Voice of Truth Stories

MEET MARY ENGLUND MURPHY – CENTRAL FLORIDA

I first heard about Women World Leaders about three years ago from my dear friend Diana Brown, prayer warrior extraordinaire and writer for WWL. I have known Diana for many years and worked with her in ministry when our children were young. I knew that any organization she was a part of would be doctrinally sound and prayer-focused. She encouraged me to read the magazine and check out the website to see if it was something I wanted to be a part of. While I was curious to understand why she was so enthused about WWL, after I looked over the website and signed up for the magazine, I pursued it no further. Frankly, I was at the lowest point in my life, separated from my pastor husband of more than forty years and in the process of filing for divorce. I was convinced my life had no purpose, and I simply did not have the emotional energy to get involved in another ministry.

Each day I fought the lies of the enemy. I tried to immerse myself in Scripture, but there were days I could barely open my Bible. I cried out to the Lord for direction and relief from the pain and loss, but my broken heart received no answers. At least, that is the way it seemed. God was surrounding me with friends who prayed when I could not, encouraged, listened, and kept pointing me to the future He had in store for me. Jeremiah 29:11 became real to me in ways I could never imagine. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (ESV)

Life is complicated and messy, not just for me but for everyone I know. And, believe it or not, that is what I love about Voice of Truth magazine and why it speaks into my life. The articles are written by women who have experienced complicated and messy lives for women who are going through difficulties every single day.

Diana did not give up on me. Every few months, she asked me to consider becoming a part of WWL and introduced me to Kimberly and other women in leadership. I am grateful for the encouragement I have received from the women of WWL through Voice of Truth. And I am happy to tell you that not only is God restoring my speaking and writing ministry, but I have also begun a mentoring ministry called Ragged to Redeemed for women who have experienced betrayal in their marriages.

Remember, God has a plan for your life, too, and He wants to give you hope for your future.