Elisabeth Elliot is one of my heroines. I admire her skillful writing and more than that, admire the Christian life she has lived which has produced that spiritual depth in her books. Hers is a walk with God that is worth emulating. I was privileged to hear her speak at a women's conference in Birmingham, AL in 2001. This picture was taken at the book table. (Notice, these were the days of the "poofy hair." :-)Her story began long before her 1st husband, Jim Elliot, and 4 other missionaries were martyred in Ecuador. When one delves into her writings, you discover that the foundation for her remarkable life was laid by unusually insightful parents and her own zealous quest to know the Lord personally. I don't want to recap the many details of her life, but I urge you to learn more about her -- it is a fascinating tale of life, love, and service.
The themes which she speaks and writes about so eloquently are the unpleasant ones, the seeming "negative" aspects of life -- self-denial, submission, suffering. Yet, she presents them as "normal life" -- and they are, though we don't like to be reminded of it. Sooner or later, each of us will be faced with these facets of human existence. She speaks as one who has met the challenge and shares with the reader the lessons she has learned the hard way.
Her books are numerous. I have not read them all, but enthusiastically endorse the ones I have. I recommend you read as many as possible. They make great devotional books to use in your quiet time. A few of my favorites are:
Let Me Be a Woman (notes to her daughter about marriage)
A Chance to Die (the biography of Amy Carmichael)
Discipline: The Glad Surrender (thoughts/tips on personal surrender)
Keep a Quiet Heart (compilation of brief articles on various topics)
Check out http://www.amazon.com/ for prices on new and used copies of these books.
You don't often get the chance to met your heroes. I'm glad I was able to. And, someday, I will see her again in the Father's house where I can tell her how her service to God challenged my heart to push the limits of the soul as a wife, mother, and seeker of righteousness.
I have never met her but I have read her books and am currently reading one now. She is a true inspiration. I also would highly recommend her books.
ReplyDeleteShe's an inspiration to me. It's so great that you could meet her.
ReplyDeleteI have never read any of those books, but I am inspired to! How wonderful that you had the priviledge of meeting her! You have the gift of writing, also...Maybe one day when YOU write a book...We can say that we knew you!(smile)Honestly...I think that you should use your gift! You have a beautiful way with words! Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteShe's great!!! So neat, that you were able to meet her!
ReplyDeleteWhat a privilege to meet such a wonderful Christian woman. She is one of those people who risks being different to be biblical. Some writers just tell the readers what they want to hear. I try not to waste my time reading after those authors. I prefer to be challenged to live a higher life. I also look for the books that she endorses. I am currently reading a book by Nancy Leigh DeMoss that Elliabeth Elliot endorses.
ReplyDeleteValorie, I like her writting to. I have read "A Path through Suffering" which was very good when I needed it most.
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