Mary DeMuth's newest book, The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible, just released and should arrive any day! I was able to read an advanced copy as part of her launch team, and I just finished reading it yesterday.
I woke up this morning feeling like I personally knew the ten women whose stories I finished reading late last night before I drifted off to sleep. Like I had a tender connection with each one of them. Women like Hagar, Rahab, Tamar, Bathsheba, Leah, Naomi, as well as a few others whose stories I had never taken the time to explore in such a personal, tender way. I felt their pain, their shame, their embarrassment and wanted to carry it for them. I joined in their confusion over why God allowed them to endure what they did. I felt their bewilderment over circumstances they didn't ask for or even see coming, and I stood in awe as I saw their redemption in God's greater story. I admired their humility and determination to keep moving forward, despite their lot or regrettable mistake. Their stories, no matter how hard, unfair, and misunderstood, held a purpose that led to the ultimate salvation of many.
Hagar helped me understand that God sees me intimately. Rahab taught me to leave the past in the past and move forward when God calls. Tamar gave me a deeper compassion for victims of sexual assault. Bathsheba showed me a life of humility that can usher in unexpected peace. Leah challenged me to look to God to fulfill me. Naomi opened my heart to empathize with those in deep grief.
Not only did this book help me see these women in such a new, tender way, but it inspired me to trust God even in the hardest of circumstances, knowing that He sees me and will not abandon me. I highly recommend this book to any woman out there who has felt abused, abandoned, taken advantage of, hurt, or misunderstood. I also recommend it for any woman who doesn't understand why God would allow so much pain in her life. This read will make her feel like she's not alone and will help her to see that God is not unaware and has not left her side. He's still there.
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