About

About Cecil Murphey – The Man Behind the Words

Veteran author Cecil (Cec) Murphey has written or co-written more than 140 books, including the multi-million bestsellers 90 Minutes in Heaven (with Don Piper) and Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (with Dr. Ben Carson). His books have brought hope and encouragement to countless people around the world. 

Before he retired in 2019, he stayed busy as a professional writer and traveled extensively to speak on topics such as writing, spiritual growth, caregiving, significant living, sexual abuse, and recovery. 

Prior to launching his career as a full-time writer and speaker, he served for 14 years as a pastor in Metro Atlanta, as a part-time volunteer hospital chaplain for ten years, and was a missionary in Kenya for six. He also taught in a public school for two years and was an adjunct professor at Beulah Heights University for 18 years.

He continues to mentor a group of writing protégés and enjoys serving others in his church and community.

Find out more about Cec’s books here.

Here is a partial list of Cec’s many awards:

  • Cec received an honorary Doctor of Literature from The Richmond Virginia Seminary for his “distinguished service in the field of literature.”
  • Friend of Writers Award – The Write His Answer Conference honored Cec with this award in 2023.
  • National Award for the Encouragement of Writing – Cec was the inaugural recipient of this award. He received it at the Southern Christian Writers Conference in June 2016.
  • Lifetime Literary Award – The Orange County Christian Writers Conference presented this award to Cec in April 2014.
  • Hall of Honor – In 2013, Central High School in Davenport, Iowa (formerly Davenport High School) inducted Cec to their Hall of Honor. He graduated from there in 1951.
  • Foreword Book of the Year Bronze Award – Cec received this award in June of 2011 for When a Man You Love Was Abused. The award was especially significant for him because it took six years to find a publisher willing to take a risk on the book.
  • Retailers Choice Award – 90 Minutes in Heaven (with Don Piper) won the 2009 Retailers Choice Award for backlist books.
  • Extraordinary Service Award – The American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) honored Cec with the 2009 Extraordinary Service Award, one of their most prestigious awards.
  • The Lifetime Achievement Award – In July 2007, Cec was the inaugural recipient of the AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) Lifetime Achievement Award. He was recognized for his writing and mentoring in the Christian writing community.
  • Retailers Choice Award – Touchdown Alexander (with Seattle Seahawks MVP Shaun Alexander) won the Retailers Choice Award at ICRS in July 2007.
  • Author of the Year Award – Cec is a three-time winner of this award from the Dixie Council of Authors and Journalists, which recognizes outstanding books by writers in the southeastern United States.
  • Blackboard Book of the Year Award – I Choose to Stay (with Salome Thomas-EL) was selected to receive the 2005 Blackboard Book of the Year Award for nonfiction.
  • Silver Angel Award (2005) – This award was received from Excellence in Media for his book Committed but Flawed.
  • Silver Angel Award (2004) – This award was received from Excellence in Media for I Choose to Stay.
  • Gold Medallion Award (1995) – Cec was a three-time finalist and the 1995 winner of the Evangelical Press Association’s Gold Medallion Award, which recognizes the highest quality in Christian books. He won the award for his book with Franklin Graham, Rebel with a Cause.

 
Learn more about The Man Behind the Words from this 2009 interview with Moira Brown of 100 Huntley Street. Cec and Moira discuss many topics, including his writing, tragedy, meeting his wife, homebuilding, and God’s care.