Discipleship through Writings

Elisabeth Elliott

When I think of the godly, older women who the Lord has used to disciple and impact my life incredibly, one of the most influential women I have never actually even met: Elisabeth Elliott. I read so many of her books, so many times through when I was in Jr & Sr. high school and was always impressed and challenged by her simple, godly wisdom as well as the testimonies of struggle and growth that accompanied her growth and study. It was her story (and that of her husband Jim Elliott, one of five missionaries killed in Ecuador in the 1950s) that deepened my desire to go into some sort of full-time  ministry. It was her writings that gave me a hunger to know God like she did. It was her books & story that had a profound impact on how I viewed dating and my relationship with Mike. She encouraged me, rebuked me, challenged me, and deepened my understanding of who God was and what a relationship with Him meant & looked like. I can't wait until heaven when I can share this with her & thank her!

I have recently picked up one of her books for the first time in probably 4 or 5 years: Secure in the Everlasting Arms. As I read through it again (for the sixth time because I think I read that particular one about 5 times in high school - this is saying something because I am not one normally attracted to re-reading books...I'm always to anxious to move onto a new one!), I was awakened to the memory of the impact that her writings have had on me and of how I really need to get back into that discipleship relationship with her & other godly, female authors. Going back to her wisdom reminded me of how in life, in relationships, and even in other study our "minds{can} be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ." (2 Cor. 11: 3)

I am so thankful for the bridge that books give us into other people's life, worldviews, faith, and wisdom.  I am also thankful for my addiction to reading and really do pity those who do not enjoy it...you are missing out! This community, called the church, in which a believer's growth is to take place, is both expanded and made smaller through the writings of other believers. When you can't find an older, godly woman to disciple you in the place that you are at, let an older, godly woman disciple you through her writings!

Below is a list of some of books that I would recommend, however, this is not an exhaustive list of all her writings. There's more out there for me to yet delve into!

Biographical:
Through Gates of Splendor - biography of the 5 missionaries who were killed by Auca Indians
Shadow of the Almighty - biography on the life of her husband, Jim Elliot
These Strange Ashes - her struggles & growth through the first year as a missionary
A Chance to Die - biography on the life of Amy Carmichael

Relationships & Biblical Femininity:
Passion and Purity - Her dating story intermingled with wisdom from Scripture on relationship
Quest for Love - Collection of stories about dating & marriage & God's plan & involvement
Let Me Be a Woman - written for her daughter, teachings on Biblical womanhood

Devotional/Teaching:
Secure in the Everlasting Arms - Collection of reflections on life & a relationship with the Lord
The Music of His Promises - Collections from her own personal Quiet Times
Path of Loneliness - dealing with loneliness Biblically

For Young Kids:
The Fate of the Yellow Woodbee, written by Dave & Neta Jackson - a biography written as a story & based on the life of another one of the missionaries killed along with Jim Elliot - I think it was the first book that exposed me to that missionary story and eventually led me to an interest in the stories of Jim & Elisabeth Elliot.