One of my favorite children’s books is Sheila Rae, the Brave. It tells the story of two sister mice: Sheila Rae, who is fearless, and Louise, who—by her own admission—is timid. Sheila Rae charges headfirst into situations others find terrifying, using them to show off her bravery. In contrast, Louise stays on the sidelines, encouraging Sheila Rae, but never taking the lead.

But one day, Sheila Rae goes too far and finds herself in a situation where her bravery falters. As she begins to panic, timid Louise hops out of a tree to save the day.  Louise quietly follows her sister on the new route home and arrives when she is needed most. Without judgment or critique, Louise leads Shelia Rae home.

In the final pages, Louise tells Sheila Rae she is brave—and Sheila Rae replies, “We both are.”

I love this story for many reasons, but most of all, because it highlights the quiet and gentle ways women support one another. 

I’m often awed by the small, unseen acts that women perform daily. While these moments seem insignificant, the accumulation of these small acts results in a profound impact that provides real comfort, strength, and support when it matters most.

This week, I read Everything is Tuberculosis. The book isn’t about women supporting women, but I couldn’t stop thinking about that theme while I read it. Some readers might walk away disheartened—the book details humanity’s failures in the fight against TB. But it also offers hope. It reminds us that while not everyone is a doctor, researcher, or public health worker, each of us has a role to play in making our world better for all humans. 

I finished the book feeling inspired. I may be cynical and sarcastic, but at my core, I want to make the world better.

When I was younger, I had big dreams of making a difference on a grand scale. But time and experience have tempered those ambitions. Now, I just want to make the world brighter in my own small corner. 

Recognizing our limitations isn’t a weakness—it’s reality. 

I’m reminded of the phrase “lift where you stand.” Making a real difference starts with our families, our neighborhoods, and our communities. If we can’t recognize and meet the needs right in front of us, how can we hope to meet the big needs?

This brings me back to Sheila Rae and Louise.

Louise lifts where she stands. She may not be bold or adventurous, but she knows she has something unique to offer. She doesn’t wait for someone else to step in and save Shelia Rae, she hops out of the tree and does it herself.

I love that about her. I love that she knows herself, the good, the bad, and the in-between—and still she shows up. 

Most of us have been lucky to meet a Louise or two. 

Louise is the friend who answers your exasperated texts and phone calls and reminds you that prison isn’t for you. 

Louise is the person that takes pride in their job and does their best regardless of how insignificant the job may be. 

Louise is the person who asks how you are doing and waits for the real answer. 

Louise is the stranger that let’s you go ahead of them in line at the grocery store. 

Louise is the neighbor that waves every time you drive by. 

Louise is the people that love your kids on their best days and their worst days. 

Louise is the person that shows up because they said they would. 

Louise is your biggest cheerleader when all you want to do is quit. 

Louise recognizes your weaknesses and loves you because of them. 

Louise is all the small and simple acts of kindness and support we experience on a regular basis that remind us most people are good. 

I wish I were better at recognizing needs and stepping in.

I wish I were more compassionate, more motivated, more consistent.

But I also know I have to give myself grace—grace to grow, to fall short, to try again.

Grace to serve in my own way and at my own pace.

I wear the same three stainless steel bracelets every day. I may need to add a fourth for Louise. Each one has a phrase etched in it that reminds me there is something I can do every day. These bracelets are bent, scratched, and not that attractive, but they remind me to be Louise- to step up today instead of waiting for the perfect moment.

Louise isn’t one of my favorite book characters because she does something extraordinary. She’s my favorite because she doesn’t hesitate. She acts with kindness, clarity, and quiet courage. She’s brave—not because she wants recognition, but because that’s who she is. 

As one of my favorite artists sings:

Did you know that you’re strong? Did you know that you’re brave?

Even when you doubt it, even when it doesn’t feel that way.

If you feel a little brave, it means you’re doing it right.

Because being brave is a part of life.

So thank you—for being you.

Thank you for showing up even when it doesn’t feel like it matters.

Thank you for stepping up even when—especially when—it doesn’t feel like enough.

It is. Your contributions are seen, and they matter.

Thank you.

Be like Louise—quietly brave, gently strong.