When Your Courage Is Quiet
Shiphrah & Puah - When Courage Looks Quiet Scripture Spotlight: Exodus 1:15-21 — The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah... "When you help the Hebrew women in childbirth and observe them on the delivery stool, if it is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live."
Historical Context: Let’s set the scene. Pharaoh, the most powerful man in Egypt, was terrified. The Israelites were multiplying so rapidly that he feared they might revolt. So, he resorted to a horrific plan: have the midwives kill all Hebrew baby boys at birth. But these two women — Shiphrah and Puah — said no. Quietly, bravely, and without making a scene, they chose to fear God more than they feared Pharaoh. And because of that, the lineage of Israel continued, and one of those spared babies — Moses — would eventually lead God’s people to freedom. Midwives in this culture were often older women, respected, and skilled. They had influence in an unexpected place — and they used it to protect life. These women are early examples of bold obedience in the face of injustice.
What Their Names Mean: Names in the Bible often carry rich meaning, and these two are no exception: Shiphrah comes from the Hebrew root shaphar, meaning “to beautify” or “to make fair.” Some scholars translate her name as "beautiful one" or "bringer of beauty." How fitting that she was part of bringing life into the world and preserving it. Puah may come from a root meaning “to cry out” or “to utter,” suggesting her role in comforting or guiding women in childbirth. Some traditions interpret her name to mean “splendid” or “brilliant.” Their names remind us that God sees beauty and brilliance in those who stand for what is right — even when the world pressures them to do otherwise.
A Story Close to My Heart: This part is personal. My father didn’t want me. He asked my mother to have an abortion. But she said no. She chose me. And because of that one act of courage, my entire life unfolded. Some of you reading this may have faced similar moments — moments where you were unwanted, unplanned, or even rejected. Others may have made choices that led to heartbreak, regret, or shame. I want to tell you this with everything in me: There is grace. There is healing. There is restoration. God’s love covers all. The same God who honored the bravery of two obscure midwives in Exodus sees you and your story. Whether you were chosen, or had to fight to choose yourself, you are not invisible.
Modern Parallels: Sadly, the command Pharaoh gave to kill the Hebrew baby boys isn’t a story locked in the past. In our world today: In China, during the One-Child Policy era, millions of girls were aborted or abandoned. In India, gender-based abortions and neglect still happen in some regions. In North Korea, infanticide and forced abortions have been reported in labor camps. We still live in a world where life is often seen as expendable. That’s why your voice matters. Your courage matters. Whether you’re raising a child, standing up for the vulnerable, or walking through your own healing journey — you are echoing the bravery of Shiphrah and Puah.
Challenge of the Day: Who needs you to show quiet courage today? Is there someone you can stand beside, protect, or speak up for? Write a short prayer asking God to help you be brave in small, faithful ways — just like the midwives. If you’re walking through shame or grief, write a letter to yourself from God’s perspective. Let Him remind you that you are loved, covered, and chosen.
Reflection Questions: What does courage look like in your life right now? Have you ever made a quiet decision that changed everything? What story are you carrying that God may want to use to bring healing to others? Closing Thought: Shiphrah and Puah never stood on a platform or held a microphone. Their names are only mentioned once — but God wrote them into history. You may not feel loud or important or visible. But God sees every brave thing you do. And sometimes, the quietest courage echoes the loudest in eternity.
