“Take me with you.”
This audacious request changed everything for Rahab the Harlot. You’ve heard of her. A girl no better than she ought to be, Rahab made her living selling herself to the men of ancient Jericho. She was betrayed by her father, reviled by the city women, and disdained by her own family, who still didn’t mind taking the money she earned.
Living a life of quiet despair, Rahab survived by wrapping her feelings in a shroud of lies: None of this matters, close your mind to what’s happening, bury it deep. Don’t let them see your pain. No one cares. You can only trust yourself.
Author Naomi Craig begins the story when Rahab confronts two Israelite spies. Later, Jericho’s soldiers roughly question her about the strangers she has reportedly been seen with. Rahab misdirects her interrogators, hardly realizing why. Is she taking revenge for the mistreatment she’s received from Jericho? She doesn’t care that she will die with the rest of the city if it falls to the Israelites, at least her torment will end.
But when the spies thank her for hiding them, she finds the courage to demand, “Take me with you.” And a plan forms among three unlikely allies.
Naomi Craig leads readers through Rahab’s transformation from prostitute, to seeker, and finally wife of a leader of Israel. Hers was not an easy journey, but I think her triumph over a dark past will encourage women who have also suffered. Those who have been used, betrayed, or abused, may relate to Rahab’s Courage as she struggles to put her past behind her.
The best fictional characters often come alive within the story, and Rahab is no exception. Her dialogue and the surprising actions she took, even in the first chapter, often made me chuckle. As the book progressed, she displayed a deep yearning – to be loved for herself. Despite having been rejected and degraded many times, she often responded with kindness or humor. I cheered for Rahab as she continued to press on toward a new life, desperately seeking the approval of God, even if all others rejected her.
Happily, she also had her champions. I teared up during one scene where Nathan, an older spy, offered Rahab fatherly advice. “Listen to me, my girl. The law says we are all not good enough. You, me … Salmah. But Yahweh, in His great mercy, offers us redemption. If we follow after Him and seek his ways, He will be found by us.”
The author deals delicately but honestly with this difficult topic, and some readers might find triggers. As a guide, if the book were movie rated, it would be PG. The message is one of hope and courage – Rahab’s Courage. But even stronger, is Rahab’s story of redemption. She left a degrading life for a fulfilled life, as a beloved wife and loving mother of a son who became an ancestor of Jesus Christ. I think most readers will find “Rahab’s Courage” an uplifting story.
From the Back Cover
A scarlet cord tethers one ruined woman to the salvation of mankind.
Harboring two fugitives in a city slated for destruction, Rahab has one small chance of escape. In exchange for their safety, she bargains for her own. Their agreement rewards her courage, and she flees Jericho and a life of prostitution for a new life among the people of Israel. Never again will she have to depend on anyone—especially men.
Except Salmah won’t take the hint.
High ranking soldier and leader of the tribe of Judah, Salmah is determined not to repeat his parents’ mistakes. He will keep the Lord’s commandments. Rahab’s growing faith fits right in with phase one of his plans: find a wife who loves the Lord and settle down in the new land.
Rahab finds shelter and meaning in the Lord’s ways until her past comes back to haunt her. As her new faith is put to test, she finds herself alone. Isn’t that what she’d always wanted?
With her courage waning, only the Lord can turn Rahab’s life around again, but will He do it before she loses everyone and everything that really matters to her—to her heart?
About Naomi Craig
Hi, I’m Naomi.
Author of Biblical fiction, avid reader, Pastor’s wife, and mom to an amazing young lady. I love reading the Bible and imagining how things were at the time.
When I’m not serving in various areas at church, homeschooling my daughter or trying to stay on top of mountains of dishes, you’ll most likely find me enjoying a good book and a cup of coffee.
Throughout my years in ministry, I’ve learned this:
Life is hard. God is still good.
My goal is to walk alongside you and offer support. Because you are not alone.
You have value, even when you are feeling overwhelmed. You are an amazing work of art! You are loved and you belong.
Visit Naomi’s website to receive a free book and learn more about her writing.
Inspired by the Bible story of Elijah raising the widow’s son from the dead, author Dana McNeely wondered what became of the boy. She began research for her novel, “Rain,” which tells the story of the three-and-a-half-year drought from his perspective. No stranger to drought, Dana lives in an Arizona oasis with her hubby the constant gardener, two good dogs, an antisocial cat, and migrating butterflies.
In 2021 RAIN became a finalist in The Christy Award (use the registered mark) and was also a finalist in the 2022 ACFW Carol Award® and was also a finalist in the 2022 ACFW Carol Award.
WHIRLWIND, the second novel in the “Whispers on the Wind” series, tells the story of a king’s downfall and a love that transcends war.
Sign up for Dana’s newsletter HERE to get book updates, garden exploits, butterfly effusions, and writerly fiascos.
Thank you, Dana, for your eloquent words🥰🥰🥰 you’ve captured the heart of the story with grace!
You’re welcome, Naomi! Congratulations on your beautiful novel and thanks for stopping by.