The Graze V.247: Be Brave

Dear Friends,

We are living in a time of radical change, marked by cultural, economic, political, and institutional shifts occurring within the context of a climate crisis. Historians and theologians recognize this pattern: major transformations that tend to unfold roughly every 500 years. Much like the Reformation in the sixteenth century, the current shifts signal a deep and meaningful change.

We are called in this time to have courage as we rediscover essential truths. While feelings of anxiety, grief, and fear arise, we seek models of strength.

This week, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde exemplified courage through her honesty and leadership. In her heartfelt address to the president and the nation, she made a compelling plea for mercy, locking eyes with the president as she spoke. Whether or not her intended audience fully heard her message, the rest of us certainly did.

This was a powerful demonstration of courage. She did not raise her voice. In a soft tone, she reminds us all of the power of whispered prayers and heartfelt pleas.

I love that the root of the word “courage" comes from the Latin word for heart (“cor”). In one of its earliest forms, courage meant “to speak one’s mind by telling all one’s heart.” We are being called to embrace this type of courage—the deep inner strength and commitment needed to speak honestly and openly when so much is at stake.

Let us speak from our hearts,

🌱 💚 Lisa

P.S. Coincidentally, Bishop Budde has also written a best-selling book titled “How We Learn to Be Brave.” In it, she openly shares that she does not consider herself an inherently brave person — she has become so by practicing courage as a spiritual discipline. I look forward to reading it.