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 “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, “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