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GROW IN CONFIDENCE. KNOW YOUR IDENTITY.
JOURNEY
FOR GUYS OF FAITH
DARING PURSUIT 1
Connect the dots… LISTEN. WISDOM SPEAKS. You are called to listen to wisdom in a world full of distractions pulling you in the wrong direction. Let’s be honest—topics like pornography, trauma, sexual violence, and sex trafficking aren’t easy to talk about. Most people would rather avoid them. But the truth is, these issues are everywhere in today’s culture and impact way more lives than you might think. Whether you’ve faced some of these challenges or just want to stay informed and protect yourself, it’s important to know what you’re up against. These next few chapters will also show you how pornography, trauma, and abuse connect to the justice issue of sex trafficking. The goal isn’t to scare you but to equip and empower you. You were made to live free, bold, and confident in Christ. By understanding these issues, you’ll protect yourself, help others, and walk in the freedom God designed for you. Having friends who are like brothers isn’t only about friendship—it’s about standing together. It is about sharpening, celebrating, and supporting each other. The final two chapters will challenge you with a clear call: It’s time to rise to step forward with courage, lock arms with others, and live with purpose. This is your charge—to stand strong in unity, fight for what matters, and lead boldly as godly men of honor. We believe in you, The Brave & Bold Team
BRAVE & BOLD Copyright © 2025-2026 Releasing Generations Published by Releasing Generations Printed in the United States of America All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. All articles, art, and photographs have been published and printed with the permission of their creators. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are taken from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations from The Authorized (King James) Version. Rights in the Authorized Version in the United Kingdom are vested in the Crown. Reproduced by permission of the Crown’s patentee, Cambridge University Press. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society. Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society. Scripture quotations marked (NIrV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version®, NIrV® Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIrV” and “New International Reader’s Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ Art Direction and Graphic Design by: Ahava Design, LLC. Photos by Unsplash and iStockphoto.
TheBraveSeries.com Through The Brave Series, we are on a mission to help youth and adults of all ages overcome insecurities about their value and purpose. The Brave Series empowers teens and adults to:
The Brave Series is a publication of Explicit Movement, one of three facets of the Releasing Generations organization. You can learn more about Explicit Movement at Explicitmovement.org
• Grow in confidence and emotional health.
Our leadership team has decades of combined experience working with, serving, and supporting teens, young adults, parents, community leaders, and church leaders within many denominations locally and globally.
• Gain wisdom and vision for their future, enabling them to step into their purpose and pursue their dreams. • Become aware and equipped to safeguard themselves and others from exploitation and sex trafficking victimization.
You are not alone in your struggles.
Learn more at TheBraveSeries.com or visit us at ReleasingGenerations.org Brave & Bold Volume 04 (Faith) – 02/2026
FOR GUYS OF FAITH
DARING PURSUIT
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THE JOURNEY: 04 The Journey: 04
Journey 01
Journey 02
HE IS BRAVE & BOLD Defining What is Brave & Bold
LET IT GO The Value of Forgiveness
KNOW YOURSELF Becoming Self-Aware
GOOD GRIEF Dealing with Losses in Life
STAND FIRM Being Secure and Confident
UNRAVELING EMOTIONS Navigating Anger, Fear, and Anxiety
CONNECTING WITH GOD Growing in Relationship with God
STAY THE COURSE Persevering Through Hardships
YOUR DESIGN Discovering Your Uniqueness
PARENTS AND YOU Exploring the Impact of Parents
BORN TO CREATE Activating Your Creativity
FORGED IN COMMUNITY The Value of Belonging to a Community
Discover Purpose
FREEDOM TO DREAM Dreaming Big for Your Life
Dig Deeper
DARING PURSUIT Daring Pursuit
Journey 03
Journey 04
BUILDING YOUR CORE Establishing Character
PORNOGRAPHY .. ......................... 14 The Negative Effects of Pornography
VALUES TO LIVE BY Embracing Key Values for Success
OVERCOMING TRAUMA ................ 30 Understanding Trauma
LEADERSHIP Becoming an Effective Leader
SEXUAL VIOLENCE ...................... 42 Addressing Sexual Violence
FRIENDSHIP Building Healthy Friendships
SEX TRAFFICKING ....................... 58 Protect Yourself and Others from Victimization
GUYS AND GIRLS Honoring Girls and Women
THE BROTHERHOOD .................... 78 The Value of Men Arising
HE PROTECTS Guarding, Defending, and Supporting Others
RISING STRONG .......................... 90 Onward with Vision and Purpose
Develop Foundation
Daring Pursuit
List TheBraveSeries.com 8
ten 9
Imagine a place. A place where heaven’s light exposes darkness So that nothing is hidden. A place where God’s Beloved are invited To dance and embrace the Light. Imagine a safe place. A place where vulnerability is welcomed, Safeguarded, and honored. Where voices are heard And genuine love transforms lives. Imagine a resting place. Homes. Where children and youth Freely entrust their hearts to their parents. A safe home, where answers to difficult issues Are discovered together…with no shame. Imagine an honoring place. Where sexual integrity is embraced. Where purity is guarded and valued. A place where battles to protect the marriage bed are won. Where God’s design for sexuality is celebrated and sacred.
Imagine a healing place. A place where no person feels alone, unwanted, unloved. A place where each understands their immense value. Where lives and broken relationships are restored. Where God’s forgiveness, grace, and power abound. Imagine a heavenly place. Where individuals, families, Cities and nations experience true transformation. Because the Father made Himself known. Because Heaven kissed earth through His people. Imagine a place. Where no one hides in the darkness, Or in the loneliness of their personal closets. But is welcomed and beckoned forth To partner with God and help change the world.
Nothing happens just because we are aware. But nothing will ever happen until we are
aware. Gary Haugen
Connect the dots... SEXUAL VIOLENCE: There is a strong correlation
Welcome! You are closer to the finish line! This final stretch of your pathway brings you to an important destination. Previous chapters have prepared you to now LISTEN to the voices you will hear in this section. Lean in and keep your heart open.
between having been sexually abused and being more vulnerable to being sex trafficked. Research has shown that 93% - 98% of sex trafficked victims were previous victims of sexual violence or molestation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention findings state that more than 1 in 3 women and nearly 1 in 4 men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact at some point in their lives. If you have not been sexually abused yourself, you may know someone who has been mistreated in this way. You may have wondered how you can help them heal. We are here to empower you.
But first, there are dots that need to be connected between pornography, trauma, sexual violence, and sex trafficking.
PORNOGRAPHY: The average age of first exposure to pornography in America is 9-11 years old. We live in a culture where almost all, if not all teen boys have viewed or are addicted to pornography. Teen girls viewing pornography is on the rise and is often considered a normal pastime. Yet, viewing pornography damages relationships, fuels the demand for sex trafficking, and promotes violence against females. We want to empower you to live healthy and victoriously with sexual integrity—God’s wonderful design for you!
SEX TRAFFICKING: Wait, what?! You might think sex trafficking has nothing to do with you—that it happens to other people, not you. Hopefully, you’re right. But the truth is, recruiters often pretend to be trusted friends. They’ll try to seduce, trick, and manipulate teens into getting trapped. Knowing their tactics can help you stay one step ahead and protect yourself and others.
OVERCOMING TRAUMA: Overcoming trauma is
HEALING: We hope this section encourages you and helps
crucial because unhealed wounds can leave you stuck in unhealthy patterns, making it easier for others to manipulate and control you. Having unhealed trauma can lower your defenses and cloud your judgment, leaving you more vulnerable to people who want to take advantage of you— especially in situations like sex trafficking. Healing doesn’t happen overnight, but facing your trauma head-on will help you grow stronger, protect yourself, and step into the freedom and confidence you were made for.
you become a safe and reliable friend for those who might need support. Get ready to pick up solid insights, wisdom, and tools that will help you step up and stand out as the brave and confident person you’re meant to be!
“Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.” Proverbs 4:6-7 NLT
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“I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.” PSALM 34:4-5 NLT
Chapter 03
Pornography Sexual Violence & Trauma Sex Trafficking The Brotherhood Rising Strong
Sexual Violence
Sex abuse, or sexual violence, is often a difficult and uncomfortable topic to talk about, but it’s something every teen needs to understand. In a broken world, painful things happen that God never intended, and sexual violence is one of them. It’s when someone crosses physical or emotional boundaries without consent, leaving deep wounds that can affect your heart, mind, and identity. Often, survivors feel trapped in silence because of feelings of great shame, fear, or confusion, but God’s heart is for healing and freedom—not for people to carry the burden alone.
your fault. Jesus sees you, loves you, and can bring healing to even the hardest situations. Being informed also helps you support friends who may be hurting and lets you be a safe person they can turn to. In this chapter, we’ll talk about how to recognize abuse and how to take steps toward healing if you or someone you know has experienced it. You will also hear a vulnerable message from someone who has a passion for empowering youth through his painful yet hope-filled story. Remember, no matter what a person has gone through, experiencing God’s healing, transformation, and freedom is possible!
Understanding what sexual violence is can help protect you and others. If you have experienced this trauma, it is never
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STAY SAFE: PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND EXPLOITATION by Phyllis Unebasami
As a mother of grown children, I often wish I had shared this information with them while they were teenagers, so they knew they were worthy of dignity and could confidently advocate for themselves in tough situations. You deserve to be treated with dignity and feel confident in making safe choices, especially during challenging moments. Sexual violence and exploitation are serious issues, and it’s important for everyone, regardless of gender, to understand how to protect themselves and support others. These topics are crucial for making healthy decisions and staying safe. In this article, we'll explore information about sexual violence, exploitation, and how you can set healthy boundaries for yourself. We will also provide resources that can offer support if you or a friend ever finds themselves in difficult situations. It's about empowering you to feel confident, respected, and safe. You deserve to feel strong and secure in who you are, and I’m here to help guide you through that. Sexual violence refers to any sexual activity that happens without consent, meaning it’s forced, coerced, or manipulated. This includes actions like rape, sexual assault, harassment including verbal or physical sexual taunting or comments, and unwanted physical touching. Verbal and physical sexual taunting make someone feel uncomfortable and disrespected. Verbal taunting includes making inappropriate comments about someone’s body or sexuality, making suggestive jokes, or asking personal questions about their sex life. Physical taunting involves unwanted touches, like pinching, grabbing, or making sexual gestures. These actions are never okay and are considered harassment. Sexual exploitation is when someone takes advantage of you for their
own sexual or financial gain. This could be online grooming, where someone builds trust with you to manipulate you, or sextortion, which is when someone pressures or blackmails you into sending explicit photos or videos.
WARNING SIGNS Beyond this article’s topic, consent extends universally to all aspects of life, including friendships, work, and personal interactions. It means saying “yes” because you truly want to, not because you feel pressured or obligated. Consent should always be clear, enthusiastic, and ongoing. Just because someone says “yes” once doesn’t mean it’s automatically “yes” again. It’s important to check in and make sure everyone is still comfortable at every step. Grooming and coercion often go hand-in-hand, and it’s important to understand how they work together. Grooming is when someone gradually builds trust with you, often by giving you gifts, compliments, or attention to make you feel special or important. This can happen both online and in person, and might feel flattering at first. However, as trust is built, they might start pressuring you to keep secrets or share private information, pushing boundaries little by little. Coercion is when that trust and manipulation turn into pressure to do something you don’t want to do. This can include threats, guilt, or emotional manipulation, like saying, “If you really cared about me, you’d do this,” or “You’ll regret it if you don’t.” The person might make you feel like you have no choice but to agree, but that’s not love or respect. Both grooming and coercion are forms of manipulation, and they’re never okay. Always trust your instincts and speak up if something feels off. Romantic relationships can sometimes bring about a lot of pressure, whether it’s pressure to go further physically or pressure to do things
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you’re not comfortable with. Peer pressure can come from your friends, a romantic partner, or even social media, and it can feel like there’s no way out of saying yes. • Romantic Ultimatums are often used to manipulate or control someone in a relationship. For example, your partner might say things like, “If you really loved me, you’d do this” or “If you don’t do this, we’re done.” These statements can put you in a position where you feel like you have no choice but to give in. This is NOT love, it’s manipulation. • Power Imbalance: In any relationship, both people should be equals. If one person is making all the decisions or controlling the other person’s behavior, it’s an unhealthy relationship. The power balance should be equal, where both people can express themselves freely without fear of guilt, manipulation, or pressure.
PROTECTIVE FACTORS TO KEEP YOURSELF SAFE Your boundaries are like your personal “no-go zones.” They’re the limits you set for yourself in relationships, whether physical, emotional, or digital. Knowing your boundaries means you’ll be more prepared to recognize when something isn’t right. If someone crosses a boundary, whether it’s touching you without permission or saying something inappropriate, speak up. Don’t be afraid to set limits, and know that it’s always okay to walk away from a situation that feels wrong. Healthy boundaries are about respect. You have the right to say no at any time, and it’s important that others respect your personal space, both physically and emotionally. Communication is key: let others know what’s acceptable and what’s not.
ONLINE SAFETY: PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM DIGITAL EXPLOITATION Because many of you are technologically savvy and connected, the internet is a place to communicate, but it can also be a place where predators lurk. Be mindful about what you share online. Personal details, locations, and photos can be misused. Always adjust your privacy settings and avoid oversharing. Sextortion is when someone pressures you to send explicit photos or videos, often using threats to manipulate you. Grooming is when someone builds a relationship with you, online or offline, with the intention of exploiting you later. If someone asks you for intimate photos or makes you feel uncomfortable, BLOCK THEM immediately and REPORT THEM to a trusted adult, the platform you’re using, or organizations like CyberTipline (1-800-843-5678) or local authorities. Remember: sending intimate photos is a big decision that can have lasting consequences. If someone asks you for photos or videos, say no. If they pressure you, block them, report them, and talk to a trusted adult.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU OR A FRIEND IS A VICTIM If you or a friend is experiencing sexual violence or exploitation, seek help. You can talk to a trusted adult like a parent, teacher, or school counselor. If you're unsure who to turn to, there are confidential helplines available that can offer guidance and support. One such resource is the National Sexual Assault Hotline, operated by RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). You can reach them by calling 1-800-656HOPE (4673) or visiting their online chat service at rainn.org. This service is free, confidential, and available 24/7. If you witness someone being manipulated or harmed, don't ignore it. If it's safe, step in to offer support or reach out to a trusted adult for help. We all have a responsibility to look out for each other. I’m proud of my daughter
for stepping up when she saw a friend in need. While I was concerned for her safety, I also knew that if she were ever victimized, I would want a friend like her by her side in her time of need.
CREATING A CULTURE OF RESPECT Respect in friendships, romantic relationships, and interactions with others is key. It’s about treating each other with dignity, acknowledging boundaries, and supporting each other in healthy ways. Let’s make it nonnegotiable and insist that everyone is treated with kindness and respect. Knowing your boundaries, recognizing red flags, and understanding consent are all critical to staying safe. Remember: you have the power to set limits and make decisions that protect your well-being and the well-being of those around you. No one should ever pressure or force you into something that feels wrong. Let people know when something makes you uncomfortable. It’s your right to say no and to expect that others respect your decisions.
RULES OF THUMB TO STAY SAFE AND BE CAUTIOUS • If you wouldn’t feel comfortable sharing it with your family, it might be a sign to step back. While you might not tell your family everything, think about how they would react to a situation or conversation; it might give you a clue that it’s time to reconsider what’s going on. • Trust your gut feelings. If something feels off, it probably is. Never ignore that nagging feeling that tells you something isn’t right. You don’t have to know all the details to know when to walk away or ask for help. • If someone is pressuring you, it’s a red flag. Real love or friendship doesn’t involve pressuring you into doing things you’re not ready for or don’t want to do. If they’re giving you ultimatums or trying to manipulate you into something, that’s a huge sign to back off.
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RESOURCES AND SUPPORT If you ever need help, there are many organizations dedicated to helping people who have experienced sexual violence and exploitation, or need information. These organizations provide resources, support, and counseling for you. National and Global Organizations: • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): The largest antisexual violence organization in the U.S. provides support and resources for survivors. rainn.org • National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC): Provides information, resources, and training to prevent and respond to sexual violence. nsvrc.org • Childhelp: A national organization focused on preventing and treating child abuse, including sexual exploitation. Childhelp.org Remember, you deserve to be respected, and you have the power to protect yourself and others. Stay informed, set your boundaries, and always speak up when something doesn’t feel right. Stay safe because you matter.