Braver/Wiser: A Weekly Message of Courage and Compassion

Braver/Wiser

Braver/Wiser: Courage and Compassion for Life as It Is

Life is full of hard edges and complicated choices. Braver/Wiser gives you weekly message of courage and compassion for life as it is. Every Wednesday we deliver an original written reflection and brief prayer, grounded in Unitarian Universalism. Join the Braver/Wiser community and sign up today!

Displaying 11 - 20 of 268.

  • Seen from the chest up, a side view of three generations: a Black son, father, and grandfather standing side by side.
    I rise on the shoulders of ancestors whose names I can not know.
    by Glen Thomas Rideout |
  • Cropped shot of a group of businesspeople standing together and holding hands in a modern office
    It's my actions and choices that determine my connection to others.
    by Priscilla Shumway |
  • A candid black-and-white shot at night, looking through window of nearby pizza parlour. Two workers are seen from behind as they prepare food.
    There is no such thing as unskilled labor.
    by Sarah Skochko |
  • An illustration, in tones of peach and pink, of a spiral of people holding hands, as seen from above.
    We must choose each other again and again, though conflict and through plenty.
    by Abbey Tennis |
  • Seen from below looking up, a circle of BIPOC people clasp hands.
    We have to keep finding ways to widen the circle of care and concern.
    by JeKaren Olaoya |
  • Against a sunset, an adult holds up a child with their arms outflung joyfully
    We have a holy obligation to bring about paradise on this earth; each generation helps us do that.
    by Nathan Ryan |
  • A group of people, backs to the camera, walk holding a giant rainbow flag under their heads, as if in the middle of a Pride parade.
    To be queer is to know the ways of holding all that shimmers to the light.
    by Laura Solomon |
  • a pink heart, apparently drawn on chalk, on a badly cracked concret surface
    We are an angry and beautiful people.
    by Laura Solomon |
  • The hands of a Black person cradle the new lettuce leaves growing in their garden.
    Growing connects me to ancestors who had their hands in the dirt because it was keeping them alive.
    by Melissa Jeter |
  • From behind, the silhouette of a U.S. Marine in dress uniform with a blue sky and a few clouds
    None of us are mission-making machines.
    by Susan Maginn |

Braver Wiser Archives

Join the Braver/Wiser community and sign up today!

Writing for Braver/Wiser

If you're interested in writing for Braver/Wiser, please refer to these resources (PDF) to learn more!

Ready to Submit?

If you've reviewed our guidelines in the aqua-colored box, above, visit our submission page!