As I’m sure you’ve heard, Elisabeth Elliot passed into glory yesterday morning. Through the
Gates of Splendor, indeed. Bless you, Elisabeth Elliot, for enriching our lives and deepening our longing for Home, and for challenging us to trust in God even when trusting seems next to impossible.
Can you imagine what that homecoming must have been like? Elisabeth finally seeing her Lord face to face, and then seeing her first husband Jim again after his tragic passing in 1956 when he was killed during their brief but legendary mission work in Ecuador.
Do you have a favorite quote from one of her books?
A favorite book of mine she wrote is Through the Gates of Splendor. I read it years ago and occasionally pick it back up and leaf through it, reading underlined passages. Those kind of books are like old friends, aren’t they?
Some of my favorite quotes:
“I have one desire now – to live a life of reckless abandon for the Lord, putting all my energy and strength into it.”
“God is God. I dethrone Him in my heart if I demand that He act in ways that satisfy my idea of justice.”
“God withholds blessing only in wisdom,
never in spite or aloofness.”
I read the following in an article on her life yesterday—a poem she wrote when college age—and again glimpsed her enduring faith and love shining through even at that youthful time in her life.
‘Perhaps some future day, Lord,
Thy strong hand will lead me to the place
Where I must stand utterly alone;
Alone, Oh gracious Lover, but for Thee.
I shall be satisfied if I can see Jesus only.
I do not know Thy plan for years to come.
My spirit finds in Thee its perfect home: sufficiency.
Lord, all my desire is before Thee now.
Lead on no matter where, no matter how,
I trust in Thee…’ “
Have you read any of Elisabeth’s books? Do do you have a favorite quote from her?
Tammy
** Winners of Among the Fair Magnolias from my post two weeks ago **
Deanna and Betti, I’m still waiting to hear from you!
Tamera Alexander
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I remember reading Through Gates of Splendor many times as a teen. I was always so inspired by the way she stayed after the Indians killed her husband. Such an amazing woman.
Yes, Cara. And then with her daughter as well. Truly a testament to God’s strength and love in her.
Just reading about Elisabeth Elliot’s passing in your post. Wow, she was definitely one of my “spiritual mothers.” What an encourager she was to me as I would tune in to her daily broadcasts in the midst of raising five little boys (all men now). I had the privilege of meeting her twice, once with her daughter, Valery. I own many of her books and they are treasures. One of my favorite sayings of hers, that she quoted often in the midst of her grief after her second husband’s passing, was “do the next thing.” It has often spurred me on. She was one of the spiritual giants of our day.
Oh yes, Karen… “Do the next thing.” Such a good reminder. Thanks for sharing. So poignant.
I’ve been deeply touched by Elisabeth Elliott’s life and ministry. Let me Be a Woman, Through Gates of Splendor, and the biography she wrote about missionary Amy Carmichael, A Chance to Die, all made an impact on me. I used to love listening to her heard on the radio, and I her speak in person once in the 1990s. She was an amazing woman who knew the Lord and the Bible. I can imagine she received a wonderful welcome home celebration in heaven.
You’re so right, Carrie. She knew the Word of God and it flowed from her as easily as though she were quoting a dear friend. And, she was. Thanks for sharing.
And love your newest cover. Lovely!
I began reading Elisabeth’s book back in college, 35+ years ago, and have been reading her books and missionary stories ever since. She was a true Titus 2 woman to me and to so many others. I think I have read most of her books. Just a few of my favorite quotes of hers are: “Don’t dig up in doubt what you planted in faith,” “The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances,” and “This job has been given to me to do. Therefore, it is a gift. Therefore, it is a privilege. Therefore, it is an offering I may make to God. Therefore, it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him. Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God’s way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness.”
Thank you, thank you for sharing those quotes, Barbara. So rich. So glorifying to our Lord. Bless you.
What an amazing woman of God! I am a former literature teacher in a Christian school and I taught a couple of her books. Her words were so inspirational to me. The depth of her faith was remarkable. You are right- what a homecoming in heaven this must have been!
Wonderful, how you taught from her books, Courtney. And what a gift you gave your students through that exchange. Thanks for sharing!
What an amazing woman of God she was. And what a legacy she leaves here on earth – – a true inspiration to so many.
So true, Patti Jo. Bless you, friend!
We have her books in the Church Library. I hadn’t heard that she had died until now.
Our Loss is Heaven’s Gain.