Rise and Roar: When Brokenness Becomes a War Cry and Faith Learns to Roar by Loretta Muñoz Edwards

 

Blessings to all the Brave Hearted Steppers out there,

There are two words that mattered during this season of hardships. Rise and Roar. As simple as it sounds it takes actual guts and an unshakable faith to act on these two words. As a neuropsychology student and a bold hearted Christian, I realized this strength is only obtained from God. The mind tricks us into thinking we are not capable. It designs a desolate place to trick you into thinking God is not there. The enemy knows the strongest battle is inside our own minds. 

Rise and Roar became a personal phrase that challenged me to examine my faith in God. It took guts to find the faith that roared like a lion. It was inside of me, and I was trapped in this place called the mind. Every experience of rejection, humiliation, scrutiny, and bitterness began to break me. I never felt so broken in my whole entire life, despite knowing God and growing up in church. I felt so broken to the point that my prayers were no longer words; it was a desperate cry from the deepest part of my being because my words would get lost in the sound of my weeping. I realized this is no longer a simple prayer; this is a war cry!  

At this moment, I gave my brokenness to the Lord. I told him, “You make something out of me, put these pieces together because I’m so broken I can’t put the pieces back, they are so sharp and it hurts so much”. Jesus became personal. He became my companion. Through my brokenness is when my faith broke free and roared. I became bold and I began to rise. I began to preach at different churches as God opened the doors. Each time I preached, I cried. The words that came out of my own mouth were healing me. People weren’t realizing that I was no longer looking at the crowds. My words became the words of Jesus, and I felt God speaking to me, although I was talking. God used my brokenness to stir up the hearts of unbelievers. But it took a rise and roar to get things going. My question for you is, what is it going to take for you to rise up? 

Example: Esther 

Esther’s faith began to rise and roar, but it came from a place of brokenness. She was saddened by the situation of her people and Haman’s plan to annihilate her people. She knew she had to do something. 

“Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.” ‭‭Esther‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬ ‭

Reflection for the Brave Hearted Stepper

1. Examine your brokenness. Is this the area of your calling?

2. What is it going to take for you to Rise and Roar boldly as a Christian?

Thank you Brave Hearted Steppers, for staying with me through this reflection. I hope it was encouraging. My story may resemble the situation you are going through. I hope you find the courage to rise and roar because you are meant for so much more. 

Peace and Blessings,

Loretta Muñoz Edwards 

Guest Writer for Brave Hearted Ministry

Mark your calendars and meet me back here next Friday, July 18, 2025, for the next roar-worthy blog post in our Rise & Roar series. We’re stepping deeper, rising higher, and roaring louder — together!