Title: Let Me Be a Woman
Author: Elisabeth Elliot
First published January 1, 1966
192 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780842321624 (ISBN10: 0842321624)
Rating: 4.26
Overview
Elisabeth Elliot’s Let Me Be a Woman is a profound exploration of what it means to be a Christian woman. Drawing on her vast experience and knowledge of Scripture, Elliot shares her insights on topics ranging from singleness to marriage to submission.
With titles like “The God who is in charge,” “The restraint of power,” and “Be a real woman,” these essays offer practical wisdom and guidance for women at all stages of life. With grace and humility, Elliot reminds us that true femininity is found not in worldly power or success, but in surrender to the One who made us.
About the Author
I was born in Belgium, where my parents were missionaries. When I was just a few months old, we moved to Germantown, a suburb of Philadelphia, where my father became an editor of the Sunday School Times.
This publication was used by countless churches as their weekly Sunday School teaching materials.
My family continued to live in and around Philadelphia and New Jersey while I was growing up. By the time I left home to attend Wheaton College, I had four brothers and one sister.
My studies in classical Greek eventually led me to work on developing a form of writing for unwritten languages.
After a year of college, I traveled to Ecuador, where I met Jim Elliot, who would become my husband a few years later. In 1953, we were married in Quito and continued our missionary work together.
Jim had always dreamed of reaching an unreached tribe, and the Aucas were one such group. They were known for being fierce and had killed anyone who had attempted to make contact with them.
Jim and four other missionaries attempted to reach the Aucas and were killed.
When Jim died, our daughter was only 10 months old. I continued working with the Quichua Indians until I met two Auca women who lived with me for a year.
They helped me to build a relationship with the tribe that had killed my husband and his colleagues. I lived with the Aucas for two years.
After my time with the Aucas, I returned to work with the Quichua Indians until 1963 when I returned to the United States with my daughter, Valerie. Since then, I have focused on writing and speaking.
I also got married again in 1969 to Addison Leitch, a professor of theology at Gordon Conwell Seminary. He died in 1973, and I had two lodgers in my home.
One of them ended up marrying my daughter, and the other, Lars Gren, became my husband. We have been working together ever since.
Editoral Review
Let Me Be a Woman by Elisabeth Elliot is a classic Christian book first published in 1966. The author, Elisabeth Elliot, was a missionary, speaker, and author known for her devotion to God and her commitment to spreading His message.
This book is a personal reflection on what it means to be a woman according to Christian teachings.
The book is written in a conversational style, making it easy to read and understand. It covers a range of topics such as femininity, marriage, motherhood, and the role of women in society.
Elliot’s writing is clear and concise, with a focus on biblical teachings and personal anecdotes.
The book is divided into short chapters, each focusing on a specific topic. Elliot uses her own experiences and those of other women to illustrate her points.
She highlights the importance of submission to God’s will and the beauty of embracing one’s femininity. She also addresses the challenges of marriage and motherhood, offering advice and encouragement to women who may be struggling in these areas.
One of the strengths of this book is its timeless message. Although it was written over 50 years ago, the topics it covers are still relevant today.
Elliot’s insights into the nature of womanhood and the importance of living a life centered on God are as important now as they were when the book was first published.
Another strength is the author’s ability to connect with her readers. Elliot speaks from the heart, sharing her own struggles and triumphs in a way that is relatable and inspiring.
She encourages women to embrace their unique gifts and talents, and to use them to serve God and others.
However, the book does have some limitations. It is written from a conservative Christian perspective, and may not resonate with readers who do not share this worldview.
Additionally, some readers may find the book’s focus on traditional gender roles and submission to men outdated or problematic.
Overall, Let Me Be a Woman is a thought-provoking and inspiring book that offers valuable insights into the nature of womanhood and the importance of living a life centered on God. It is a must-read for Christian women who are looking for guidance and encouragement in their faith journey.
Rating: 4/5 stars. While the book’s conservative perspective may limit its appeal to some readers, its timeless message and the author’s ability to connect with her audience make it a valuable addition to any Christian woman’s library.
