Let's All Be Brave: Living Life with Everything You Have

by Annie F. Downs

Download TWO FREE CHAPTERS here.

Annie F. Downs admits she's not exactly the bravest girl in the world. She still cries sometimes when she leaves her parents' home in Georgia, she's never jumped out of a plane, and she only rides roller coasters to impress boys. But Annie knows that courage resides inside each and every one of us, and she's on a mission to triumph over her own fears while encouraging the reader to do the same. As a single young woman, writer, speaker, and blogger, Annie Downs shares her journey toward bravery with honesty and humor. Using wonderful stories from her own life, contemporary real-life examples, and fascinating historical and biblical references, Annie encourages readers to grab hold of the brave life that they desperately desire. How often does fear hold us back from the very things we most want to taste, touch, and experience? The call to be brave isn't just for one person---it's for everyone. Let's All Be Brave is more than a book, it's a battle cry. Annie challenges us to live boldly, she calls us to step into those places that require courage, and she gives us the help to take the next step forward---even when it's scary. This non-fiction, essay-driven book opens the door to many different views of courage---nudging, encouraging, and inspiring readers to be brave whenever given the chance.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Faith, Christian Living, Self Help, Christian Non Fiction, Religion

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 15, 2014

About the author

Annie F. Downs is an author, blogger, and speaker based in Nashville, Tennessee. Flawed but funny, she uses her writing to highlight the everyday goodness of a real and present God.

An author of three books-  Let's All Be Brave ,  Perfectly Unique , and  Speak Love , Annie also loves traveling around the country speaking to young women, college students, and adults.

Read more at anniefdowns.com  and follow her on Twitter @anniefdowns.

Reviews

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been listening to quite a few self-help audios as of late, and this was another good one. I liked the emphasis on being brave and truly living, making the tough choices to get you in a better place. Very positive and accepting, which is how I like my self-help books. :)

Summer 2017 Book #16

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have seen this book reviewed on several blogs this summer so I was thrilled to get the chance to read it. I've never heard of Annie F. Downs or read her blog but the reviews were all great and a book about courage has to be awesome, right?

I just couldn't get into this book. I tried, I really did, but I didn't like it.

First of all, this book is about courage, yet the most courageous thing the author did was move overseas (then back again a few months later) and then a few hours away from her parents and cried every time she left from a visit. I didn't feel a vibe of courage from her throughout the book at all.

Second, the author and I are of the same age (actually, she's a year older) but I felt as though I was reading a book written by a teenager. The writing is not bad at all, but the season that she is in is a completely different one then my own. Maybe that's it...I feel this is a book written more for a teenager (her other books are) than an adult, married woman raising her own family.

I'd recommend this book to my younger sisters, but not to people my own age. I was actually surprised at all the wonderful reviews, so maybe I'm really the oddball out and the only one who doesn't connect with this book at all.

[Amberle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not a book about being single, but that was part of it. This was not a book about changing jobs, but that was part of it. This was not a book about moving to new places, but that too was part of it. And this book was exactly what I needed to read at this point in my 30-something-single, restless, scared-to-step-out-of-my-comfort-zone life.

[Sheila Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with this book! It's very encouraging and makes me feel like I need to go do all the things I have been too afraid to do! Yes we all need to be brave! I love how Annie writes!
Added bonus to the book was finding she mentioned my sister on page 147! Love it!!!

[J.L. Neyhart · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't think I'm the target audience for this book anymore. It might be helpful and encouraging for some people, but I wasn't feeling it.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to Annie F. Downs, it’s always 5 stars. 10/10 recommendation

[Cara Putman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but Remember God is my favorite. A good reminder to dare to be brave and do hard things with and for God.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This took me maybe a year to read. But it was worth it. Read if you need encouragement to be brave and to follow God unto all the ways He’s asking you to be brave, knowing He will always be with you.

[Jaimie Tee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was easy to read and had a good flow. There were many aspects of this book that I enjoyed, such as the fact that she is capable of writing from different points of view, which is something that I find immensely satisfactory. One of my favourite lines in this book is, "Somewhere, at some point, she started being brave--- probably before she even realized it. It wasn't when he told me. It was long before, when something in her heart began to beat with a different rhythm." This line struck a chord with me because one does not start to become brave when they do an action, it is when one begins to have a change of heart.

There is a point in the book where she talks about how she signs up for a marathon with her friends, and she plans to train herself, but she ends up not doing anything to prepare for it. This is basically me. I always plan to do things but I never actually go through with it because I am a slothful person to be frank. In this chapter she writes about discipline and practice, and I am glad she wrote about that because I feel like I have learned a lot from that chapter. She makes a point about how discipline are not rules you have to follow, but it is something you choose to commit to to hone your skills.

All in all her metaphors were very well put together and really made the book come together. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a light inspirational read.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://pagebypagebookbybook.blogspot....

In Let’s All Be Brave, Annie F. Downs writes inspiring words of bravery and courage – and I know I, for one, needed to read them. Not always an easy choice to make, bravery is worthwhile, and Downs boldly tackles the challenging aspects of making the choices to overcome fears and live bravely every day. Her voice shines through her prose beautifully and conversationally, and her message is clear, down-to-earth and applicable. I felt challenged and encouraged as I read, and I am sure other readers will feel the same. Let’s All Be Brave is a quick, easy read and serves as a great reminder, and I definitely recommend it.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of Let’s All Be Brave and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all 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.”)

[Heidi Goehmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

A friend described this book as a cup of coffee with a friend, and that is 100% accurate. This is a lovely, surprising weekend read. I wouldn't use the word "easy" because while it's so down to earth the pages fly by, but it still challenges the reader to think outside their tiny worldview and dig deeper into what God is doing in their own life in and through them. It is a good cup of coffee with some good conversation with the author, and even better if you share what challenges you with someone else.

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a chicken in some ways. It often takes me too long to make hard decisions or to follow a path if I'm not sure of the outcome. I lacked courage in my younger years in some ways, and as a result I wasn't as happy of a person as I am now. I don't like being inefficient, so this is a hard fact to swallow. I'm a lot better now--I like saying yes to opportunities. I find that working on keeping my mind in a healthy place keeps my default position set to yes. While reading this book, I was challenged to dive into the parts of life that are easy to hush or claim I'm too busy to do anything about and actually be brave enough to admit stuff and think about what saying yes might look like. I'm following #100DaysToBrave by Downs and thought that this book would be good companion reading--and it lived up to my expectations. There is some overlap, but the message is so positive and heart-filling that I'm completely ok with hearing some of these funny stories more than once. If you are looking for a positive Christian message about the power of being brave, this is an excellent choice.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had this book for ages and decided to read it to finish up my reading goal. This book was the perfect book to finish up the year. It inspires me to be brave and to start my new year making braver choices. I always love Annie's writings so I knew I'd love this book, but one main chapter touched my heart more than her writing typically does. It was towards the end and called "Jesus" which brought me to tears. This book is definitely worth reading!

[Chanel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring book that challenges you to take action and be brave, in spite of your fears. To remember that God made you intentionally; He has plans, purposes and designs for your life that will ask you to be brave - knowing He will never leave you to walk through it alone and He will equip you for everything you face when you surrender and trust in Him. I love Annie F. Downs and her writing! This book is conversational, encouraging, funny and full of heart. I highly recommend it!

[Brianda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started off really strong. There were some things she said that made me tear up and be filled with hope. Towards the end, the structure of the book itself kinda fell apart and felt more like a loosely structured memoir than an inspirational book. First half, I would give a 4 star (first quarter, I'd probably give 5), and last half I would give about a 2 star.

[Layne Faust · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so sweet. I love that it's fairly raw, seems journalistic and daily entries-esque. You feel like you're along the journey with her - she has great humor, great voice and tone. Overall enjoyed this book for a light hearted, feel good and empowered, quick, easy read.

[Emma Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

After spending a day reading Annie’s book, I feel like we are close friends. Her stories encouraged me and challenged me to think reflectively about how I’ve leaned into Jesus and my friendship with him for bravery when I didn’t want to be. She has hope in Christ alone and pushed me to never tire of that hope.

[Katherine Nadene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Annie. Reading her books is like reading messages from my best friends. And the chapters kept coordinating with lessons we were teaching our youth group! Lessons about Gideon and Benaiah...telling me maybe I should be paying attention, too. Her vulnerability makes it easy for me to be vulnerable and talk to God honestly about life—and question what more he has for me if only I take those first steps.

[Morgan Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, reading another book at the perfect time in my life.

Starting this book, I had no idea that big life change was happening right in front of me. With Annie's anecdotes and encouragements, it feels a little easier to say yes to this big thing ahead of me and no to what I've built where I am.

A lot will change in the coming months, but it's time to be brave and take another step.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I've been reading some AFD after knowing her podcast. Her books are definitely a ministry for younger girls and my season of life is not her demographic but I'd recommend this to HS/college girls for sure. Good wisdom therein.

[Natalie Herr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read. Enjoyed it and took away some sweet encouragements about courage and Jesus.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 or 3.5 stars. Full review to come.

[Saint · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It wasn’t about anything grand but just being able to learn to put yourself out there and be brave. To take that leap. To listen to what the Lord is saying and not be afraid to start new adventures. It was positive and uplifting.

[Kendra Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

[Kat Carmo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a quick easy read. I agree that it felt a little more geared to a younger reader. I enjoyed following the journey of decision making and courage it took to move away from home as have embarked on a similar journey myself. It felt to me like the last few chapters finally landed the kind of heartfelt and holy narrative I was craving all the way through. My highlight was the added touch of identifying both the cafes and music Annie immersed herself in along the journey of writing this book :)

[Amanda Cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Earlier this year I enjoyed reading and reviewing Annie Downs’ first book, Perfectly Unique. So when I read that Annie was writing a book on being the brave person God created you to be, I was excited.

Some of you who know me well know that I am not a brave person. I struggle daily with being a people-pleaser, battling my natural tendency to be consumed with making sure those around me are happy, suffocating in the little boxes I try to squish myself into, just to make sure other people like me.

In an effort to grow in 2014, in an attempt to shake off the opinions of others and embrace who I am, I chose Brave as my ‘word of the year’.

But I don’t think I’m alone in this struggle. Just look at pop culture right now– if the films we watch, the music we listen to, and the books we read are any reflection of our personal lives, I would say the majority of people (girls and women, in particular) face this issue of being brave. We are a culture being inundated with the message that we can be brave.

Our heroines, from Katniss Everdeen to Tris Prior, know what it is like to struggle to choose to be brave. Our favorite singers, from Sara Bareilles and Moriah Peters to Hunter Hayes and Taylor Swift, belt out tunes that let us know we aren’t alone in this struggle to embrace who we are designed to be.

And Annie Downs knows what it is like, too.

In Let’s All be Brave, Annie shares deeply personal stories of how her life has been riddled with doubt and fear, lacking bravery. But Annie does more than just tell us to be brave. In her outrageously humorous way, she makes us feel as though we are drinking lattes together in a downtown coffee shop, a safe place where we can acknowledge together that no, we aren’t brave, but God created us to be vibrant individuals, living life fully, taking risks for the glory of God.

More than a pep talk, Let’s All Be Brave is a reminder that God didn’t give us a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7), but that he designed each of us with unique talents and passions, and that it is our job to use them wisely. Encouraging us to believe not in ourselves, but in the One who made us, Let’s All Be Brave will make you laugh and cry. Overall, I found Let’s All Be Brave to be an excellent and easy read that I would highly recommend, and I would give it an “A”.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's All Be Brave is a book for me, and for almost everyone--it's another in a progression of autobiographical memoir-type reflections by highly committed Christians I've been reading, books by folks brave enough to open themselves up and be more than a bit vulnerable to a general public. Like a close friend who's not too clingy, Annie Downs brings the reader along as she walks, talks, and travels. From Georgia to Tennessee to Edinburgh. As she takes her portable office (laptop) into the snack emporium or coffee shop. Chapter titles are short and fun: just start; say yes; say no; hold on; let go.

Annie writes about the stuff of life in an easy, natural conversational voice. Transitions, relocations, disappointments, relationships, quandaries about what now, what's next--Annie reveals her experience, her responses in the Spirit of grace, her theological and other takes on the same type of life stuff each of us has been through and know we'll deal with again. "Grace" is my word for this year 2015; in this book about bravery, Annie reminds us grace has rhythms of start, stop, race, slow down, hesitate. In Spanish "hope" and "expect" are one and the same word: espero. In essence that means hope already is almost realized whenever you claim "¡espero!" Annie tells us it's about radical hope [page 163] that I'd further describe as deeply planted, solidly-rooted, almost impossible to uproot, throw away, destroy. I'll take a bow to Annie's Wesleyan heritage and say that's prevenient grace. That's God's ongoing presence and action each of us bravely can dare to trust.

I hope to be brave enough to run with the idea of someone untying my ship from the dock [page 201] and pushing it out to sea just far enough I can't quite reach back far enough to take the person's hand. Most of us bravely need to trust the breeze of the Holy Spirit to guide our little ships through the waters on to the next port of call. Annie didn't talk about it, but I know it's just fine and also brave to moor my boat at the next dock, so nothing will tempt any of us too seriously to leave new city too soon! Let's All Be Brave is one more in the short series of books I'm keeping forever and expect (hope) to pick up, pick a chapter, and again get motivated and inspired to be brave, to live in grace.

[Paige Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book came at a great time in my life and Annie’s story gave me permission to feel and do everything I’ve needed to so far in this season. Definitely a worth while read, especially if you are experiencing or about to experience a major life change.

Favorite Quote: “I never felt brave. I never had a moment of extreme courage or belief that this was going to be the best decision I had ever made. I just did the next thing.”

[Janet Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was purchased for me by my sister and at a perfect time in my life for bravery. I enjoyed the Christian perspective that was accessible and not overwhelming. She tells life stories that support living in faith and bravery. For me - I am more aware of daily decisions and choices that I make that lean toward bravery or fear. I'm working on choosing bravery more and more daily.

[Alyssa Stirling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book! I loved how she approached writing it and incorporating more personal experiences to teach the lesson or tie into a thought. The last few chapters really started to hit hard for me. This book tied in great with a book I read earlier this year (The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst) since making best yes decisions and being brave usually go hand in hand.