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 259.

  • A person in pink robes, mostly cropped out of the photo, holds a Qur'am and Muslim prayer beads.
    When the holy month of Ramadan approaches, it becomes a beautiful reminder to return to myself.
    by Summer Albayati |
  • A mother and daughter, holding hands, walk on a path through a forest. They are smiling at one another, and are seen from behind.
    May we forever perceive the ways we can empower others.
    by Sara Palmer |
  • A close up of two competitors, mid-match, at the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Shinbun Championship (2017).
    White supremacy culture tells me that I’m only "good" if I’m perfect, treating all falls as hard stops.
    by Christine Slocum |
  • In dim light, a person holds their hands out, palms forward, obscuring their face. A few bright sparks hang suspended between their hands.
    You didn’t earn your worth, and you can’t lose it. Because you exist. Period.
    by David Kohlmeier |
  • Seen from behind, at the beach, a father has his arm lovingly wrapped around his child's shoulder.
    Happy kids are safer kids, because happy kids have adults they can ask for help.
    by Quinn Gormley |
  • A man in an orange prison jumpsuit reads a letter, smiling.
    Praise be for our connection. Help us to learn from each other.
    by Anonymous |
  • A hand holding a censer, in which burning copal incense releases smoke.
    Every time I find the sacred unexpectedly, I am filled with awe and surprise.
    by Tania Márquez |
  • A woman stands, eyes closed and hands up in a meditative pose, on a crosswalk with the blurred impressions of passersby around her
    I was often being a stern taskmaster over my mind. I yearned for more openness and joy.
    by Lynette Yetter |
  • From the back, a Black woman is seen with her arms raised, wrists crossed. Her top is made from traditional west African fabric.
    I affirm that I am worthy of being good enough to touch hearts and souls, and connect others to Spirit.
    by JeKaren Olaoya |
  • A photo, from above, of a Black mother with daughter lying down on cozy couch in living room, cuddling and napping together at home.
    If I want well-being to be my truth, I must reclaim and protect it.
    by Atena Danner |

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!