Find Your Brave: Courage to Stand Strong When the Waves Crash In

by Holly Wagner

Navigate Life’s Storms and Discover a Courage Like No Other  Have you ever found yourself in over your head, wondering how you would possibly get through with your faith and sanity intact?   It can happen any time. Life seems good and then—BOOM!—out of nowhere comes a storm that threatens to drown your hopes. Your storm might be a job loss, loneliness, a crumbling relationship, financial ruin, a serious illness, or the death of a loved one. Whatever it is, as the winds howl and the waves rage, you have a will you cower in fear or will you rise to the challenge?   Cancer survivor Holly Wagner has endured her share of storms. In Find Your Brave she examines the dramatic shipwreck faced by the apostle Paul in Acts 27. There she uncovers profound truths that will guide you safely through life’s most difficult moments.   Through solid biblical teaching and relatable personal stories, Holly offers an uplifting, friendly voice in the midst of the gale-force winds and overpowering critical voices. She shows you how to anchor your trust in the God who remains faithful in every storm and in whose strength you can Find Your Brave.   #RefuseToSink     “So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as He said.” –Acts 27:25 (NLT)   The apostle Paul, held as a prisoner on a ship bound for Rome, encounters a fierce tempest on the Adriatic Sea. Chaos and calamity surround him as the crew frantically attempts to lighten the ship, undergird the vessel, and keep her afloat. Paul stands in their midst and makes a simple, yet course-altering “Be of good cheer!”   In the middle of your storms, are you able to declare the same?   In Find Your Brave GodChicks founder Holly Wagner combines insight found in Acts 27 with lessons learned from her very personal battles with cancer, betrayal, and turmoil to create the essential storm survival guide. Her words will encourage and empower you with practical tools to navigate life’s greatest storms, steady your heart against fear, and inspire you to rescue others as you make your way safely ashore.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Spirituality, Faith, Christian Living, Inspirational

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 21, 2016

Reviews

[Meagan Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Find Your Brave was a book that God sent into my life, just as I needed it. My dad died last month. Well, about a week or so before that whole thing happened, I received this book. God knew the storm that was coming for me. He knew that I would need some help to get through it. I'm so glad I read this book!

Holly's writing is clear and easy to relate to, as she tells you how to go about "finding your brave". The book is part memoir and essay-collection, and part Bible study on Acts 27. Acts 27 is the story of a shipwreck. Paul is captive on a ship bound for Rome, being taken to stand before Caesar. Unfortunately, the ship encounters massive storms along the way. But Paul shows the way to get through them, with the help of God.

Holly uses a combination of personal stories, both hers and and those of people she knows, and clear, concise lessons from God. Sometimes in the middle of a storm, finding courage to go on can be the hardest thing to do. But, with her frank voice, Holly helps to explain why fear cannot win. Well, we all know how hard it can be to figure out next steps when you're in a storm. Sometimes, the storm is an illness, a death, a job, or it may even be more subtle than that. But with the focus on God, Holly teaches how to anchor your faith to Him, and to keep from sinking, even among the waves. Holly's writing is very entertaining, and empowering. And I think that even for non-Christians, there are plenty of pearls of wisdom to be found within this book.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that might need help finding their brave. I gave it 4 stars on Goodreads, and I'll definitely be keeping it close by for the next time life throws me a storm. It's a good life raft to have in such times!

*I received a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for this honest review

[Sage · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d give this one a 3.5. I really enjoyed this book. At times I did perhaps find it a little too feel good, like everything will always work out. Which isn’t always the case this side of heaven. I found it to be a very practical book. Easy to read, simple to understand and clear ideas of how to strengthen yourself in your own storms of life. Very much God-centred. I would certainly recommend reading it.

[Lisa Winnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't think I would like this book, but I do believe it was fateful and something that landed in my lap at just the right time. Its very good.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Holly Wagner gives great insight into how to weather the storms that life throws at us. As a very anxious worrier, I found this book to be extremely helpful to me.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

`Find Your Brave` is a Christian woman's book by author Holly Wagner. The subtitle is what captured my attention. It reads: Courage to Stand Strong When the Waves Crash In. When the waves crash in, and they will, I want to be the person standing on the firm foundation. According to the author we can be brave and rise to the challenges we face, apostle Paul did.

Holly wrote this book because she wants to see the reader fulfill their individual, God-designed purpose to be brave (see page 8). In her book, she talks about some of the baggage we need to jettison. Like past hurts, disappointments and expectations, fear, and the "Three I'D" monster (Insufficiency, Insignificance, and Insecurity). (see page 35)

As Holly sings part of Horatio Spafford's song, It is Well With My Soul, I then realize sorrow means more than dread that something happened it also means a disappointment. That word disappointment shed a new light on the song for me. I can be disappointed over something minor, where sorrow makes me think of worse case scenario.

My favorite quotes from the book are: "All you need is one safe anchor to keep you grounded when the rest of your life spins out of control." (Katie Kacvinsky ~ page 77) and " You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have" (Bob Marley ~ page 107).

The author uses lots of scripture verses to back up what is written in her book. There is also a list of God's promises at the back of the book for quick reference. What the author wants the reader to know is you are a daughter of the King (Jesus), created to love God and lead people to Him. We find our brave by remembering why we are here. I believe the author accomplished her purpose in writing this book and I highly recommend it to all women.

Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."

[Kay Card · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway. I started reading it many times, but for whatever reason I couldn't make myself continue reading it. The book is awesome, I just think it stepped on my toes and I didn't want to read what the author had to say, and what God was trying to tell me. The book is for all of us who are trying to make it through the storms in our lives, we just all need to remember that God is always with us. The author reminds us that once we are through our storms we should encourage others by sharing our storms with them, because that is what God wants his people to do. She gives practical & Godly advice how to weather the storms that each of us face. I will return to this book as I face storms in my life or when I see people around facing storms in their own lives.

[Rebecca Burnsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of us go through difficult moments in our lives. Holly Wagner, the author of Find Your Brave, has found a way to bring real life events to her readers through her eyes. You can feel the emotion come through and how it applies to the scriptures in the Bible.

With this book, you can find that she adds scripture in the end for reflection. While you are reading, be sure to also look at the questions in the back of this book to help you think about what you are reading. This would be a great book for book clubs who would like to read, reflect and then discuss what they read that week. Chapter by chapter, this book gives a lot of things to ponder in your daily life.

Please note: I was given a copy of this book for review from Blogging for Books. I was in no way swayed in my review.

[Jessica Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wrong voices mean the wrong people - social media can influence a person more than it should. Seek God to guide you out of a storm and back to God's grace. God's does not abandon you. This book reminds us to remember Prophet Isaiah, who said, "surely you know, surely you have heard. The Lord our God lives forever. He does not become tired or need to rest. Noone can understand how great his wisdom is. He gives strength to those who are tired, and more power to those who are weak." The writer goes on to say that her younger self was unconscious to the obligation we have to God to stay healthy. Our bodies are temples to the Holy Spirit- so to honor the Holy Spirit, what we put into our bodies, matters.

[Evie Loves · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! Read with some friends as a Bible study group, the book is so relatable! Spoke to each of us every week. I can't wait to read another book from Holly. She is such a good writer, it's like talking to a friend I've known for years. Not the over the top Christian self- help book that are out there. This book will give you great stories, from her own struggles to the people she knows as well as how it relates to the Bible.

[Becca (Bex) · Rating 5 out of 5]

After having the most tumultuous year of my life to date, this book offered support and clarity with Holly's sweet, supportive narrative. The quotes and verses included in the book spoke right into my situation and gave me words to hold onto during trying times.

This is the book to pick up if you're experiencing anything that might cause you to need to find your brave. Loss is a part of life and this book makes it a little easier to get back up after falling down.

[Leisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually read this book twice —-first the audiobook and then someone gave me a hard copy and I was able to go through it in a virtual format with friends. This book is a great reminder to invite God unto your inner world and trust him when life doesn’t quite go the way we plan.

[Afua · Rating 5 out of 5]

So. Good.

[Stefan Salonen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fast Holly har mycket viktigt att säga också som är applicerbart för män begränsar hon det hon skriver hela tiden till halva mänskligheten...

[Amber Wineinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good reminders. I believe some of the scripture is taken out of context.

[Monica Darwish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, well said, Very encouraging!

[Rosalinda Lamas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was hard to finish reading but I push through. I guess I expected more.

[Micaiah Holton · Rating 4 out of 5]

It wasn’t crazy deep but it was the perfect back to basics reminder I was looking for.

[Kayla Hollatz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed listening to Holly Wagner speak last year so when I heard she wrote a book on the same subject she spoke on, I knew I had to pick it up. Overall, I enjoyed the way speaks more than her writing but she does inspire me greatly.

[Heather King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly Wagner has experienced shaky times, including a magnitude 6.7 earthquake in Los Angeles in 1994 that caused devastation in her community. She writes, "Figurative earthquakes can rock our lives with chaos and fear. And the aftershocks can feel just as devastating." In her book, Find Your Brave, Holly talks about how to find courage during the shaky times, the dark seasons, and the difficult circumstances in life.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the book for me were her insights on the apostle Paul's journey to Rome in Acts 27 as he traveled in a storm-tossed vessel that ship-wrecked of the coast of Malta. Each chapter covers a brief portion of Paul's trip and experiences and then offers wisdom for our own journeys, such as using support lines to brace ourselves, knowing what to throw overboard, and setting our sights on hope. While I've read this biblical account quite a few times, this was the first time I'd read a close study on this portion of Scripture and how we could apply it.

Holly also does something uniquely powerful; she includes a chapter on what happens when you've caused your own storm. We tend to think about and talk about the storms of life as circumstances that happen to us. But she's right: there are times we cause our own storms just as the sailors did in Acts 27 by ignoring Paul's advice about when to travel. And yet, there is grace and redemption. Even when our own poor choices or lack of discipline causes our troubles, God can restore and heal and bring beauty.

The book also includes a collection of scriptures to speak over your situation and a few discussion questions for personal reflection or mall groups at the back. Every Christian will encounter storms in life, but these lessons from Acts can equip us for the future or help us right now in the tempests we face.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Kaitlyn Bouchillon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first thing I've read by Holley Wagner, but I doubt it will be the last! The subtitle of the book drew me in, as it is so easily relatable to most (if not all) of us. Holly writes through Acts 27, weaving together her own teaching, story-telling, and life experience. I appreciated how she slowly walked through Scripture, leaving the reader feeling like they have a much better understanding of how that Biblical story applies to life in the 21st century.

Normally I judge a book by how much I underline or highlight the author's words, but I can't do that this time. I didn't underline or mark a single thing in the book, but there were multiple times I sat the book down for a day or two so I could process and think through ideas or sentences Holly brought to light. The book made me think and kept my attention the entire way through, even though I didn't underline anything. And - I would read it again.

My biggest critique is that Holly repeatedly talks about how difficult the past year of her life has been, but it's always extremely vague. She simply says the past year has been hard. While she mentions many storms she's gone through in the distant past, it was a bit frustrating to read over and over how the past year of her life was challenging but, as a reader, to be left in the dark. I kept thinking she would eventually tell what was going on (since she kept hinting at it) but that doesn't happen. Perhaps she meant a somewhat recent battle with cancer, but from what she wrote in the book it sounds like that was several years ago. I wish she had either gone more into detail or refrained from saying a vague "last year was full of storms" so many times.

Still, if you're facing a storm or have a loved one who is in the middle of a storm, I would definitely recommend reading through this book. There is hope, encouragement, and practical advice within the pages.

*I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review.*

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book title caught my eye on Blogging for Books, so I hopped over to Amazon to read the sample using their “Look Inside” feature. Though I wasn’t really in the mood to read another book drawing its meaning from the Bible, I was immediately taken by the author’s humor, like this passage:

"At first I was rather put off by Proverbs 31:15, the verse that challenges us to rise 'while it is yet night.' What? I don’t think so. I sleep while it is yet night."

I expected to see that type of humor throughout — this kind of commentary tends to propel me through books faster — but it was the exception, more than the rule.

Find Your Brave bases its premise on the story of Paul who, having been jailed, appealed for Caeser to hear his case and was put on a ship to Rome — a voyage which was fraught with troubles. The author puts these trials in the context of the trials women sometimes face in life. The ship theme recurs in many chapters, which helps to tie the whole text together, but sometimes feels a little “and there’s the ship thing again.”

There are references to other Bible passages sprinkled throughout. The book reads a bit like a sermon, so possible readers should decide if that is a style they like prior to picking this one up. The language is conversational and should be easy for most readers to follow.

Overall, this was a good book. I think I was in the mood for something a bit different, so the timing for me affected my enjoyment. That being said, I recommend this book for Christian women seeking to strengthen themselves in their daily lives. If you do not believe in Christianity, you’ll want to skip this one as it is a dominant theme.

[Risa Fey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I was not expecting this to be so good.
A gift from my cousin to me after Mom's Memorial service.
This was great reading, reaffirming a lot of things I already came to discover, while teaching me many more things I did not know. But I think I'm kinda done with these Christian-living resource books, and I just want to read the Bible only (not trying to sound 'extra holy sanctimonious', but I've been itchin' for the real Word for a long time now, but I just wanted to finish these other resources first).
"The God we serve is a good God. Still, we live in a world where good an evil exist together. When challenges and storms come our way, we get to choose how we react. [...] Will we let the storm refine us or define us? Will we commit to trusting God through it or will we sink? The decision is entirely ours. [...] We can get bitter, or we can be made stronger. We can close our heart to people or open it wide, believing that there are people we need to help. We can look back and wish for something different, or we can look ahead and trust that God will meet us there.
The trial, if we let it, can bring out the best of us. As the diamond is revealed only after the piece of coal has been under pressure[...]"
"[...]thank You, Jesus, for Your presence in every storm. My life is not my own; use it as You so desire."
Deut 31:6 "Be strong. Take courage. Don't be intimidated. Don't give them a second thought because GOD, your God, is striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you down; he won't leave you."
Joshua 1:9 "This is my command--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

[Diane Higgins]

“Find Your Brave” by Holly Wagner is a very encouraging read. This is a short, easy to read book. I read it in two days! Holly focuses on finding your courage to fight and stand up to whatever storm you may be facing. She talks about how storms are normal and necessary in life. We all need storms. The main thing is how we handle them. They can either make or break us. Holly encourages her readers to embrace the storms and stand up to them. She gives very practical advice on how to embrace/stand up to the storms. She also shares some personal stories of her own life and how she embraced her storms.

I am not going through a storm right now in my life, but I did a couple years ago. I was able to embrace them, but this book would have helped me back then also. I highly encourage every woman to read this book. You may not be going through a storm right now, but you never know when one will hit!

This was the first book I’ve read by Holly Wagner, but it won’t be the last! I really like her writing style. You feel like she is sitting right beside you talking to you like a friend. I also like the way she intertwines practical advice with real life stories. It helps to know others have been in the same situation as you.

I received this book from WaterBrook Multnomah for my honest opinion.

[W. Boutwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a small book: personal, devotional, Christian, and for women. I am not a woman but had this book selected for me to review.
Hilarious.
The author, a mother, survivor of a California earthquake, and breast cancer, is not my immediate choice for a writer. My flavor in religious books tends to C.S. Lewis or Hugh Ross. Devotional readings I generally find derivative and pallid, telling me what I can glean from the scripture itself and illustrating it in rather pedestrian terms.
That all having been said, I read Find Your Brave in the space of an evening.
Wagner is funny, honest, open and insightful, using Paul’s journey to Rome as a backbone on which to hang illustrations of her own “down” times from adolescence to adulthood, from moral lapses, to earthquakes to a cancer diagnosis. The discussion proceeds logically and entertainingly from first principles to last conclusion. Find Your Brave, hits the marks as far as how a Christian needs to proceed in a fallen world where pain, disease, calamity and death have been promised to those of us who believe.
While I was expecting the delivery of this book I learned that my own 13 year cancer-free life was over. The cancer I thought gone but for the scars had returned. Radiation treatments and years of uncertainty and perhaps pain lie ahead of me. I am glad I got to read this first.
C

[Erin DeGroot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Find Your Brave by Holly Wagner is a bold, empowering treatise on finding strength through the word of God, no matter the circumstances one faces. Wagner opens with a powerful story about her family’s terrifying ordeal when an earthquake struck close to home (Northridge, California) and she uses that image to great effect. Each of the 12 chapters are quick to read but chock full of helpful advice, examples, and guidance. My favorite of all the chapters was “Anchored”. She quotes Acts 27:29, “They dropped four anchors from the stern, and prayed for daylight.” She then uses this verse as the basis for what she identifies as four anchors we all need in our lives…Identity, Purpose, Contentment, and a Church Home. Each anchor’s purpose is expanded upon, and Wagner makes it very easy to understand, all while remaining biblically grounded.

This is a wonderful read and I highly recommend it. It would make a great small group book, as there are discussion questions for each chapter in the back section.

Thank you to Random House for providing me with a copy of this book for review purposes.

[Julie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have ever been through difficult times and feel like you're being pounded to the ground by waves but not sure how to ride the waves rather than sink under them, this book is for you!

All of us have been or are going through situations that seem so impossible to get through. We get hit with health scares or relationship problems and there doesn't seem to be an answer. This is where Holly helps us not only get through these things but gives us the tools to overcome these situations.

I loved how she always points to the Word of God and the promises He has for us. Everything about this book was Biblical and uplifting! Holly, herself, has been through a lot of tough situations and she's honest about how hard it was yet how, with the help of God, she got through these hard times.

I was so encouraged and uplifted through this book. I loved how easy it was to read and how she builds each chapter to upon one another to gives us the building blocks to not only survive but thrive through hard times.

I highly recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by the Blogging for Books program

[Ashley Madrigal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a comfort. The writing is authentic and friendly with a mix of tough love. Not only does she delve into an array of issues that can come our way but she also addresses the ones we make ourselves. Holly describes the different anchors we need to drop when we find ourselves in the midst of a raging storm-what will keep us grounded when we think it can't possibly get any better. I highly recommend this book to anyone who's just going through it and can't seem to find ground anywhere. If you feel alone or want to be alone in dealing with your issues then pick this one up. You will find guidance, hope, courage, and the strength to get up and finish the race that's been set before you.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from Waterbrook Publishing and Blogging for Books to review!

Honestly, there is just so much good stuff in this book. I am having trouble picking examples because I want to share the whole thing with you! This is the kind of book that you need to have multiple copies of, so you can give them to friends who are struggling. I honestly believe that if you follow the advice she dishes out so warmly, you will maybe come out a little less battered and bruised the next time you are facing a storm.

See my full review on my website: http://www.tomesandtequila.com/2016/0...

[Tresha Mcfadden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Find your brave is a really good book, in every ones life they go through tribulations and this book is a great read to let everyone know that all of us go through storms in our lives. I love how the author uses bible teaching and personal stories, she lets us know no matter the storm have faith and be brave to know that God is with us getting us through every step of the way.

I received a book called: Find Your Brave: Courage to stand strong when the waves crash in By: Holly Wagner for free for my honest opinion.

[billie_thepeach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly Wagner does a wonderful job entwining the words of the Gospel with her own storms and ones that we all go through daily, she shares words of encouragement, strength & bravery. This book gives you guidelines and tips on getting through the lows that this world brings us, being financial troubles, marriage troubles or health issues. This book is filled with hope and comfort for those who are hurting and guidance and a light for those who are lost.