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How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith
An inspirational guide to the key junctures in life that, if navigated with faith and discernment, pave the way for us to become our most courageous selves, by the bishop of the famed Episcopal Diocese of Washington, D.C.
The decisive moments in life are those pivot points when we’re called on to push past our fears and act with strength. With How We Learn to Be Brave , Bishop Mariann Budde teaches us to respond with clarity and grace even in the toughest times. Being brave is not a singular occurrence; it’s a journey that we can choose to undertake every day.
Here, Bishop Budde explores the full range of decisive moments, from the most visible and dramatic (the decision to go), to the internal and personal (the decision to stay), to brave choices made with an eye toward the future (the decision to start), those born of suffering (the decision to accept that which we did not choose), and those that come unexpectedly (the decision to step up to the plate). Drawing on examples ranging from Harry Potter to the Gospel According to Luke, she seamlessly weaves together personal experiences with stories from scripture, history, and pop culture to underscore both the universality of these moments and the particular call each one of us must heed when they arrive.
With Bishop Budde’s wisdom, readers will learn to live and to respond according to their true beliefs and in ways that align with their best selves. How We Learn to Be Brave will provide much-needed fortitude and insight to anyone searching for answers in uncertain times.
The decisive moments in life are those pivot points when we’re called on to push past our fears and act with strength. With How We Learn to Be Brave , Bishop Mariann Budde teaches us to respond with clarity and grace even in the toughest times. Being brave is not a singular occurrence; it’s a journey that we can choose to undertake every day.
Here, Bishop Budde explores the full range of decisive moments, from the most visible and dramatic (the decision to go), to the internal and personal (the decision to stay), to brave choices made with an eye toward the future (the decision to start), those born of suffering (the decision to accept that which we did not choose), and those that come unexpectedly (the decision to step up to the plate). Drawing on examples ranging from Harry Potter to the Gospel According to Luke, she seamlessly weaves together personal experiences with stories from scripture, history, and pop culture to underscore both the universality of these moments and the particular call each one of us must heed when they arrive.
With Bishop Budde’s wisdom, readers will learn to live and to respond according to their true beliefs and in ways that align with their best selves. How We Learn to Be Brave will provide much-needed fortitude and insight to anyone searching for answers in uncertain times.
201 pages, Hardcover
First published May 23, 2023
2,099 people are currently reading
8,451 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 351 reviews
Want to read
January 22, 2025She definitely walked her talk. Need to read this to find out more.
March 21, 2025
In a Nutshell: I read this more for the author than for the book itself as I am not so fond of this genre. But no regrets at all. This book offers several inspiring anecdotes and life lessons, and also insights on what counts as bravery. January 2025 has already established that this lady is courageous and inspiring. The content of this book shows that she has been walking the talk for much longer than most of us knew.
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I hadn’t heard of Bishop Mariann Budde until 21st January 2025, when she spoke the bravest words to the toughest audience in the most graceful manner. Her impassioned appeal for mercy towards everyone gave me goosebumps. I don’t remember the last time I have been so in awe of a leader, and more importantly, the last time a Christian leader actually made me feel proud of their approach towards the tenets of the faith. To see a Bishop of a large diocese embody inclusivity when supposed “Christians� were doing exactly the opposite was heartwarming. That’s the day I decided to put a pause on my “No Self-help/Inspirational Books� policy and add this book to my stack.
I am not the right reader for this book in terms of its genre. I don’t read spiritual and/or inspirational nonfiction. I know many people who swear by the effectiveness of this genre, but it is not my cup of tea � the “inspiration� just bounces off my head and make no impact whatsoever. In terms of religious background, I somewhat fit the target audience. I am a practising Roman Catholic; Bishop Budde is an Episcopalian. Different denominations, same religious umbrella. However, the book, while having some Christian content (which is to be expected), aims at everyone who seeks more wisdom about being brave during the decisive moments of life.
Bishop Budde begins with a mention of the incident that resulted in this book. To my surprise, the key player in this event is also he-who-shall-not-be-named. The incident related to his scandalous action outside St. John’s Church, Washington DC after the Capitol protests. (Bishop Budde obviously didn't know at the time of writing this 2023-published book that even greater fame awaited her in 2025, thanks to the same person. Life does come a full circle at times.)
The book goes on to detail various type of decisions that involve bravery. Unlike what you might assume, these do not always include a call to action, nor do they necessarily involve grandiose changes. Bishop Budde emphasises that sometimes, staying put is also bravery, while at the same time, clarifying that staying put doesn't mean staying the same. There can be tiny decisions of bravery on a daily basis, which are no less important than a life-changing decision.
She constantly quotes from scriptures and also includes several anecdotes from wise and well-loved leaders of various backgrounds. To my pleasant surprise, Bishop Budde even alludes to popular fiction such as Harry Potter (which a few Catholics shun as advocating witchcraft 🙄) and Lord of the Rings. She also includes examples from her own life where a crucial decision needed to be taken. To her credit, she doesn’t mention only successful decisions but also the ones she came to regret later. The overall content thus provides us well-rounded learning and insights.
I am apprehensive about religious nonfiction books as they tend to be conservative in certain matters. So I was awed to see how inclusive the Episcopal church is, being open to all regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. God’s principle of “unconditional love� is put into action by such believers! (Pope Francis � Long may he live! � has taken some steps in the right direction, but the Roman Catholic Church still has a long way to go before it can claim to be following Jesus� Golden Rule.)
Though this book often includes references to faith and scripture, it never gets preachy, never looks down on other religions or on people of different races or any minorities. I almost clapped when I read the line: “White Christianity, in both its historical and present contexts, is an anathema to the message of Jesus.�
In every chapter, Bishop Budde makes clear the exact meaning of a ‘decisive moment�, and how we can handle it in various ways of bravery. Her parting example � of finding blessings everywhere when you have faith � will stay with me for life.
Choosing love as a response is so much tougher than choosing hate. Unfortunately, there are more hatemongers than love-spreaders in the world today. Bishop Budde, through her calm yet ardent appeal on 21st January 2025, proved that decibels don’t make a leader. Not once did she yell in her sermon, and yet her voice and her message resonated across the world. This is what a leader should be � courageous, humble, wise, and inspiring. Something many leaders (political and religious) around the world are yet to understand.
In my mother tongue (Konkani), there’s a proverb: �Paadri kedalae dusryank sharmaon deeta�, meaning “A priest always preaches to others.� Bishop Budde proves that there are some religious who practise what they preach. I am so thankful that people like her are a part of the church. To twist a line from Leigh Hunt’s Abou Ben Adhem, “may their tribe increase.�
Had I enjoyed reading inspirational books, this would have been an easy 5 star for me. Sadly, I don’t. However, the fact that I could complete this work without once thinking of DNFing it speaks volumes of its content. (Prior to this, I have completed only one self-help book willingly in the last two decades.🤐)
Much recommended to anyone who enjoys inspirational nonfiction or Christian nonfiction, and to those who want to know more about the brave prelate who refused to “apologize for a request for mercy.�
4 stars for the book. (And a huge hug of support to the author for being a beacon of light in times of darkness.)
A couple of quotes I want to remember in future:
🎯 Refrain from the culture of critique. It takes no energy or creativity to point out what's wrong, but for everything you criticise, offer at least one suggestion to make it better.
🎯 When we decide to start toward something that requires courage, we are often creating new possibilities for those who come after us.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hadn’t heard of Bishop Mariann Budde until 21st January 2025, when she spoke the bravest words to the toughest audience in the most graceful manner. Her impassioned appeal for mercy towards everyone gave me goosebumps. I don’t remember the last time I have been so in awe of a leader, and more importantly, the last time a Christian leader actually made me feel proud of their approach towards the tenets of the faith. To see a Bishop of a large diocese embody inclusivity when supposed “Christians� were doing exactly the opposite was heartwarming. That’s the day I decided to put a pause on my “No Self-help/Inspirational Books� policy and add this book to my stack.
I am not the right reader for this book in terms of its genre. I don’t read spiritual and/or inspirational nonfiction. I know many people who swear by the effectiveness of this genre, but it is not my cup of tea � the “inspiration� just bounces off my head and make no impact whatsoever. In terms of religious background, I somewhat fit the target audience. I am a practising Roman Catholic; Bishop Budde is an Episcopalian. Different denominations, same religious umbrella. However, the book, while having some Christian content (which is to be expected), aims at everyone who seeks more wisdom about being brave during the decisive moments of life.
Bishop Budde begins with a mention of the incident that resulted in this book. To my surprise, the key player in this event is also he-who-shall-not-be-named. The incident related to his scandalous action outside St. John’s Church, Washington DC after the Capitol protests. (Bishop Budde obviously didn't know at the time of writing this 2023-published book that even greater fame awaited her in 2025, thanks to the same person. Life does come a full circle at times.)
The book goes on to detail various type of decisions that involve bravery. Unlike what you might assume, these do not always include a call to action, nor do they necessarily involve grandiose changes. Bishop Budde emphasises that sometimes, staying put is also bravery, while at the same time, clarifying that staying put doesn't mean staying the same. There can be tiny decisions of bravery on a daily basis, which are no less important than a life-changing decision.
She constantly quotes from scriptures and also includes several anecdotes from wise and well-loved leaders of various backgrounds. To my pleasant surprise, Bishop Budde even alludes to popular fiction such as Harry Potter (which a few Catholics shun as advocating witchcraft 🙄) and Lord of the Rings. She also includes examples from her own life where a crucial decision needed to be taken. To her credit, she doesn’t mention only successful decisions but also the ones she came to regret later. The overall content thus provides us well-rounded learning and insights.
I am apprehensive about religious nonfiction books as they tend to be conservative in certain matters. So I was awed to see how inclusive the Episcopal church is, being open to all regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. God’s principle of “unconditional love� is put into action by such believers! (Pope Francis � Long may he live! � has taken some steps in the right direction, but the Roman Catholic Church still has a long way to go before it can claim to be following Jesus� Golden Rule.)
Though this book often includes references to faith and scripture, it never gets preachy, never looks down on other religions or on people of different races or any minorities. I almost clapped when I read the line: “White Christianity, in both its historical and present contexts, is an anathema to the message of Jesus.�
In every chapter, Bishop Budde makes clear the exact meaning of a ‘decisive moment�, and how we can handle it in various ways of bravery. Her parting example � of finding blessings everywhere when you have faith � will stay with me for life.
Choosing love as a response is so much tougher than choosing hate. Unfortunately, there are more hatemongers than love-spreaders in the world today. Bishop Budde, through her calm yet ardent appeal on 21st January 2025, proved that decibels don’t make a leader. Not once did she yell in her sermon, and yet her voice and her message resonated across the world. This is what a leader should be � courageous, humble, wise, and inspiring. Something many leaders (political and religious) around the world are yet to understand.
In my mother tongue (Konkani), there’s a proverb: �Paadri kedalae dusryank sharmaon deeta�, meaning “A priest always preaches to others.� Bishop Budde proves that there are some religious who practise what they preach. I am so thankful that people like her are a part of the church. To twist a line from Leigh Hunt’s Abou Ben Adhem, “may their tribe increase.�
Had I enjoyed reading inspirational books, this would have been an easy 5 star for me. Sadly, I don’t. However, the fact that I could complete this work without once thinking of DNFing it speaks volumes of its content. (Prior to this, I have completed only one self-help book willingly in the last two decades.🤐)
Much recommended to anyone who enjoys inspirational nonfiction or Christian nonfiction, and to those who want to know more about the brave prelate who refused to “apologize for a request for mercy.�
4 stars for the book. (And a huge hug of support to the author for being a beacon of light in times of darkness.)
A couple of quotes I want to remember in future:
🎯 Refrain from the culture of critique. It takes no energy or creativity to point out what's wrong, but for everything you criticise, offer at least one suggestion to make it better.
🎯 When we decide to start toward something that requires courage, we are often creating new possibilities for those who come after us.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
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January 23, 2025
While everyone would agree that running into a burning building to save another's life is a true act of bravery, there are other forms of bravery besides such extreme physical deeds. Emotional and psychological bravery can be just as daunting.
In this brilliant, wise, and inspired book, the Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal bishop of the Diocese of Washington, D.C. (and the first woman elected to this important position), shows us how to be brave. Or, rather, she shows how we are already brave in our lives, pointing out acts of bravery we no doubt have accomplished even if we didn't think of them as being acts of courage.
The seven chapters each focus on a specific kind of bravery, such as making the decision to go—to go somewhere in your life that you never thought possible or doing something that just gives you the shivers when you contemplate it. It's also brave to decide to stay, be it in a job, a marriage, a life that is not fulfilling but serves others in vital ways. There is bravery in deciding to start something new, and there is a very special kind of courage in accepting what you did not choose, such as a cancer diagnosis for a loved one. Stepping up to the plate is more than a baseball analogy; it's also how we practice courage in some of the most daunting situations. When we do brave things, it's common to experience a letdown after. Finally, there is bravery in perseverance.
Just in writing this book, Budde shows us what bravery is. She models it. This is a deeply personal book in which she bares her soul to us, revealing things she has done in her own life—some of which are truly heroic and some of which are truly humiliating. But her daring honesty is inspirational. Budde was viewed as heroic when she stood up to then President Trump when he waved a Bible (upside down) in front of St. John's Episcopal Church on June 1, 2020, proclaiming very un-Christian sentiments. And she was deeply humiliated and saddened after unwittingly insulting the Jewish community during a Christmas Eve sermon nearly a decade ago given in the pulpit of Washington National Cathedral.
In addition to stories about her own life—from childhood to the present day—Budde draws on timeless stories in the Bible from Abraham to Esther to Jesus, as well as prominent people, including Eleanor Roosevelt, Thurgood Marshall, Pauli Murray, Martin Luther King Jr., Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Madeleine Albright, Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D., and The Most Rev. Michael Curry, the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church. And it doesn't stop there. She also includes wise words from novels and nonfiction books, including those written by Anne Tyler, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, J.R.R. Tolkien, Joan Chittister, Frederick Buechner, Walter Brueggemann, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Bruce Feiler, Rachel Held Evans, and Dr. Brené Brown.
I am in awe of Bishop Marianne Edgar Budde for the strength, courage, and resilience to write this book and share her life stories and those of others so we, dear readers, can reap the benefit of her wisdom and experience.
As Winnie the Pooh so eloquently said, "You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." Read this book, and you will believe that you are brave!
In this brilliant, wise, and inspired book, the Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal bishop of the Diocese of Washington, D.C. (and the first woman elected to this important position), shows us how to be brave. Or, rather, she shows how we are already brave in our lives, pointing out acts of bravery we no doubt have accomplished even if we didn't think of them as being acts of courage.
The seven chapters each focus on a specific kind of bravery, such as making the decision to go—to go somewhere in your life that you never thought possible or doing something that just gives you the shivers when you contemplate it. It's also brave to decide to stay, be it in a job, a marriage, a life that is not fulfilling but serves others in vital ways. There is bravery in deciding to start something new, and there is a very special kind of courage in accepting what you did not choose, such as a cancer diagnosis for a loved one. Stepping up to the plate is more than a baseball analogy; it's also how we practice courage in some of the most daunting situations. When we do brave things, it's common to experience a letdown after. Finally, there is bravery in perseverance.
Just in writing this book, Budde shows us what bravery is. She models it. This is a deeply personal book in which she bares her soul to us, revealing things she has done in her own life—some of which are truly heroic and some of which are truly humiliating. But her daring honesty is inspirational. Budde was viewed as heroic when she stood up to then President Trump when he waved a Bible (upside down) in front of St. John's Episcopal Church on June 1, 2020, proclaiming very un-Christian sentiments. And she was deeply humiliated and saddened after unwittingly insulting the Jewish community during a Christmas Eve sermon nearly a decade ago given in the pulpit of Washington National Cathedral.
In addition to stories about her own life—from childhood to the present day—Budde draws on timeless stories in the Bible from Abraham to Esther to Jesus, as well as prominent people, including Eleanor Roosevelt, Thurgood Marshall, Pauli Murray, Martin Luther King Jr., Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Madeleine Albright, Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D., and The Most Rev. Michael Curry, the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church. And it doesn't stop there. She also includes wise words from novels and nonfiction books, including those written by Anne Tyler, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, J.R.R. Tolkien, Joan Chittister, Frederick Buechner, Walter Brueggemann, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Bruce Feiler, Rachel Held Evans, and Dr. Brené Brown.
I am in awe of Bishop Marianne Edgar Budde for the strength, courage, and resilience to write this book and share her life stories and those of others so we, dear readers, can reap the benefit of her wisdom and experience.
As Winnie the Pooh so eloquently said, "You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." Read this book, and you will believe that you are brave!
October 19, 2024
This book is focused on both the characteristics and the moments of courage, brought through a lens of faith. The author had her own moment of bravery as the Bishop who had to speak up in love when Donald Trump invoked the Bible on the steps of St. John's while slandering the Black Lives Matter movement. While that is the moment that draws you in, the lessons are about the choice points of bravery. Staying in a tough situation, choosing to leave, understanding disappointment in the way things work out, stepping up to take a risk, and perseverance are all part of the pathway. The main lesson is that bravery and courage is grounded in love, prayer, possibility and faith.
March 3, 2025
It’s nearly impossible to rate books like this as anything but 5 stars. Of course I bought this after hearing her sermon at the inauguration. I loved many quotes, particularly what she wrote about Martin Luther king Jr and Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
June 12, 2023
This wise book looks deeply at the decisive moments in life when we need to go, or commit to staying, to start, to accept what we cannot choose, or to step up to the plate. With an engaging mix of personal stories, Biblical examples, and stories from history and popular culture, the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington reveals that bravery is not a singular act, but a daily journey.
This book on bravery is itself a model of this virtue as this proven leader names the times she has missed the mark and the cost to her and the trust in the institutions she has led. In this vulnerability, Marianne Budde demonstrates the strength in leadership that aligns one’s work with an organization with the leader’s true beliefs and best self. There is a lot of wisdom in this book. I enjoyed listening to the author reading the audiobook and found so much richness in what she offers, that I have bought a print copy as well to mark up and return to in the future.
This book on bravery is itself a model of this virtue as this proven leader names the times she has missed the mark and the cost to her and the trust in the institutions she has led. In this vulnerability, Marianne Budde demonstrates the strength in leadership that aligns one’s work with an organization with the leader’s true beliefs and best self. There is a lot of wisdom in this book. I enjoyed listening to the author reading the audiobook and found so much richness in what she offers, that I have bought a print copy as well to mark up and return to in the future.
Want to read
January 24, 2025I haven't read this yet, but purchased a copy in support of the author's public comments on mercy. Note: five of the seven one-star reviews on ŷ were posted after her recent sermon for the inaugural prayer service at the National Cathedral.
July 10, 2023
This is a book for all stages of life, both good and bad. The stories are inspiring. I enjoyed it so much that I finished it in one day.
February 5, 2025
In “How We Learn To Be Brave�, Bishop Marianne Budde distils a lifetime’s worth of life lessons, especially those to do with courage and perseverance. This is a highly readable book that is part memoir, part political history (esp. American civil rights history), and part Scripture (just the relevant bits).
As current events have shown, the author is someone who walks the talk, and who is therefore eminently suited to talk about moral courage.
Courage is a virtue that requires constant cultivation and vigilance. In the current climate of political and social turmoil, when the morally corrupt are venerated as leaders by those who are hateful or malicious, it is incumbent upon the rest of us to do what we can, and not remain silent in the face of widespread oppression.
If it takes a bishop to speak out and lead the way, then even a non-Christian like myself am happy to spread her message. A timely reminder is that, just as we must anticipate the lows with the highs and take both in stride, progress is always followed by backlash. Remembering this helps prevent us from feeling disheartened.
The sanctimonious will keep revealing their hypocrisy, but the truly faithful are those who embody their faith in meaningful action to better lives other than their own. Bishop Budde is a true leader because true leadership requires moral courage, something that is sadly lacking in political leaders today.
As current events have shown, the author is someone who walks the talk, and who is therefore eminently suited to talk about moral courage.
Courage is a virtue that requires constant cultivation and vigilance. In the current climate of political and social turmoil, when the morally corrupt are venerated as leaders by those who are hateful or malicious, it is incumbent upon the rest of us to do what we can, and not remain silent in the face of widespread oppression.
If it takes a bishop to speak out and lead the way, then even a non-Christian like myself am happy to spread her message. A timely reminder is that, just as we must anticipate the lows with the highs and take both in stride, progress is always followed by backlash. Remembering this helps prevent us from feeling disheartened.
The sanctimonious will keep revealing their hypocrisy, but the truly faithful are those who embody their faith in meaningful action to better lives other than their own. Bishop Budde is a true leader because true leadership requires moral courage, something that is sadly lacking in political leaders today.
March 2, 2024
4.5⭐️ Bishop Budde’s writing is honest, accessible, and spiritually/theologically insightful. I enjoyed this read immensely!
February 23, 2025
Thank you for your bravery, Ms. Budde. 🖤
February 28, 2025
Mariann Edgar Budde is The Right Reverend Bishop of Washington D.C. She spoke up when the president in his first term tried to use her church and the Bible as props for his propaganda. She spoke up, after this book was written and published, when the same president was inaugurated for a second term, pleading for mercy for those who feel powerless.
This is Budde's story. It offers much needed inspiration for these difficult times.
This is Budde's story. It offers much needed inspiration for these difficult times.
February 5, 2025
While I don’t typically read spiritual texts, I chose to read this after Bishop Budde’s recent plea for mercy for immigrants, LGBTQ+ folks and others in the US who will be greatly affected by the Trump administration. When Trump demanded an apology for her sermon, Bishop Budde bravely stated that she “won’t apologize for asking for mercy�.
Her courage, both in that moment and throughout the many stories in this book, is deeply moving and serves as a powerful reminder to stay brave in the face of dark times ahead. Throughout the book, she is candid about her failures and shortcomings as a leader. She speaks openly about the inequalities, historical and ongoing racism, sexism, and homophobia present in both the church and the United States. But most importantly, she emphasizes how we can move forward—by reckoning with the past, making amends for past wrongs, apologizing to those we've hurt, and embracing bravery in all areas of life.
Her courage, both in that moment and throughout the many stories in this book, is deeply moving and serves as a powerful reminder to stay brave in the face of dark times ahead. Throughout the book, she is candid about her failures and shortcomings as a leader. She speaks openly about the inequalities, historical and ongoing racism, sexism, and homophobia present in both the church and the United States. But most importantly, she emphasizes how we can move forward—by reckoning with the past, making amends for past wrongs, apologizing to those we've hurt, and embracing bravery in all areas of life.
February 2, 2025
Bishop Budde puts her money where her mouth is. This author, if you don’t recognize her name, recently spoke at the post-inauguration church service and called on the new administration to be merciful - pretty much what all pastors are supposed to do - but has suffered significant backlash for her words. When I saw she had written this book I knew I needed to read it, and I love her. She is a wise and calming voice, even as I struggle to remain calm, one week into the destruction of our country. I highlighted many passages to read again as I summon the courage to more publicly walk my own talk. Excellent book, for whatever you may be facing that involves courage and change.
June 14, 2023
There are many books about getting a divorce. This one is very different.
Marian Edgar Buddle tells us about her divorce thorugh the time when she was a minister. In fact, she did it when she was the Episcopal Bishop of Washington of DC. . Yes, there are strange things always happening in DC, but she was a minister known to people all over DC.
This book is written in a way that any of us who have gone through divorce will find a way to keep our lives going during and after a divorce. The book doesn’t tell us to do a divorce. It helps us think while thinking about the decision to leave a wife or husband.
Marian Edgar Buddle tells us about her divorce thorugh the time when she was a minister. In fact, she did it when she was the Episcopal Bishop of Washington of DC. . Yes, there are strange things always happening in DC, but she was a minister known to people all over DC.
This book is written in a way that any of us who have gone through divorce will find a way to keep our lives going during and after a divorce. The book doesn’t tell us to do a divorce. It helps us think while thinking about the decision to leave a wife or husband.
May 17, 2024
Good in places
There were some very heartfelt and moving stories and quotes, but there were too much meandering between those points. It's a fairly short book (about 200 pages on my Kindle version), but my view is it could have been shorter and not lost anything. Still I finished it as d will take away some good.
There were some very heartfelt and moving stories and quotes, but there were too much meandering between those points. It's a fairly short book (about 200 pages on my Kindle version), but my view is it could have been shorter and not lost anything. Still I finished it as d will take away some good.
January 24, 2025
When I read about Budde taking Mathew Shepards remains into the national cathedral, I was stunned. I knew I had to read everything by this amazing human being. You will love this book and you will love her. I am so very thankful in the darkest of days we have someone shining such a bright light of love and compassion- a true beacon.
January 25, 2025
She walks the talk. She practices what she preaches. Even though I'm not religious, I appreciated her book. She is a brave and courageous woman. I stand in support of her!
June 21, 2023
Bishop Budde delivers! A worthy book that is compelling and captivating. This book helps guide the reader through becoming brave and courageous in the face of insurmountable odds. I highly recommend and commend this book to all.
March 2, 2025
I really appreciate how she owned her mistakes, even when they were truly uncomfortable. The Episcopal Church rocks
January 23, 2025
While I don’t typically gravitate towards spiritual books, I read this after seeing her sermon. Such an inspiration! Focusing on all the different ways bravery shows up in our lives has changed my perspective on how I view the world. I’m inspired by the authors courage and think everyone should read this
March 4, 2025
I put this book on hold at the library almost immediately after seeing her sermon at the National Cathedral back in January, and was desperate to learn more about how Christians should be behaving during these tumultuous years. I felt both convicted and encouraged by what I read in these pages, and the fact that I finished just before Lent is not lost on me.
February 6, 2025
I’m glad that I was able to get a copy of this from the library to read now, and I’m looking forward to my back ordered copy arriving so that I can take notes in it. There’s so much that resonates and is useful here.
December 26, 2023
I liked the first half
March 1, 2025
This book came to my attention because of Bishop Budde’s sermon at the prayer service in Washington’s National Cathedral on January 22, 2025. I am one of the many who appreciated her speaking calmly but directly to the new president, asking him to have mercy on the many vulnerable people who were (and are) terrified by the threats he had made and actions he had already taken. As soon as I learned that she had written a book on courage, I knew I wanted to read it.
This is the audiobook version, and it is read by Bishop Budde. It’s definitely worth listening to. Many of the things she has to say are worth dwelling on, so I would like to read the print version—which is on order at my library, but not yet available there.
The book is written from the standpoint of Christian faith. Budde has many things to say that I think would resonate with a person of another faith (or of no faith). Such a person might prefer to read a different book on the subject, and that’s fair, but I do think there are things here that would reward any reader who didn’t mind the faith framing. The book is also interesting because Budde illustrates her points with many examples from her own life and ministry, so anyone who would like to know more about the individual who has spoken up to Donald Trump on two particularly public occasions could do worse than to read this.
Speaking as a person of Christian faith, I very much appreciated both the topics she discusses and the way she frames them. There is a seriousness and depth of spiritual understanding that is lacking in the spiritual material I encounter written from an evangelical point of view, and a solid theological grounding that has been lacking in the material I have encountered (to be fair, mostly spoken, in sermons and days of reflection) within the Episcopal tradition that is Bishop Budde’s spiritual home.
This is the audiobook version, and it is read by Bishop Budde. It’s definitely worth listening to. Many of the things she has to say are worth dwelling on, so I would like to read the print version—which is on order at my library, but not yet available there.
The book is written from the standpoint of Christian faith. Budde has many things to say that I think would resonate with a person of another faith (or of no faith). Such a person might prefer to read a different book on the subject, and that’s fair, but I do think there are things here that would reward any reader who didn’t mind the faith framing. The book is also interesting because Budde illustrates her points with many examples from her own life and ministry, so anyone who would like to know more about the individual who has spoken up to Donald Trump on two particularly public occasions could do worse than to read this.
Speaking as a person of Christian faith, I very much appreciated both the topics she discusses and the way she frames them. There is a seriousness and depth of spiritual understanding that is lacking in the spiritual material I encounter written from an evangelical point of view, and a solid theological grounding that has been lacking in the material I have encountered (to be fair, mostly spoken, in sermons and days of reflection) within the Episcopal tradition that is Bishop Budde’s spiritual home.
March 23, 2025
Worth reading. The prayer service in January 2025, when she asked the president to have mercy and compassion for vulnerable people was not her first interaction with him. In 2020, she condemned him when he had Lafayette Square cleared of Black Lives Matter protesters, to have a photo op with an upside down Bible in front of St. John's Church.
She talks about how to be brave, giving examples from her own life, and teachings from the Bible (which I know little about).
She talks about how to be brave, giving examples from her own life, and teachings from the Bible (which I know little about).
January 25, 2025
Brilliant, insightful, impactful, encouraging. From a woman whose life bears the fruit.
March 16, 2025
Mariann Edgar Budde first popped on my radar when she publicly pleaded with Donald Trump to have mercy on the marginalized in January, though she has a rich career past that (and has also spoken against Trump before then). I loved reading her reflections on being brave and her emphasis on having a faith rooted in social justice, activism, and empathy.
February 11, 2025
I grew up pretty engaged in the Methodist church and then withdrew pretty heavily throughout high school and college. I was consistently disappointed with the United Methodist church and their decision around inclusion of LGBTQ individuals.
I stumbled upon Mariann Budde after the sermon she gave for the current president & VP � a sermon filled with bravery & strength where she advocated for immigrants and LGBTQ individuals in front of people actively working against them. A lot of frustrations I had with the Methodist church came crashing down, and I began wishing I could’ve grew up learning from Mariann instead.
This book does focus on biblical stories, but takes a modern approach of how we should understand them in our current society. She also integrates other famous works, like Harry Potter, into the book to expand on her message.
Enjoyed listening & reflecting to her messages. Leaving what didn’t resonate with me & carrying with me what spoke to me.
I stumbled upon Mariann Budde after the sermon she gave for the current president & VP � a sermon filled with bravery & strength where she advocated for immigrants and LGBTQ individuals in front of people actively working against them. A lot of frustrations I had with the Methodist church came crashing down, and I began wishing I could’ve grew up learning from Mariann instead.
This book does focus on biblical stories, but takes a modern approach of how we should understand them in our current society. She also integrates other famous works, like Harry Potter, into the book to expand on her message.
Enjoyed listening & reflecting to her messages. Leaving what didn’t resonate with me & carrying with me what spoke to me.
March 23, 2025
I love the author. This was a nice essay collection but nothing transformative in it for me. I look forward to her next book though.
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