Max Lucado doing his Max Lucado thing! I am always uplifted when I sit down with one of his books. The timing of this book is perfect for all of the anxiety and chaos in the world and makes you remember to stop and listen, stop and not be afraid. His use of real life examples entwined with Bible verses makes this book very easy to digest and put into use. I love that I can highlight key parts and come back to them as fresh reminders. This would also make a wonderful gift. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read early!

We live in a busy wold. Information is everywhere, headlines scream chaos, anxiety is on the rise. Since 2020, counseling waitlists have grown exponentially, with many clients finding it impossible to get an appointment. Being brave feels far out of reach when most of us are just trying to get through the day.

Author Max Lucado addresses our fear filled world, while encouraging his readers not to be filled with fear themselves. Simply saying, "Don't worry" just doesn't cut it. But in true Lucado style, the author walks us through how to move away from fear as default reaction, love fully, and live boldly. Some of my favorite takeaways from this book include:

*"Parents... We can be loyal advocates, stubborn intercessors. We can take our parenting fears to Christ. If fact, if we don't, we will take our fees out on our kids."

*"Whether or not storms come, we cannot choose. But where we stare during a storm, that we can choose."

*"Change trampolines our lives, and when it does, God sends someone special to stabilize us (Holy Spirit)."

*"Christ distributes courage through community; he never dissipates doubts through fellowship. He never deposits all knowledge in one person but distributes pieces of the jigsaw puzzle to many. When you interlock your understanding with mine, and we share our discoveries... When we mix, mingle, confess, and pray, Christ speaks."

I loved that this book goes beyond the cliches of "Don't worry," "Trust the Lord," "Where's your faith?" Instead Lucado uses real life examples of struggle and the peace that comes from laying it all down before the Lord. His writing is a beautiful mix of Scripture and story telling, relating Biblical truth to everyday life we all find ourselves living. This book was an easy read, but with powerful message... making brave choices today can lead us into a purposeful future with the Lord. All in all, a worthwhile read.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

In this little book, You Can Be Brave, Max Lucado lists the common fears that we face throughout our life, and tackles them with glorious Scripture! I have been in church almost every week of my life, and the highlighted verses are quite familiar to me, but they fell fresh on my soul as I read them again. Max Lucado's writing is warm and wonderful, like a favorite blanket, and this book reflects that. He tells the stories of folks who have overcome their fears by remembering God's Word. I feel like I have more fuel now to face hard issues that I am going through.

This book would make a great study for small groups. I can easily envision youth gatherings with young people discussing each chapter as they gather. The book ends with thought provoking questions related to each chapter.

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to experience Max Lucado's You Can Be Brave.

This is a short, encouraging read that focuses on facing everyday fears and worries through faith. Max Lucado does a strong job connecting scripture to real-life situations.

One of the things I appreciated most is how concise and easy to read it is. The format makes it very approachable, especially for younger readers who may not want to commit to something long or dense. Because of that, I plan to keep this book for my 15-year-old daughter as something she can take with her when she graduates and begins the next stage of life, whether that’s college or starting a job.

Overall, this is a great resource for building courage and perspective during transitional seasons.

This is an ARC from NetGalley and Nelson Books.

Max Lucado is back with You Can Be Brave. This is an inspiring read which espouses on dealing with different kinds of fears through the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus. Short, insightful with relevant yet humorous anecdotes. I recommend this book to everyone.
I got a complimentary copy of this book from Nelson Books | Thomas Nelson via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are mine.

This book came at a perfect time for me. Both my parents passed last year and to say life has been hard since then is putting it mildly. I have read several of Max Lucado's books and will begin a Bible study with friends using another of his books here soon. You Can Be Brave is a support for anyone who needs uplifted in our world today. I've learned that God is always good, even when life isn't. Lucado testifies to that with his warm, calm, encouraging words. It's advertised as a perfect graduation gift, and it is, but it's also a beautiful gift for anyone who needs a little hope.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed reading this book and learning more about how Christians can have courage because of Christ. I think people of all ages and life stages would benefit from this book, not just graduates. While it was on the shorter side, it does have discussion questions at the end and would work for a small group/Bible study to use.

Thanks to Nelson Books and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

There is something powerful about the messages shared by Lucado in his books. They parallel life and gives his readers encouraging antidotes to overcome by faith "You can be Brave" is the title and message of his newest release. The message is to trust God no matter the challenges we will face. This book might be the tool you need to overcome the fears in this world.

In exchange for my review Netgalley provided me with an Advance readers copy.

Max Lucado’s You Can Be Brave is a heartfelt devotional that equips readers to face fear with faith. With his signature warmth, Lucado reminds us that tomorrow’s dreams begin with today’s courage. He addresses everyday anxieties—delays, disappointments, doubts—and larger fears like violence, poverty, and death, offering practical encouragement rooted in Scripture. Lucado’s message is clear: fear may fill the world, but it doesn’t have to fill your heart. This uplifting book is especially meaningful for graduates and young adults stepping into uncertain futures, making it both a timely gift and a timeless reminder that God’s grace empowers brave living.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of You Can Be Brave by Max Lucado in exchange for an honest review.

Max Lucado has long been one of my favorite Christian authors, and You Can Be Brave reminded me exactly why. This book arrived at the perfect time in my life, when I needed to be reminded of what God says about me—and to me—when fear tries to take center stage.

With his signature warmth and wisdom, Max addresses fear, courage, faith, and the confidence we can have as believers. Throughout the book, he points readers back to Scripture, reminding us that we are not defined by our anxieties or circumstances, but by our identity in Christ. I especially appreciated the many biblical references woven throughout the chapters, allowing readers to not only be encouraged by Max’s words but also by God’s Word itself.

One of the things I love most about Max Lucado’s writing is his ability to tell memorable, relatable stories that bring spiritual truths to life. The illustrations he shares make complex emotions and biblical principles easy to understand and apply. Rather than offering temporary motivation, he provides lasting encouragement rooted in God’s promises.

This book was a beautiful reminder that courage is not the absence of fear—it is trusting God in the midst of it. It reinforced the truth that we are more than conquerors through Christ and that Jesus has already secured the ultimate victory through His finished work on the cross.

I would highly recommend You Can Be Brave to anyone who is struggling with fear, uncertainty, self-doubt, or simply needs a fresh reminder of who God created them to be. It is an uplifting, hope-filled read that points readers back to the unwavering faithfulness of God.