This article doesn’t cover a counseling topic as is usually found on this blog, but instead offers you an inspiring, purposeful read. You may be familiar with the late Elisabeth Elliot for any number of reasons. You possibly know she was married to Jim Elliot, the missionary who was killed by the indigenous peoples he sought to introduce to Christ. And perhaps you’ve read about Jim and Elisabeth in Through Gates of Splendor or watched the End of the Spear film. Maybe you’re of the age to remember all the headlines of the 1950’s about the speared jungle missionaries. Or you may have read some of Elisabeth’s books, such as “The Path of Loneliness” or listened to some of her online messages. No matter which medium, your previous exposure to Elisabeth Elliot was most likely in the form of lessons learned from her example and teaching. But this 2020 book release by proficient researcher and writer, Ellen Vaughn, brings a new, deep compilation of “Betty’s” early life in the fascinating and authorized biography called Becoming Elisabeth Elliot.

You Might Enjoy This Book If …

• … you like reading historical non-fiction
• … you highly value being able to settle into an intriguing story without having to trip over pages of inappropriate language and immoral sexual content
• … you’d like to know more about the upbringing of a woman who has influenced many with her life and teaching
• … you’re in the stage of life of looking around at others your age and wondering who might be your suitable spouse, or you’re navigating singleness and are always looking for encouragement to help you be patient/steward it well
• … you cherish reading about others who are ever-vulnerable about their struggles, while also willing to be bold in their faith
• … you take joy in a good love story
• … you appreciate books that tell of adventurous feats and push you out of your comfort zone

Some Gems of This Book

Relationship Lessons

• The dynamic mother-daughter relationship between Elisabeth and her mother, Katharine
• Examples of mentoring relationships & like-minded companionship
• Insights into a traditional dating relationship that was willing to sacrifice personal desires for God’s will, but not without the need for much growth and maturity
• Interpersonal relationships among missionaries (not as perfect and holy as you might expect)
• An illustration of two godly women navigating a difficult, messy relationship that never arrived at a nice, neat ending by the world’s standards
• Elisabeth’s style of patience and discipline as she waited for her personal Lord to lead her

Spiritual Lessons

• Amusing and surprising details of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot’s journey embedded in a creative, brilliant, and detailed report that will thrill their admirers
• The 20^th century perspective of being a Christian in college and dating
• Honest depiction that missionaries are as imperfect as anyone, but the Savior works through their humility and surrender
• Descriptions of lifestyle choices that after a time of perseverance led to godliness and fulfillment
• Vivid depictions of peoples and lands that contrast with the soft comforts familiar to American readers
• Reminders about the role of prayer in space and time that impacts the world for generations to come
• Previously unpublished journal entries that teach another generation how to pour out your heart with a direction toward God
• A Christian biography written by a fellow believer, where the author connects with the missionary and the Christian reader, in a type of “continuing daily with one accord” (Acts 2:46)

One Warning

There are a number of crude details and violent scenes from the Ecuadorian jungle which might be too disturbing for young or especially sensitive readers.

Benefit of Reading This Book

Reading a book like this – not simply for pleasure, but also for edification – can serve as: 1) a form of encouragement to endure the hardship of this world, 2) a type of mentorship and discipleship to learn from those who have gone before you, and 3) a sense of belonging to the greater Body of Christ beyond your momentary circumstances.

Prayer & Blessing

A wise man will increase learning. (Prov. 1:5)