These days, being brave is not optional; it’s imperative. And the bravery I’m talking about doesn’t come from girding your loins and bucking up your confidence. It can’t be bought because it’s not for sale. But it is available. In fact, it’s essential to the life God wants you to lead. This is the message of Kelly Johnson’s new Christian women’s devotional book, Being Brave: A 40-Day Journey to the Life God Dreams for You. (Abingdon Press)

Her inspiration launches from a conversation with her young daughter who, sensing her mother’s frustration at not being able to solve the events of a day she found particularly overwhelming, said, “Mommy, I just need you to tell me I’m a brave soldier.”

We all need to put on our brave. But how? Where does it come from? Where can we find it? Where should we look? Johnson is clear: God names us brave. “The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” ~ 2 Timothy 1:7 

Johnson cleverly uncovers an acronym that she uses as the backbone of the 40 day journey. The building blocks of brave are being:

• Bold
• Resilient
• Authentic
• Vulnerable
• Engaged

God’s spirit of Power helps us be bold and resilient. God’s spirit of Love helps us be authentic and vulnerable. God’s spirit of Self-discipline directs us to be engaged and empowers us. This devotional offers us the opportunity, through daily readings of scripture, story, prayer and reflection, to tackle what is holding us back and to discover what calls us forward. Our BRAVE says, Go on, take the Leap. I am with you in this.

As my mom used to say to me, “You’ll never know until you try.” When the stakes are low, that works, but when the stakes are higher, we need to hear someone tell us we’re brave. This devotional book will help you hear those words spoken to you in your own voice.

As I read TIME magazine’s powerful article detailing the stories of “the Silence Breakers,” whom they chose as this year’s Person(s) of the Year, I see this kind of BRAVE. In coming forward, they had everything to lose: yet, they were bold, resilient, authentic, and, while incredibly vulnerable, chose to engage with the world in a way that has ushered in incredible power. No timidity in sight. It’s why we believe them.

That’s what brave does. We don’t know what we can do until we try. After digging into Kelly Johnson’s book, you’ll be willing to try, too.

Find Kelly at her author page here.