Women Who Dare To Believe

Join us in the last of our four part series on the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus. In this podcast we look at the ways Mary's heart was pierced during the three years of His public ministry. We zoom in her hometown synagogue's reaction to His teaching and follow her to the foot of His cross. The Gospel of Luke is an eye witness account of Jesus life. Here we find Mary standing through the hell of His torture and death. Her life and faith and sacrifices are a treasure trove for our hearts.www.womenwhodaretobelieve.com"Blood Medley" arranged by Bonnie Keen from the musical "Women Who Dare To Believe" Programmed and produced by James Hollihan

This is our first video podcast filmed in the basement storage room of Nan’s house. It’s a no frills, all heart invitation for more intimate time with our listeners. As we look at the mother of Jesus through the writings of Luke, we see a human mother’s heart full of all the rollercoaster feelings we share. Mary had a front row seat to the life of Christ and there was never a dull moment. Currently there is a new attempt by Senator Talarico to rewrite Mary’s story to fit the narrative of pro-abortion.  In this podcast we discuss lies of false teachers and our desire for you to know the fact from the fake. “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”  Philippians 1: 9-11

Hang on tight as we follow a newly pregnant Mary who wastes no time heading to visit with her cousin Elizabeth. Both women have been visited by the Angel Gabriel. Both have a most unexpected pregnancy. Both of their babies will change the history of the world.Their excitement and joy is contagious. The power of Mary's magnificat speaks hope into our lives. "God has laid hold on His servant Israel to help him, to espouse his cause, in remembrance of His mercy."This episode will super charge your day with the reminder that our God remembers mercy. His ways are breathtaking in scope and intimacy. Be encouraged by the lively and tender conversation between Mary and her beloved Elizabeth.Luke 1: 39--56www.womenwhodaretobelieve.comhttps://www.1517.org/articles/the-god-who-remembers-mary

In our 21st century news cycle the miraculous birth of Jesus might read: "Virgin Teen Gives Birth To Alien". And this would be accurate.The scandal of the incarnation is truly other-worldly. God chose a teenage virgin from a nothing town of Nazareth to bear His Son. He punched a hole in His creation and humbly entered the womb of a woman who said, 'Be it done unto me as you have said." In this episode, Nan and Bonnie squeeze the juice out of Luke's Gospel account of Christ's birth announcement. Be astonished, be amazed, be undone and changed forever by His coming!Luke 1:26--38"Born a Sacrifice" First Call, Beyond December albumhttps://open.spotify.com/album/23vgjGOshC6L9TJGYwKRZj?si=sn7mcl7hRzqVNA4Mf5EPngwww.womenwhodaretobelieve.com

Imagine having 3 little verses about your life recorded in the Bible.Imagine you were widowed in your twenties.Imagine you lived another 80 years to be over 100.Imagine spending every day in the temple waiting to see the hand of God bring the promised Messiah.After 400 years of silence from God's prophets, imagine one day seeing the infant Jesus brought before your eyes to be dedicated in the temple.Imagine being one of the first women in the New Testament to spread the glorious news of Jesus' birth.Meet Anna, the prophetess and join Nan and Bonnie as they take a close up look at her life, her discoveries, and her courage to believe God against all odds. Luke 2:36-38

Join us in our final episode of a 3 part series on the book of Ruth. There's so much to unpack and sit with in studying the story of how Ruth & Naomi moved through despair to a beautiful new life. The courtship of Boaz and Ruth is one of great integrity, tenderness and inspiration. Naomi leaves her bitterness behind. And these last lines of chapter 4 :"A son is born to Naomi. they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the ancestor of Jesus Christ."

At the end of Ruth chapter 1 we left a depressed Naomi traveling back to Bethlehem with Ruth who refuses to leave her side. It is a bleak time of famine and loss. However chapter 2 of the book of Ruth opens with a burst of hope 'there is a kinsman -- a man of wealth whose name is Boaz.' Join us as we enter into one of the most unlikely romance stories in the Bible. Let yourself soak in the merciful patience and kindness of the Lord always at work to redeem our lives.

We've all heard the beautiful words of Ruth spoken at weddings, "Where you go I will go, lodge I will lodge." But what is the significance of her loyalty to Naomi? How off the wall was this promise given by Ruth, a native born Moabite? What's the deal with Moab in Biblical history? How did living in Moab affect Naomi and her family? Join us for an in depth look at the backstory of this amazing story. Grab your hi-def readers and here we go!

How can know what is real and true in this world of conflicting messages? What is happening with the Ennegram, the Gnostic teachings, CRT and cultural programs that sometimes influence even the church? Follow the example of Mary of Bethany who sat at the feet of Jesus. To discern the counterfeit, we must know the real thing. To know and hear His voice is the most clarifying pursuit of our lives. Be careful not to fall into any false gospel. He is the Way, Truth, and Life. Megan Basham, Shepherds For Sale Jack Hibbs, Real Life Network Yesterday is Tomorrow: A Personal History by Malvina Hoffman on Mullen Books

In Luke 17 Jesus is speaking to his disciples about how the world will look in the end times. He says it will be like the world was in the days of Noah -- people were wicked and living as if there was no tomorrow -- and then there wasn't. At the end of this sobering explanation Jesus says three little words, "Remember Lot's Wife." Why do we remember her? What does her life and death reveal? Did Sodom and Gomorrah really exist? Join us in this episode as we look at her life, the similarities in our present day culture in the West and how we must heed this warning.

From one woman's simple generosity to a weary man of God we find a story of intense faith and stunning reversals. The Shunammite woman’s heartfelt hospitality to Elisha led to an amazing series of events. Elisha was deeply blessed. And God abundantly blessed the woman’s life during a difficult period in Israel. In 2 Kings chapter 8 the details of their friendship. Like all women, the Shunammite was challenged by losses and fears which just come from being alive in a broken world. Yet she faced each impossibility with faith in God's character. She humbly and boldly insisted on God's final word over her circumstances. Much like Jacob wrestling with the angel of God, this woman would not let go of God's power and promises. Nan and Bonnie pray you will find renewed courage from hearing about this woman of fierce faith.

Ladies, hold onto your baby booties as we share the story of Rachel's desperation to have children. Here we see Jacob married to two sisters--Leah and Rachel -- caught in a tug of war to find love and purpose. In our last episode we found Leah popping out sons one after another. This time we watch infertile Rachel bargain, demand and negotiate her way into motherhood. Through love apples, concubines and a crazy baby race, God allowed the birth of the twelve tribes of Israel. Rachel has much to teach us about where we find ultimate purpose and identity. Hang on for a wild ride!

We often wonder why so little has been written about the complex relationship between Leah and her younger sibling Rachel; two sisters married to the same guy (Jacob). In the book of Genesis 29 we read about one of the wildest marriages recorded in Biblical history. We also find Leah's intense struggle for love and purpose. Join us for a deeper look at Leah's life, the bride swap and how it might have happened and most importantly, how God birthed the twelve tribes of Israel.

For any woman who has been sexually assaulted, the story of Tamar serves as God's way of saying; "I see you. I see what happened. I weep with you. You are not alone. This sin will be paid for." In chapter 13 of 2nd Samuel we find a brief story of Tamar, the daughter of King David. She suffered rape by her half brother Amnon -- and no one came to her defense. Not even her father, the king of Israel. In this episode we look at the centuries old shame of rape and the fallout that comes with this particularly violent sin against women. Our prayer is that this episode will speak healing to victims of rape and sexual assault. We believe this story was left in the Word of God to expose this sin and it's horror. We list the following resources for anyone who needs comfort, support and assistance in moving on after sexual assault. National Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 Books: THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE by BESSEL VAN DER KOLK, M.D. ON THE THRESHOLD OF HOPE-OPENING THE DOOR TO HEALING FOR SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE by DIANE LANGBERG JOURNEY TO HEAL MINI IN WILMINGTON NC OFFERS ONLINE SUPPORT FOR SURVIVORS TRAUMA AND RECOVERY by JUDITH HERMAN RID OF MY DISGRACE by JUSTIN S. HOLCOMB, PH.D. THERE ARE SEXUAL ASSAULT CENTERS NATIONWIDE OFFERING PERSONAL COUNSELING, GROUPS, AND ONLINE COUNSELING.

A strange chapter is tucked into the middle of Joseph's story in the book of Genesis 38. Joseph's brother, Judah leaves home and travels to Canaan where he marries a Gentile and inherits a daughter in law named Tamar. Their intersection is a match of will and savvy. Tamar stands strong against the fierce winds of injustice. She was mistreated by her father in law and refuses to go quietly without putting up a fight. If we listen closely we hear the voice of every God fearing woman who has been abused and tossed aside. Here is the story of a desperate widow who went to extreme measures in order to put herself in God's path.

When Miriam waded into the waters of the River Nile to follow a basket holding her three month old brother Moses, did she have any sense that the whole world rested on her young shoulders? Did she think her mother's plan made sense? Did she wonder how long she would watch the tiny ark from the bulrushes? Her story is one of faith. Faith that her mom just might have a holy clue. Faith in the power of God that lasted well into her adult ministry by her brother's side as he led the Israelite nation into a new day. Let's take a moment to walk in her sandals.

From the 2nd chapter of Joshua, Nan and Bonnie take a look at the amazing life of Rahab, a harlot who operated her business and lived between the walls of Jericho. Her bold faith in God and savvy as a business woman saved her life and the lives of the spies from Israel. After the fall of Jericho, Rahab began a new legacy with the children of Israel. Centuries later, she is listed as the great-grandmother of King David in the lineage of the Messiah. Featured; Nan Gurley singing "Tie A Scarlet Cord" from the musical. www.womenwhodaretobelieve.com

Nan and Bonnie take a look at the fascinating life of Hatshepsut, the princess of Egypt believed to have been responsible for drawing baby Moses out of the river Nile. She would have been a young girl surrounded by adult attendants when baby Moses caught her eye. Over time Hatshepsut grew into one of the only women to rule as pharaoh in Egypt. Her life was profoundly impressive especially in light of how much influence she had over the growing years of Moses. Because of this princess, Moses was educated in 'the wisdom and culture of the Egyptian....he was mighty (powerful) in his speech and deeds,' Acts 7:22. The intersection of the young princess with the infant Moses is a reminder of God's ability to use the most unlikely circumstances to His purposes. Additional resources on the life of Hatshepsut: https://biblearchaeology.org/research/exodus-from-egypt/3090-moses-and-hatshepsut Aling, C. F. 1981 Egypt and Bible History. From Earliest Times to 1000 B.C. Grand Rapids: Baker. Clayton, P. 1994 Chronicle of the Pharaohs. London: Thames and Hudson. Davis, J. J. 1986 Moses and the Gods of Egypt, 2d edition. Winona Lake IN: BMH. LaSor, W., Hubbard, D., and Bush, F. 1996 Old Testament Survey. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans. LoMusio J. 1989 Moses, the Exodus and a Family Feud. Archaeology and Biblical Research 2:80–93. Mackey, S. 1987 The Saudis: Inside the Kingdom. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. Ray, P. J. 1997 Problems of Middle and Late Bronze Age Chronology: Toward a Solution. Near East Archaeological Society Bulletin 42:1–13. Robins, G. 1993 Women in Ancient Egypt. Cambridge MA: Harvard University. Tyldesley, J. 1996 Hatshepsut: The Female Pharaoh. New York: Oxford. https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-egypt/hatshepsut

When Jochebed was in labor with baby Moses, the Hebrew nation was a mere 80 years away from throwing off the chains of slavery and beginning their journey into the joy and freedom of the Promised Land. But no one knows this as she labors on the birthing stool. Pharoah has ordered the midwives to kill every newborn Hebrew male. The river Nile has become a death sentence for these babies. Surrounded by danger, Jochebed hides infant Moses for three months and then launches him into this specific river of danger. She dares to trust Yahweh with her son and proves it with an astonishing act of faith. Join Nan and Bonnie as they think through what this cost her mother's heart and how Jochebed's example brings us strength today.

Pro-life Midwives Stand Strong, Defy Government Mandate Find a baby in the Bible, find a barren woman or find a woman who faces danger for her family, and you'll find God is about to show Himself mighty and His promises unchanged. Find a baby in the Bible and you'll find God's agent for deliverance. Exodus chapter 1 opens with a horrific mandate given by Pharaoh to the midwives in Egypt. Tutmoses tries to control the rising population numbers of the Hebrews enslaved under his rule and commands the midwives to kill all male children born in the Hebrew ghetto. In the first recorded act of civil disobedience these midwives choose to save the children and defy the government. Grab your forceps ladies as we marvel at the courage of Shiphrah and Puah.

Grab your combat boots ladies, because on this episode Nan and Bonnie follow Deborah into battle. From the book of Judges, we find this timeless example of a woman with a powerhouse impact on the history of Israel. She was a wife, mother, prophetess, judge, songstress and commander in chief. Spinning all manner of plates,  Deborah broke the glass ceiling in ancient Biblical times and stepped into 'her hour' on earth with calm courage in God. She was not a victim of womanhood. Her gender was not a barrier of weakness she had to rise above. Deborah was a person of faith, a woman who believed God would use her leadership to display His strength. Judges 4 Bible Study Orders: www.christianmusicalsforwomen.com Find our musical: Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Youtube Facebook: Women Who Dare To Believe Instagram: @wdare2believe

Episode 1: Grab your tiaras ladies because today we are looking at the life and times of Queen Esther. Nan Gurley and Bonnie Keen explore the wild culture in the court of King Xerxes, the state of the state in ancient Persia and the unlikely choice of an unknown teenager God used to save a nation. BREAKING NEWS: The Persian Pulse “National Beauty Contest to be held in Persia King Holding Interviews For New Queen” Bible Study Orders: www.christianmusicalsforwomen.com Find our musical: Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Youtube Facebook: Women Who Dare To Believe Instagram: @wdare2believe