Bravery in Action

I talk a lot about bravery and how it shows up for people. For some, it’s climbing mountains or running into danger. For others, it’s speaking up in a meeting or saying no to something that doesn’t sit right. The dictionary defines bravery as having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty. But what does that actually look like in real life? And how do we harness it to do the right thing, even when it scares us?

This week, I was blown away by the Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde, who gave us a masterclass in bravery—and how to own the room . She stood on the world stage and, with calm authority, addressed Donald Trump directly. She said:

"In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now."

No hesitation. No fluff. Just pure courage and conviction. She spoke from the heart, knowing her words could ripple far beyond that moment. She didn’t just speak up; she owned the room in every sense of the phrase.

This is bravery in its truest form: using your voice when staying silent might feel easier. Stepping into discomfort to stand up for what’s right. Doing what matters even when it makes your palms sweat and your voice shake.

Finding Courage in Fear

Here’s the thing: bravery isn’t about being fearless—it’s about acting despite the fear. So, when you’re faced with those moments where you feel like shrinking back, remember:

• Your voice matters: You might not see the immediate impact, but your words could be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
• You’re not alone: Bravery isn’t just for heroes—it’s for all of us, ordinary people taking extraordinary steps.
• Start small: Courage grows with practice. Take one step, then another, and watch your confidence build.

Let’s take a page out of the Bishop of Warrington’s book. Let’s commit to using our voices, standing tall, and owning our spaces—not for applause, but because it’s the right thing to do.

So, what’s one brave thing you can do this week? Big or small, it all counts.

You can watch the clip here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyplPu0B6-Y

And if you want some brilliant inspiration on how to own the room- read Viv Groskop https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/40215120-how-to-own-the-room