She has been one of my favorite authors – forever – and I think I have read everything she ever wrote. For years, I listened to her “GateWay to Joy” devotions on the radio, mesmerized by her mellow voice and inspired by her story.
Elisabeth Elliott was one of the wives of the missionaries who were killed by the Auca Indians in 1956. I remember sitting in church when the news came in. Even then, I prayed for Elisabeth and her infant daughter.
But what really inspired me was how Elisabeth stayed in Ecuador and continued to minister to the Indians. She even allowed one of her husband’s killers to baptize her daughter, Valerie. The killer, of course, was by then a genuine Christian – but what level of forgiveness is that? How in the world can a mother trust her child to a former murderer? Elisabeth’s story was one of complete redemption and restoration.
When Elisabeth returned to the United States, she filled her days with writing and speaking. That was how I began to know her – through her words, through the wisdom contained in the pages of her books.
Oh, how I wanted to be like her. How I wanted to be that type of writer and that brave a woman.
Now, Elisabeth lives with dementia. She is several years into the disease and can barely speak legibly anymore. Her husband, Lars, cares for her and tries to communicate for her. I cannot imagine how painful it must be that her words have been taken from her, but the one foundation Elisabeth has based her life on – is still strong.
She believes in the sovereignty of God and for whatever reason, the Almighty has allowed her to walk through this dementia challenge. True to form, the courage to trust God buoys Elisabeth’s spirit even now. Her words may have been silenced, but her brave heart continues to beat with love for her Savior.
While I hate the disease that has removed Elisabeth’s words from her, I am still inspired by her life and by how she deals with daily challenges. She is a woman of strong faith and incomparable courage.
As a writer who wanted to emulate her, I salute my sister of faith, Elisabeth Elliott. And I ask God to be the Word within her and continue to let her former words remain in print.
You can read more about Elisabeth’s life and work at: http://www.elisabethelliot.org/about.html
2014 RJ Thesman
I, too, love her writing. My favorite book is Passion and Purity which sustained me during my many single years.
Thanks for the comment, Debbie. Yes, Passion and Purity is another one of Elisabeth’s great writings. I don’t know if I could choose a favorite. I’m so glad you found inspiration from her during your single years and beyond.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful woman’s story! This has been a great beginning to my day:)
You are most welcome, Melinda. Yes, Elisabeth continues to inspire us today.
I also love her writing, her voice, and her wisdom! I had no idea that she was suffering from dementia, and that makes me so sad. Thanks for sharing this tribute to her.
Thanks for your comment, Carie. Yes – such a sad situation, but as always, Elisabeth is trusting God to keep her safe in the palm of his hand.
When the story of the murders hit Life Magazine in about 1956, I wondered if I would have the faith to go to such a place for Jesus’ sake. It had a profound effect on my Christina walk. Thanks for sharing.
Me, too, Sally. The story still affects my Christian life today. Elisabeth has been such an inspiration to so many!
RJ,
Wonderful post! I showed the video about her story in Ecuador to my Spanish II students. We talked about it and her strong faith. How sad that her words have been taken. Thank you for sharing this story and update.
Amy
What a wonderful idea – to show the video to your Spanish students. You are such a gifted teacher, Amy! Yes, it is so sad about Elisabeth’s words, but what a legacy she has given all of us.