Courageous

being daughters rooted in grace
Terra A. Mattson, M.A. LMFT, LPC

The stakes have never been higher as daughters of every age are navigating a world of hyper-sexualization, social media hangover, extreme loneliness, and a flood of confusing messages.

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About the Author

Terra A. Mattson

Terra Mattson and her husband, Jeff, are raising their two daughters just outside of Portland, Oregon. They are the founders of Courageous Girls and the counseling and organizational development firm Living Wholehearted. Terra is a licensed marriage and family therapist who has helped thousands of women at every stage of the journey over the past two decades.

To learn more about Terra’s work as an author, podcaster, and keynote speaker, please visit TerraMattson.com.

Learn more about Terra’s counseling practice at livingwholehearted.com and her goal to build communities of moms and daughters at mycourageousgirls.com.

About the Book

Whether you are a mom of daughters, or a woman investing in the next generation of girls, Courageous is written for you. Touching on the common issues we face as women, such as the comparison game, body image, sexuality, identity, friendships, and more, Courageous reminds us that transformation of our relationships, communities and culture begins with God’s work in our own lives.

We cannot give to our daughters what we have not received ourselves, and a courageous woman knows she cannot do this journey alone. Weaving together biblical truth and clinical wisdom, this book will inspire, empower, and equip you to be a woman of courage right where you are, while challenging you to invest in the women and girls around you.

In this book we cover topics like:

Sexuality
Friendship/Companionship
Body Image
Anxiety/Depression
Loneliness

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“5 out of 5 stars on Amazon!”

Joi—mom of 2, Texas

I’m in absolute awe by the honesty that is poured out through every women’s story in the pages of this book. Every woman who picks up this book will find her own story in the vulnerability of each chapter. Every phrase, quote, and scripture is so beautifully crafted in each chapter of Courageous that I was instantly pulled in. The dichotomy of biblical truth with psychological concepts that is presented in this book is evidence of Terra’s obedience to God leading her to write this incredible work of art.

Beth—mom of 3

I opened Courageous to grow as a mom. It resulted in a raw, but grace-filled, journey of growth as a daughter, which has impacted every part of my life.

Maxine—great-grandmother, Canada

I have two grown daughter who each have two grown daughters as well. Now I have five great grandsons. If I were to write them a book I would have wanted to write this one. It is so practical and equally suited for our new young men.

Crystal—mom of two boys

Courageous helped me take a look at my relationship with my dad and how that impacted me growing up. I think I saw it from that perspective because I’m a mom of boys. I want to raise men who will one day have relationships with women. I thought about what a great responsibility it is to raise my boys knowing all the different ways women are affected by the relationships in their lives.

Becky—mother of 3, soul-friend to many

Courageous has taught me to feel so that I can heal, face my fears so I can be free to help my daughter face hers, and a process for self-awareness and self-regulation of my emotions and others that has radically improved my mental health. The courage it required to enter my own journey of emotional healing has positively impacted and changed the trajectory of my daughter’s life in addition to mine. Courageous has taught me that by receiving God’s free gift of grace, a response occurs in my own heart, which then allows me to reflect grace to my family, and release it to others in community. I can confidently say that Courageous will have a ripple effect on women and their daughters for generations. I plan to share this book and my own journey of healing with all the ladies God brings into my path, which is many!

Jennifer—CourageousGirls mom and CourageousGirls leader; mom of 3

My biggest fear was to be the mom of a daughter, knowing how broken I was. Courageous validated so much in me. This book continues to be a resource that I go to as a mom of a courageous girl and to be a courageous girl myself!

CourageousGirls mom of teen girl

Courageous is inspiring and beautifully written. It touches on many of the issues women face today such as the comparison game, body image, sexuality, friendships and more. Terra shares what it means to be “courageous” through the telling of her own journey and gives practical step by step examples of how we as women can commit ourselves to becoming a Courageous Girl. This book has helped me be more intentional with my parenting and conversations especially with my teen-age daughter. Through this book, I’m able to talk more openly with her about the hard issues and be honest and real. This book is a must read for all women!

Kristen—mom of 3

Courageous is a roadmap to the Truth about who we are as women, daughters, and mothers. No matter what messages we received growing up, this book shows us it is never too late to be redeemed and renewed as we journey to raise this next generation in grace and strength.

Diana—grandma of 6 girls

In “Courageous,” Terra Mattson shares priceless insights that serve as a starting point and generational foundation for enriching the relationships of every woman. I am thankful that my daughter, granddaughters and I have been blessed through Courageous Girls and her far-reaching message of courage in God’s sure love and power.

Travis—father of 1 girl and 2 boys

I have always had a high level of respect and love for the women in my life, but Courageous was packed with enlightening wisdom that taught me to fill my daughter with our heavenly father’s love

John—grandfather

This book helped me realize more of what my wife, children and grandkids need. I also learned more about what I need as a child of God. Though this book was written for women, I think I was surprised by the truths I found for my own life and the power of grace. As Terra would say, “It’s never too late.”

Professional Endorsements

Terra Mattson has written a book for every woman ready to face her fears, fight for her dreams and show her daughters how to live the very same way. With grace and skill, she shows us the possibilities that exist as women sink their roots deep into the love of God while keeping their arms outstretched to a broken world. It’s a beautiful, hopeful picture, indeed.

Bo Stern-Brady

Author of "Beautiful Battlefields," pastor and founder of She.ology

One of the most life-giving guides for helping young women learn to winsomely follow Jesus in a post-Christian culture. Terra’s years as a Licensed Professional Counselor make this biblically- anchored book relatable and applicable, providing many practical how-to’s for flourishing in grace.

Dr. Bruce and Janet McNicol

Founding President, Trueface; Executive Producers, "The Heart of Man" movie; co-authors, "The Cure & Parents," "The Cure," "The Ascent of a Leader"

Read More Endorsements

Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott
#1 New York Times bestselling authors of Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts

Terra Mattson is the real deal. She not only speaks from experience as a mom and as a professional counselor, but she stands on a mountain of research and biblical wisdom. We’ve followed her work for years and we are thrilled to see her put this message into such an accessible and practical book. If you have a daughter in your life, you need this book.

Steven R. Tracy, PhD
Co-Founder and International President of Mending the Soul
Professor of Theology and Author of Mending the Soul: Understanding and Healing Abuse

We have served families, adolescents, and children for over forty years and have never seen the challenges we are facing today. If there was ever a time mothers needed an engaging, biblically and culturally astute guide for parenting girls, it is now. Terra has blessed mothers and daughters with exactly such a book. Courageous is filled with practical insights and wisdom delivered in a fresh and engaging style.

Celestia G. Tracy, MA
Co-Founder & Director of Mending the Soul
Author of Mending The Soul Workbook, Caring for the Vulnerable Child and Princess Lost: The Story of our Daughters

In our estimation Terra Mattson has produced a masterpiece in this practical, biblical guide for raising healthy girls in today’s confusing culture. She weaves a mother’s passionate heart, like a vibrant gold thread, with extensive clinical experience and biblical knowledge, to guide parents in how to best protect and direct their daughters. Courageous is a must read for every adult who loves a girl and wants to see her safely grow into a courageous and healthy woman who embraces justice and mercy in a world desperate for love.

Gerry Breshears, PhD
Professor of Theology, Western Seminary, Portland, OR

Reading Courageous encouraged me deeply – What a marvelous resource for all who hear God’s challenging command to raise children in the way and grace of the LORD. Terra’s godly wisdom flows from her life as a faithful student of God’s Word, as a Mom in a complicated world, and as a Marriage and Family counselor who has seen it all. It’s written especially for Mothers, but Fathers must read it too because you treasure your daughters.

Rhonda Began
Pastor for Women, Rolling Hills Community Church, OR

How do we even begin to navigate through this crazy world? So many different voices telling us who we should be, what we should do and where to find our identity. As I read and reread the pages of Courageous: Being Daughters Rooted in Grace I find true stories addressing issues that can seem overwhelming to us as women (and men). Terra brings a unique blend of real life and graceful wisdom that tenderly helps us see who we are through the eyes of the loving God who created us. As we begin to know ourselves we can also begin to journey with others to know themselves. This book combines Terra’s heart as a parent, her experience as a therapist and her authentic love for Jesus. The result is a book I feel everyone must not only read but begin to put into practice. I continue to find myself connecting the truth of its pages as a mom of two 20- something daughters, as a Nonni to two grandboys and someone who desires to live a life of abundance and freedom as the person God created me to be. As a pastor for over 20 years I have found it invaluable to connect the guidance and hope within its pages with so many people.