Lily-Livered

Blogging about lilies made me wonder why would someone be referred to as "lily-livered." It means the person is a coward, gutless or afraid.

I heard the term most often in Western movies and TV programs when the sheriff would call out to an outlaw hiding in a barn, "Come outta thar, you lily-livered coward!"

Every one of us have been lily-livered at one time or another.

Years ago our German Shepherd had gotten injured. The piece of metal was stuck in his neck and he needed treatment. Understand that our vet had refused to treat him b/c he was "too mean." Sheesh, what a lily-livered veterinarian!

Anyway, so we had to take out the metal from an "excited" dog.

We took a deep breath; summoned our courage; said a quick prayer and yanked the metal out quickly. Our shepherd licked our hands and allowed us to treat the wound without a whimper.

Are you facing a scary thing, my lily-livered reader? Breathe deeply; summon your courage; say a quick prayer and do it quickly.