Be The Brave One
Be The Brave One
Rev. Ann Kansfeld
Just like everyone in this world, I found myself walking many tightropes through the pandemic, critically discerning what was important and how to make sure those were made the priority. I have always been focused on clarifying what matters in my life and preserving time and energy for those, but the pandemic really brought it to the forefront. I have 7 children, one of whom was born in the middle of quarantine life, I serve as the director of children’s, youth, and family ministries for a congregation that had decided to relaunch everything 4 months before the pandemic began, and my husband and I worked hard to find ways to balance our responsibilities as parents and as employees. At the end of each day, we would take a few minutes to debrief and clarify what was important the next day. When Rev. Ann Kansfield’s book, Be The Brave One landed on my desk from the publisher, I eagerly dived in and and found a gem that belongs in your library
Rev. Ann Kansfield is the co-pastor of Greenpoint Reformed Church, as well as a chaplain for the Fire Department of New York (FDNY). This book is a powerful testament to the power of clarifying your spiritual values and living them authentically. She tells all of this through stories that are relatable to all people, regardless of their location, age, and sexual orientation. She speaks of everyone’s common struggle to live who they are despite cultural pressures to change. She speaks of constantly checking to see how Jesus would live in our experiences, in our contexts, and in our shoes. She speaks of a God whose love is so powerful and encompassing that there is room for all, especially when we have a common desire to be authentic and grace-filled.
I am excited to share this book with my own three teens, in particular my oldest who is preparing to start her undergraduate work in the fall. This is a good resource for helping one clarify what their values are, how to keep your focus, and how to do so even through the most trying of circumstances.
I am planning on adding a copy to my resource library specifically focused on discernment and spirituality. It is not a typical title for these categories, but it is a wonderful resource to compliment other books in these areas. The more viewpoints and relatable stories we have, the more opportunities we have for finding how we are all created in God’s image and are interrelated.
I have a small shelf of books that I turn to when I need bolstering and cheering. This book has earned a place on that shelf. I’m certain I’m not alone when it comes to feeling weary to the bone at times and uncertain about how to proceed. This book is a booster shot of clarity and a strong reinforcement of calling, all rolled into one. Grab yourself a copy.
