Introduction

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, 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.

Editorial Review

No Editorial Review Currently Available

Excerpt

No Excerpt Currently Available

Discussion Questions

Questions from "readers with wrinkles!"--with thanks! Added by Pauline


Themes of Bravery
1. How does Bishop Budde redefine bravery beyond physical acts? What examples resonated with you most?
2. The book discusses bravery in decisions like "to go," "to stay," and "to start." Which of these decisions do you find most challenging in your own life?

Personal Reflection
3. Bishop Budde emphasizes that bravery is a journey, not a singular event. Can you recall a moment in your life where you felt brave, even if it didn’t seem significant at the time?
4. The author mentions "accepting what you did not choose" as a form of bravery. How do you interpret this, and have you experienced it?

Intersection of Faith and Courage
5. How does Budde’s faith influence her perspective on bravery? Do you think her approach is universally applicable, regardless of one’s religious beliefs?
6. The book draws on biblical and historical examples of courage. Which story or figure stood out to you, and why?

Everyday Bravery
7. Budde highlights small, daily acts of bravery. How can we cultivate this mindset in our own lives?
8. Do you agree with the idea that "staying put" can be an act of bravery? How does this concept challenge traditional notions of courage?

Challenges and Letdowns
9. The book discusses the "inevitable letdown" after brave acts. Have you experienced this? How do you navigate the emotional aftermath of courageous decisions?
10. How does perseverance tie into bravery, according to Budde? Do you see perseverance as a form of courage?

Broader Implications
11. Budde’s book touches on racial justice and leadership. How do these themes intersect with her exploration of bravery?
12. How can the lessons in this book be applied to contemporary societal challenges?

Literary and Cultural References
13. The author references Harry Potter and other pop culture examples. How do these references enhance her message about bravery?
14. Did any particular anecdote or story from the book inspire you to view bravery differently?

Final Thoughts
15. What was your biggest takeaway from How We Learn to Be Brave? How has it influenced your perspective on courage and decision-making?
16. Would you recommend this book to others? If so, who would benefit most from it?

Weblinks

There are no web links at this time.

Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 0 of 0 members.

Member Reviews

There are no user reviews at this time.
Rate this book