How We Learn to be Brave

You may have seen the clip of a Bishop giving what appears to be a very tense sermon in front of the President and Vice President. That clip went viral and made Mariann Edgar Budde a hero in the eyes of many. I was in awe of what she said and how she said it and when I found out she wrote a book called How We Learn to Be Brave, I quickly added it to my list. It turns out this wasn't Budde's first time speaking truth to power regarding this president.

In the book, Budde challenges readers to reframe moments of fear and uncertainty as opportunities for personal growth and faith formation. Through a series of thought-provoking narratives and practical reflections, the book invites readers to consider how life’s pivotal moments shape our character and inform our spiritual journey.

At the heart of Budde’s work lies the idea that bravery is not an innate quality but a learned practice. Rather than glorifying an absence of fear, she argues that true courage emerges when individuals confront their vulnerabilities head-on. Budde artfully demonstrates that the moments which test our resolve are also the moments that offer the richest potential for spiritual development. By drawing on both personal experience and broader biblical narratives, she creates a framework in which faith and courage are intimately linked, suggesting that our struggles can ultimately lead to profound transformation.

One of the strengths of How We Learn to Be Brave is its blend of accessible language and deep theological insight. Budde writes with clarity and warmth, making complex spiritual concepts relatable without diluting their significance. Her storytelling is both intimate and universal, bridging the gap between the reader’s everyday challenges and the timeless lessons found in faith traditions. Throughout the book, she provides thoughtful commentary on how decisive moments—be they acts of love, loss, or unexpected change—can serve as catalysts for a more courageous and meaningful life.

"I am convinced that we all have the capacity to live within a narrative of great adventure, no matter our life circumstances. The courage to be brave when it matters most requires a lifetime of small decisions that set us on a path of self-awareness, attentiveness, and willingness to risk failure for what we believe is right."

Moreover, the book resonates on multiple levels, appealing not only to those within the faith community but also to a broader audience seeking to understand how to navigate life’s inevitable uncertainties. Budde’s insights are particularly timely in today’s fast-paced world, where rapid change and unpredictability often leave individuals questioning their path. Her reflections encourage a shift in perspective: instead of fearing the unknown, one can embrace it as a necessary step toward personal and spiritual evolution.

Budde does not shy away from discussing her own moments of doubt and vulnerability, making her argument for learned bravery all the more compelling. This candid approach helps demystify the process of becoming brave, offering hope that courage is accessible to everyone willing to face their fears.

"When we decide to start toward something that requires courage, we are often creating new possibilities for those who come after us."

How We Learn to Be Brave is a heartfelt and inspiring guide to understanding the transformative power of courage. Mariann Edgar Budde’s thoughtful exploration of life’s pivotal moments challenges readers to embrace vulnerability as a pathway to growth and spiritual fulfillment. For anyone on a quest to find meaning in life’s uncertainties, this book offers a powerful reminder that bravery is not the absence of fear, but the courage to move forward despite it. Absolutely worth exploring.

Click here to get a copy.

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