Courageous behavior comes as we realize we are living for a higher cause, greater good, and better story that is being written across our beautifully imperfect lives.”
-Latan Murphy, Courageous Women of the Bible

Messy Courage

Life continually amazes me.

Gently, and often with authority, Life takes my hand and leads me to the exact people, exact places, and exact resources I need to continually grow. One such resource, one such woman, LaTan Murphy. We met at a writer’s conference. Her presence, her words, a total God-send. They robed my heart’s emotions so perfectly. Layer upon layer, she spoke to me. Together, we believed and prayed and dared to dream really big dreams. God-sized dreams.

Her Brave Prayer is Now Her Book

I am thrilled to share an except from LaTan’s newest book, Courageous Women of the Bible: Leaving Behind Fear & Insecurity for a Life of Confidence and Freedom.

Victory demands that we get up. Lying around won’t get us to our better tomorrow’s, friend. It takes wild courage to fight against oppression and depression. We are more than conquerors as mothers, wives, grandmothers, sisters, friends, co-workers. We can lead strong, knowing that ‘If God is for us, who can be against us?'” (Romans 8:31 NIV).

The weak and lifeless woman must have moved slowly through the crowd. Yet audaciously she pressed on, forcing one foot in front of the other, holding fast to the one thought she could focus fully on: If only I can touch the hem of His garment—Jesus, the great healer. Every other thought must have seemed scrambled, muted. Her physical ailment had taken a toll on her outward appearance, and her mental capacities too.

How could it not?

She had been bleeding for twelve long years and had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors. To make things worse, she had spent all she had. Yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she knew she had to come to Him. It would require big courage because she was considered “unclean.” But no matter how weak, no matter how self-conscious she might have been, there was one thought driving hercompelling her to come and making the focus of what she desired crystal clear: healing.

When We Are Pushed Beyond Our Capacities

Imagine twelve long years of suffering physically and most likely emotionally. Imagine twelve long years of isolation from societya wretched nightmare for us social butterflies. Thankfully, desperation turned to couragejust before she lost all hope—pushing her beyond what she thought herself capable of. Like a best friend cheering her on, courage refueled her with supernatural strength to go to Jesus, regardless of the risk of someone touching her in an unclean state.

Was it the sunlight blurring her vision, or His radiance? With squinted eyes, courageously pressing through she came. Did radiant beams surround Him and engulf her weary soulmagnetically drawing her? Did her heart pound to the rhythm of her steps, fear and hope driving her, knowing this was her last resort?

Courage Compelled Her to Go

Regardless of cultural reasons and the glaring eyes reminding her of her public disgrace, she came. Courage compelled her to go, and fear crumbled at the Savior’s feet as perfect love enveloped her, wrapping around her fragile body like an invisible, comforting afghan. With shaky, outstretched hands, she reached through the mob of strangers until, at last, her frail but eager fingers touched the hem of his garmentthe Courage-Giver himself, Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God.

AH! A Cliffhanger

Messy Courage

I know. I hate to leave you at the edge of your seats, yet, I must. To read more, please order your very own copy, right here: Courageous Women of the Bible.

Consider using this courage-filled book for your summer small group or Bible Study.

 

 


Messy Courage

LaTan Roland Murphy is a popular Christian speaker, singer, & writer that is actively promoting God’s word across the country. With a Bachelor Degree in Professional Education she boldly teaches His word with joy and hope straight from her heart. LaTan challenges her audiences to experience God’s refining power, which transforms the interior of lives into His elegant image. With an established platform, she uses God’s inspiration and her unique style of humor to bring intimacy to any venue; from churches, retreats to much larger venues. Learn more about this radiant, courageous woman that I call friend: latanmurphy.com.

Fill out the info below, and I'll send you a link to download the PDF interactive guide, "Why Am I So Angry?" I believe that if you put in the hard work + intentional application of these principles + spiritual fortitude into this healing practice, you will move into a far more meaningful life.

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