Teach me never to let the joy of what has been, pale the joy of what is. – Elisabeth Elliot
I read Through Gates of Splendor in junior high. Though Elisabeth Elliot’s writing quickly enraptured me in that first book, I made the mistake of reading Quest for Love next and my love of her writing nearly disappeared. I tried half-heartedly to read A Chance to Die; however, that was during my “I read massive books because I’m more intelligent than my peers” phase. That is not a strong enough reason to help you finish a large book. I still haven’t finished it, though my goal is to read it whole-heartedly one day.
Why did I struggle to like Quest for Love? Well, quite simply, Elisabeth nailed my fins to the floor in one of the bluntest, most direct, unsympathetic, and seemingly “holier-than-thou” ways possible. She seemed perfect, and was therefore justified in correcting the rest of the female population in their problems with the other frustratingly fascinating half of the world. I closed the book and didn’t look back.
Then I read Passion and Purity.
Why I decided to pick it up, I’ll never know. I was worried that I was in for another mother-daughter style talk about what I may and may not do with or around the male species. I was wrong of course (praise the Lord). Though there is much to learn from what she shares, Passion and Purity is primarily Elisabeth’s side of her love story with Jim Elliot (with a few of his letters mixed in). I saw an entirely new side of Elisabeth Elliot that surprised me. She was a sinner just like me, and she liked boys just like me.
Ellen Vaughn blew open the door to Elisabeth Elliot for me once again in her biography Becoming Elisabeth Elliot.
As with any famous figure, hearing about their childhood often opens the doors to understanding why they are the way that we know them to be. We also often know only the public figure of a person, not their personality as they are around their family and close friends. As I read about Elisabeth’s early years, specifically pre-college, I came to understand a great deal about her character, her convictions, and even her writing style (though she was not yet writing as prolifically as she did in later years).
For one who struggled greatly with her often blunt and even unfeeling wording, this biography has caused me to want to go read every single one of her books. To understand her childhood and her time in school is to understand why she writes the way she does.
Beyond curing my childish anathema to Elisabeth’s style, Ellen Vaughn has written a superbly interesting book about a fascinating woman who lived a full life for the Lord. I have read very few biographies that called to me more than the other fictional works I was reading. I couldn’t wait to read the next chapter, which led to a few very late nights. Such detailed description of a life can often became as mundane as our own day-to-day experience which we are typically trying to briefly escape when we pick up a book. However, Ellen superbly crafted even the smallest of details to keep our attention.
As I read, I began to realize the incredible, even excruciating amount of work Ellen has put into this book. The organization and flow of the chapters keeps the story of Elisabeth’s life moving for the reader, even if the time passed slowly and painfully for Elisabeth herself. Most importantly for this biography, Ellen skillfully uses Elisabeth’s journals, letters, and other personal writings to bring emotional depth that we would otherwise lack. A biography that has not explained the mind and feeling of its subject is a poor biography. Ellen has skillfully pulled the life, mind, writings, emotions, and desires of Elisabeth all together to craft a book that puts you in Elisabeth’s shoes.
The shoes of Elisabeth Elliot are indeed heavy shoes to try walking in.
Can you imagine the supreme difficulty most girls would have (especially these days) transitioning through so many styles of living? From a comfortable town home to a rigid boarding school to a busy college dorm to a cold, dreary, lonely flat to various homes throughout the U.S. to the humid, buggy houses of Ecuador to the open air hammocks of jungle life Elisabeth Elliot grew comfortable with a great deal of circumstances and living situations. Yet, even in her acceptance of life as it was she had her difficulties. What strong encouragement can be found in the life of a woman who struggled, yet trusted the Lord to take her through it! It brings to mind the oft-quoted verses summarizing Paul’s journey with contentment. Philippians 4:12-13, “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
To read or not to read?
If you have ever balked at Elisabeth Elliot’s writing, take a few days to read Becoming Elisabeth Elliot. My perspective, thankfully, is forever changed. I’m planning to take some time to read (or reread) Elisabeth’s literature with what I have learned about her character in mind.
Ellen Vaughn has written Elisabeth’s life in two parts. Becoming Elisabeth Elliot is the first installment emphasizing all that happened leading up to Elisabeth’s exit from the jungle and direct ministry among the Waodani. The second book that just released September 12, 2023 details her later life and her writing. I will be picking up a copy at my earliest convenience due to how superbly written the first installment was. I highly recommend that you take the time to delve into the life of Elisabeth Elliot, dear reader! I not only had some enjoyable evenings, I also collected a few new quotes for my “Favorite Quotes” document. Most importantly though, I was reminded of the difficulty that comes with entrusting our lives to the Lord, but also of the great joy, peace, and contentment that He gives to His own when they seek after Him.
Until next time, go read a good book!
