About me

My name is Monica Murphy. I am a student at Saint Mary’s College. Because I am native to South Bend, I knew that this school would be a great fit for me. I am majoring in social work and hope to get my masters in Divinity at the University of Notre Dame. What does the future hold for me? Well, I am not quite sure, because I strive to live in the moment, which is something that is hard for humans to do. But, what I think that I am being called to is ministry in all fields. I believe that I have a front-line understanding of youth. Because I have worked with youth for a few years now, I never cease to be amazed by their transformations. Teens are becoming inspired, and all that they need is that extra glimpse of hope in their life. God is performing miracles right before my eyes! 

All that I can say is, Praise God for His beautiful graces that He has poured on my life. It was in high school where I received endless opportunities to grow in my faith and to respond to the call of service. It was this high school journey that would be the start of unimaginable things that would come my way—if I accepted the call of our Lord, and just listened to His callings for my life. Sometimes, listening in silence is the most powerful time with our God, and He has spoke to me in great ways while in silence. 

Like many others, I have a story. I grew up with many challenges, which I would love to share with you later on. It was these past life challenges that have shaped me and have made me stronger in my conviction of strength, purity and integrity. Often, people look at life challenges as unfair, and rather than holding on to the ladder of hope, they fall.
I understand that people, but teens especially, are hungry for purpose in their life. 

I have had the gracious opportunity to speak to hundreds of youth, write for my local newspaper and for Today’s Catholic on important issues, minister to both high school and college classmates, mentor to youth in public schools, and work in a Women’s prison this past summer. Furthermore, I have worked a lot with the homeless and have seen all sides of life—so it is fair to say that I do understand. I get it. And often, I can relate to people, because I have been there, and we all have struggles. It is real!

Furthermore, being a social work major, I quickly got my feet wet in service and social justice work. This past summer, I lived with the homeless for a week. Like I mentioned above, I also worked in a Women’s prison. I did biblical counseling, leadership development, and Bible Study with over 40 women. I firmly believe that we cannot truly understand the heart of man, until we actually take time to just listen.

The many experiences that I have had, have allowed me to see how powerful the Lord is working in my life. Sometimes we know that we are doing the right thing, when we find joy, not pride, in our hearts. It can be that simple. 

I, Monica Murphy, am not a follower, but a witness. It is my greatest hope that teen’s across the world will be inspired to live a life surrounded in the Lord’s presence.
This book, and my work ahead, is focused on teens. I believe in them. Giving my life to the Lord in high school was a huge thing. I would have to make the commitment everyday to believe in His profound works. I have to guard my heart everyday. It is not easy to live in this world, but I do see the beauty behind what many call impossible. 

                        Be on the lookout for my upcoming book: Out of Darkness Into Light.