"This book pulls you in and doesn't let you go until the end. Given the tone of today's public discourse, what does it mean to have disruptive empathy or high functioning apathy? Bauman's authenticity, wild stories, and gift with words pulls you into the inner world of a woman being asked by God to listen—really listen—to the people around her, specifically to the stories of women who have survived the violence of war. She reminds us—challenges us—that empathy is not reserved for a few select saints. It is gritty, personal, concrete, and practical, and available to all brave souls thirsty enough to pursue real love."
-Shayne Moore, author of Refuse to Do Nothing

"Belinda Bauman gives us a gift—inviting us away from merely hearing someone to embracing empathy and allowing another person's story to move us into action. The journey isn't pretty or easy, but Bauman's belief in change left me more hopeful than I've been in a long time."
-Kathy Khang, speaker, activist, and author of Raise Your Voice: Why We Stay Silent and How to Speak Up

"In an age where it is easy to think of ourselves as socially aware and compassionate, but where studies show we are swiftly losing our empathy and growing ever-more distant from one another, this book is a beautiful and passionate call back to becoming fully human, learning to listen to one another's stories and being willing to risk the loss of comfort to live in solidarity with others. In Brave Souls, a book born from her life story, Belinda Bauman takes direct aim at what it means for us to truly love—having a form of holy empathy—and be deeply engaged in the world around us. Not everyone has a mentor to sit down with for coffee; for those who don't, you will be delighted to find Belinda a wise, experienced, and gentle guide leading you into the high places of true Christian spirituality. I can't recommend it highly enough."
-Ken Wytsma, author of Pursuing Justice and The Myth of Equality

"In Brave Souls, Belinda Bauman makes a vitally important and rarely explored connection between bravery and empathy. She leads us from conflict zones in the Congo to her own spiritual struggle regarding the universal Christian act of worship and uncovers the stunning truth: only those courageous enough to dive into the depths of empathy will be able to change this hurting world. A masterful storyteller and experienced spiritual guide, Bauman introduces us to some of the most inspiring people we'll ever meet and then invites us—like them and like her—to be brave."
-Zach Hoag, author of The Light Is Winning

"When Belinda Bauman's heart awoke to the suffering of others, she came alive in a way she'd not lived before. On this unlikely journey she discovered that learning and practicing empathy changes the world and changes the one willing to embrace it. In these pages Belinda is inviting you and me not just to feel empathy but to embody it. Brave Souls is challenging me to take big risks to love more, and I believe it will do the same for you. Say yes. You won't regret it."
-Jamie D. Aten, founder and executive director of the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, author of A Walking Disaster

"Belinda Bauman is a brave soul and her call to live an empathetic life is not just one she writes about but one she's living. This collection of stories, practices, and spiritual truths are words we need to hear, but even more they offer a way of living we need to embrace."
-Todd Deatherage, executive director and cofounder, The Telos Group

• Pre-launch media coverage in national outlets
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