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.

“Bishop Budde’s searching account of her struggle to be brave is itself an act to be admired and absorbed.”—Jon Meacham, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Soul of America and And There Was Light

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.

“With clarity, conviction, and a sure sense of the perils and the possibilities of the human condition, Bishop Mariann Budde has given us a great gift: A book that explores how God’s children can stand up for the principles of His kingdom in a frail and fallen world. Courage, it has been said, is the most important virtue since it guarantees all the others, and Bishop Budde’s searching account of her struggle to be brave is itself an act to be admired and absorbed.”—Jon Meacham, author of The Soul of America and And There Was Light

“In sharing her story and that of others who have faced real challenges with ‘grit and grace,’ my good friend and fellow bishop Mariann Budde reminds us that extraordinary courage is possible for ordinary people. To help us she offers both the faith and the tools that make such courage possible for us.”—The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church and author of Love is the Way and The Power of Love

“It is easy to forget the simple, important dynamics of courageous leadership and living.  Bishop Budde has given us all a thoughtful reminder.”—Steve Leder, New York Times bestselling author of For You When I Am Gone

“’Hope,’ St. Augustine said, ‘has two beautiful daughters. Their names are anger and courage; anger at the way things are, and courage to see that they do not remain the way they are.’ In her timely book, Bishop Budde offers hard-learned, excellent guidelines for helping not just individuals but congregations and communities learn about bravery and courage, especially in times of polarization and transition.”—The Rev. Dr. Nancy Jo Kemper, Executive Director (1991-2009), Kentucky Council of Churches; Interim Senior Minister, First Christian Church, Paris, Kentucky

“Few people are willing to step into those decisive moments when their voices are needed most. I have always known that my friend and Bishop, Mariann Budde, is one of those few. Indeed, this book represents another of those moments for Bishop Budde.  In it she shares her very human struggle to find the bravery and courage required to step into life’s decisive moments. She does this so to inspire others to find their own. This book is itself a gift of brave and courageous leadership.”—Kelly Brown Douglas, author of Resurrection Hope: A Future Where Black Lives Matter

“Using the metaphor of ‘stepping up to the plate’ and the myriad of choices one confronts, Budde weaves themes of family life, scripture, and service into a journey of bravery that you do not want to miss. Get on board for a captivating excursion through a carefully woven tapestry of ideas, prayers, meditations, and suggestions for courageous action.”—Edward W Beal, MD, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry. Georgetown University School of Medicine, Author of War Stories From the Forgotten Soldiers