How We Learn to Be Brave Decisive Moments in Life and Faith by Mariann Edgar Budde

Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal bishop of the diocese of Washington, D.C. urged President Donald Trump to show “mercy” toward immigrants and LGBTQ+ people during the week of Trump’s second inaugurationBottom of Form and stunned the nation at a televised prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral on January 22, where she told Trump, “In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.” Demand for Brave immediately skyrocketed with the book going on to reach #6 on Publishers Weekly's adult nonfiction bestseller list in February and selling nearly 36,000 copies to date, according to Circana BookScan. Budde has since become a media sensation attracting more than 20,000 letters, —mostly of support, but occasionally including death threats. Writes Budde, 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. Hardcover 224 Pages