I absolutely loved this book. Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. It was a great book.

In I Choose Brave, Katie Westenberg writes about a holy fear that is seen in Scripture. While many would say they've heard "do not fear" is mentioned over 300 times in the Bible, Westenberg challenges the reader to notice the call *to* fear that repeats as well.

Each chapter begins with a small snippet of her story before moving into a discussion on different aspects of her topic. As a reader, I most enjoyed the portion of each chapter that told her story. The rest seemed to repeat itself, continuing to go back to two specific examples (Moses at the bush, Joshua and the commander) although she wrote there are many (other?) examples that are not mentioned. (Why?) My biggest pet peeve is the continual use of "friend" in her writing. Perhaps it's just me, but I don't need the author to call me "friend" over and over. It feels inauthentic, a stretch, and there are plenty of ways to write in a friendly manner without weakening a sentence by saying "XYZ, friend."

The other side of a coin many write about, but overall it didn't feel ready for printing.

Wow! I have been waiting and looking for a book on this subject for years and it was perfect! Thankful for an author who is not afraid to discuss God’s character and what it means to fear the Lord!

Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to review this book!

A deep dive into the unpopular topic of embracing holy fear, the "fear of the Lord" that we so often want to sidestep or rephrase into gentler language. The author went through truly harrowing experiences that she shares in this book that combines personal and scriptural sources of learning. Her journey toward understanding how a courageous standing in that fearful place can be a doorway to greater trust and security will be inspiring to many.

In I Choose Brave, Katie Westenberg shares how she came to understand that fear is the new brave. That when we find the courage to overcome our fears, it first starts with learning to fear the Lord. Steeped in Scripture, Westenberg shares her personal story of loss and how through that God taught her to learn to lean into Him and trust His plan. 

I appreciated the way Westenberg approached this topic. She has an approachable tone to her writing that kept drawing me back to the page. The thing that kept this book from being 5 stars for me was that occasionally I would lose track of the message Westenberg was trying to say and I would have to back up a few pages and start reading again.

Katie has taken a very often heard but seldom understood concept, and broken it open in a tangible way. The fear of the Lord is such an odd concept and one I have overlooked for lack of an ability to comprehend what it could mean. Not only has she broken it open and made it easier to examine and even understand..but she has taken it to a heart level. A place the Lord works. 

She invites us into the scary, hard to sit in places of loss and fear with courage and boldness. Taking us deeper in such a way that we feel surrounded by love and understanding. No fear too small or silly..somehow I felt seen and known by her even while my heart cried out for her own process. 

This is such an important book for this culture in this time… when the message seems to be “Just get over it” this book offers a deeper look at what God offers us in fear…a redirection of our eyes and hearts. Water walking is never easy, but Katie has skillfully and compassionately offered us a hand to step out of the boat. 

What an important book to read… and have on hand to share—There is freedom from the heavy binding of fear. In these pages, we find an invitation to let the Father see us, and to see Him in a new and wonderful way.

"I Choose Brave" weaves Westenberg's personal journey of loss and struggle with truth and encouragement to seek Holy Courage and Godly Fear rather than fear itself. We need to choose to move forward bravely rather than to live in a constant state of fear. Westenberg points the reader back to Biblical truth in scripture to share how her loss led her to seeking the Lord and His truth to live a life of Holy Courage. Her message is a very timely one in our current world.

I Choose Brave addresses the topic of the "fear of God", a phrase used frequently in Christian discussions, but one that is not frequently preached on.  "The fear of the Lord is the key to wisdom, and wisdom is key to rightly aligning our fear" (Westenberg).  The author does not foolishly suggest we live without fear, as many empowerment things aimed at women suggest, but rather we "rightly align" our fear.  

Through the story of a brutal failed pregnancy, Westenberg shares how God did not take her fear away, but showed her how to live fearing Him instead of her circumstances.  It is not an easy adjustment to learn how to make, but one well worth the effort.

Westenberg also draws heavily on Scripture, which I personally appreciate, as she proclaims Biblical truths.  May we bring our fears to God and allow him to correct the direction of them, for "The belief we procure, the truth we understand, the faith we form in fair weather becomes foundational in the storm, friend" (Westenberg).

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley, opinion is my own.

Choose Brave is written from the heart, personal experience and faith journey in the Word of God by the author. Katie is transparent, as she shares her story.. Her soul-searching journey of putting aside platitudes about fearing God, then looking for what the Bible really means about fearing God is enlightening.. The book Is inspiring, challenging and encouraging. A great read for anyone searching about who God really is and what that means to each of us in our day-in, day-out life!! I Choose Brave is certainly timely, in light of all that has happened in 2020.

“I Choose Brave” is such a timely word for God’s people. In a world that is quickly changing and in turmoil, we can stand on the truth that our God is unchanging. He is the same God today as He was during Creation. Katie reminds us that the daily reading of His Word and seeking Him during the quiet times of our life is the foundation for us to rely on during the heavy times of life. Building our faith muscle allows us to lean in to Him and rely on His wisdom and strength. Fearing God leads to wisdom. Fear of the Lord leads to obedience, which allows us to rely on God and seek His will for our lives. Katie strips away all the trendiness of Christianity and leads us back to the truth of who God is. I Am.

Great book, I want to share with my friends and family. This book is real and honest and truly focuses on the word of God. Katie is sharing her darkest days as she turned to the Lord and his word, I have loved reading this book.

This book beautifully explores what it means to fear the Lord... a topic not so easily understood! The author shares her personal story  along with bible stories and scripture to point us toward a better understanding of this. She states, "finding the courage to overcome our fears must start with fear of the Lord."  In this day there is so much uncertainty and  I want to move towards holy courage, not trusting solely in myself. I found a deepening understanding how to do this through this book!

I love this book! It is challenging and encouraging. I felt inspired to step out of my comfort zone and look at myself with the same raw courage that Katie shares in her writing. She backs up everything with scripture. It is definitely worth reading.

This right here.... 

It has been years since a book actually brought me to tears. While Katie’s story is one of heartache and real fear, the way she succumbs, actively seeks and pursues the Lord and then triumphantly overcomes is nothing short of a miracle. I had no idea when I purchased this book that I would share a common bond with her. 

If you are looking to move from fear to brave, you must read this book! Thank you, Katie, for your story, your passion and your holy courage!

Do you schedule time to read each day? I not, you want to start. If you do, you will want to expand your reading time. I started reading Katie Westenberg's "I Chose Brave" this weekend and was immediately drawn into it. Katie does a beautiful job of bridging the author to reader gap.  We are drawn into her book is a lovely way that makes you want more. You will love your journey with her.

Katie's writing style of blending real-life experience, referencing Bible verses, and funny anecdotes make "I Choose Brave" an engaging read. I've giggled, I've teared up, and I've found myself underlining phrases to contemplate later. As a lifetime Christian, I am being challenged to think of fear in a new way because of Katie's deep dive into what the Bible says about fearing God.

Choose To Be Brave
When you can feel God with you in your fear, you have everything you need to move through. Katie's gift with words and stories will help you deepen your walk with God and learn that things in this world are not to be feared. It is only when we fear God that we find we're abundant with holy courage to endure all of it.

In a world riddled by fear and anxiety, Katie Westenberg's new book challenges us to choose holy courage and godly fear.

In the pages of "I Choose Brave," Katie shares poignant stories of coming face to face with fear, through heart-rending loss as well as everyday circumstances. And then, ever so gently, she points us to the truth of what God has to say about hope and peace in the midst of suffering and uncertainty.

With insightful quotations and applicable scripture, each chapter is one to be read and absorbed. Yet the book itself is so gripping you won't want to stop reading.

Katie Westenberg speaks from a place of on-the-ground experience of fear and examines what it is to place fear in its right place. She talks of how our life can be changed by a vertical fear as opposed to that horizontal-facing fear of circumstances. Fear is the new brave, Katie says. The journey of discovery which she shares will be life changing if you are brave enough to embrace it.

A book about what to do with FEAR? What a perfectly timed feast. 

For anyone who grapples with fear that prowls your days, that influences your decisions and relationships, or that steals your hope and joy, this book is for you.

I bought it because when I have tried to be fearless, it never works. Fear is as much a part of my life as breathing. 

Katie Westenberg gets that. When I ran across one of Katie’s posts a couple of years ago, I hunted for more. Found out that she lives a short hour from the Washington town where my husband grew up. Learned that she's a mom, deep in the trenches of parenting and daughtering and broader community. Heard how, in a thousand daily ways, she chooses courage THROUGH her fear. I saw her repeatedly surrender to a holy God who translates and transforms her fear. 

I followed her. Subscribed. We corresponded enough that I trust her as a friend and a sister in Christ. When she said she was writing this book, I knew it would be good.

It is. Moving seamlessly between illustrations from her own life and the lives of the most frightened brave people in scripture, Katie provides clarity on what to do with all our fear. Her observations are authentic, moving, true. I loved every page.