How We Learn to Be Brave

Decisive Moments in Life and Faith

By: Mariann Edgar Budde

Narrated by: 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

Critic reviews

"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 .

Stories we need right now

Thank you for providing examples of the ways in which the quiet, behind-the-scenes perseverance is what leads to the brave moments. I think most of us forget the practices of faithfulness that precede especially these rare public moments.

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.

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

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.

inspiring

This book helped me to clarify my faith. I realize that the way I vieweded my faith (as an evangelical) has led others to follow a devisive, evil path that has greatly harmed our nation.

Love and Perseverance

A heartfelt explanation of the struggles humanity faces as it come to terms with our current state. And a guide on how to view those struggles in order to persevere in love.

Wise words for our age

Joyful appreciation for these words that empower us to step up even when times are difficult.