is the incredible love between siblings. Racheltjie’s actions were driven by a deep, protective love for her little brother. This powerful bond gave her the strength to face the terrifying blizzard. Her heroic act wasn’t a big victory for the world, but a personal act of protection that saved a life. It shows that even the smallest acts of love and protection within our families are acts of courage.
Today, so many years later, it inspires us to cherish our own family and to find our own acts of bravery, big or small, to show how much we care. These could be as simple as cheering up a sibling after a tough day, offering a hug when a parent is sad, or just being a good listener.
Remember, every small act of love and protection is an act of courage. As J.R.R. Tolkien once wrote, “Courage is found in unlikely places.”
-Helen Barnard
Volunteer
Girl Museum