How We Learn to Be Brave

Decisive Moments in Life and Faith

De: Mariann Edgar Budde

Narrado por: Mariann Edgar Budde

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

How We Learn to Be Brave is 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.

On January 21, 2025, many Americans were introduced to Bishop Mariann Budde thanks to what The New York Times called “an extraordinary act of public resistance.” During her prayer service for Donald J. Trump’s second inauguration, Bishop Budde addressed the president directly, imploring him “to have mercy on the people in our country who are scared now,” from those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community to immigrants and refugees.

But for Bishop Budde, this moment was the culmination of a lifetime spent thinking about those pivot points when we’re called on to push past our fears and act with strength. With How We Learn to Be Brave, she teaches us that 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, listeners 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.

©2023 Mariann Edgar Budde (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"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

Truth

The raw honesty was astounding ! Her use of stories some from her own life and some Biblical .An amazing book - so glad she wrote it .

Roadmap for our times!!

What a lovely roadmap for living through these challenging times! My 1st time listening/reading and I look forward to enjoying again in the future. thank you Bishop Budde

So inspirational!

The Bishop brought so many wonderful learning examples into her book. She shared her thoughts and her struggles making so much of what she said immediately relatable!
I highly recommend to all!

So inspiring

Bishop Buddie is inspiring. I so enjoyed this audiobook, narrated by her. I applaud her courage

Inspiring

Never underestimate the power of grace. I am not a religious person, but I am spiritual and was able to connect to her vulnerability. Her words are gentle and kind and just what I needed at this moment.

Hope for humankind

A beautiful story rich guide to how to be courageous within life’s circumstances and find joy in being human through connection to one another and the God within.

Excellent!

A book for times such as these. I will listen over and over until I know it by heart.

Empowering and calming

Bishop Budde draws from a wide range of religious, literary, and historical sources to illustrate and illuminate her key points of the work of living through and up to decisive moments in our lives. Very powerful.

Faith is not religion - Try it!

An amazing and very human woman who isn’t afraid to speak truth to power; her journey and what she has learned along the way. Really a wonderful, thought provoking read that doesn’t preach or try to convert you to her beliefs but speaks of universal (and sometimes conflicting) truths.

Inspiring anecdotes

I loved the weaving of her own story and experience with those of inspiring leaders, some famous, some not