Let Me Be A Woman
Elisabeth Elliot 1926-2015
This beautiful woman above has helped me define Biblical womanhood without complicating it. I genuinely believe that every woman alive today should pick up her book titled “Let Me Be a Woman” and read it.
Elisabeth Elliot was an author, speaker, and missionary. She is well known for her writings and dedication to spreading the Christian Faith.
Elisabeth Elliot was a remarkable individual whose life was a testament to unwavering faith, resilience, and the enduring power of love. Her missionary journey in Ecuador, where she faced the tragic loss of her husband, Jim, showcased her deep commitment to sharing her faith, even in the face of adversity.
Through her books and teachings, Elisabeth touched the hearts of countless individuals, emphasizing the importance of faith, purity, and obedience to God's plan. Her legacy lies not only in her profound words but also in her ability to exemplify the principles she preached. Elisabeth Elliot's life is a reminder that in the most challenging circumstances, one can find strength, purpose, and connection with Christ. Her impact on the world of Christian literature and her influence inspire and guide generations of believers still to this day.
“In order to learn what it means to be a woman. We must start with the One who made her.”
Let Me Be a Woman, a book originally written for her daughter, does a phenomenal job of diving into various aspects of Biblical womanhood. Elisabeth gives insights into how women can live out their faith and purpose in the context of their gender. I will provide some key themes and topics I saw were important throughout this book.
Feminity and Identity: Elliot discusses the unique qualities and attributes that define femininity, emphasizing that being a woman is a gift from God and should be embraced with gratitude. She encourages women to find their identity in Christ and to celebrate their distinct roles and strengths.
“The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of Christian, but the fact that I am a Christian does make me a different kind of woman.”
Marriage: Elisabeth Elliot guides Christian marriage, emphasizing the importance of selflessness, submission, and mutual respect between husbands and wives. She discusses the beauty of a marriage rooted in biblical principles.
“I believe there is an order established in the creation of the world, and I believe that much of the confusion that characterizes our society is the result of the violation of God’s design.”
“God might have given Adam another man to be his friend, to walk and talk and argue with if that was his pleasure. But Adam needed more than the companionship of the animals or the friendship of a man. He needed a helper specially designed and prepared to fill that role. It was a woman God gave him, a woman, “meet,” fit, suitable, entirely appropriate for him, made of his very bones and flesh.”
Motherhood: The book addresses the joys and challenges of motherhood, highlighting mothers' profound influence in shaping their children's lives. Elliot encourages women to view motherhood as a noble calling and to prioritize their children's spiritual and moral upbringing.
“Maturity starts with the willingness to give oneself.”
Suffering and Faith: Drawing from her own experiences, including the loss of her first husband, Jim Elliot, Elisabeth Elliot discusses how suffering and hardship can deepen one's faith and reliance on God. She shares how trusting God's sovereignty and purpose can sustain women through difficult times.
“The life of faith is lived one day at a time, and it has to be lived - not always looked forward to as though the "real" living were around the next corner. It is today for which we are responsible. God still owns tomorrow.”
Submission and Obedience: Throughout the book, Elliot emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's will, regardless of the circumstances. She discusses how submission to God's plan and authority can lead to a life of fulfillment and purpose.
“You are a woman, God’s woman, autonomous before Him. But His disciplining of you is far from finished. If you love Him, you’ll do what He says. And there can be no question as to whether He means it if only you will look at His face, be silent long enough to hear what He says. “He calls his own sheep by name.” It was when Mary heard her name that she knew her Master in the Garden after His resurrection. “Master!” she cried, in recognition of His lordship over her.”
Biblical Womanhood in an ever-changing world: Elisabeth Elliot addresses modern women's challenges in a rapidly changing world and encourages them to maintain their Christian values and principles in the face of societal pressures.
“It is a naive sort of feminism that insists that women prove their ability to do all the things that men do. This is a distortion and a travesty. Men have never sought to prove that they can do all the things women do. Why subject women to purely masculine criteria? Women can and ought to be judged by the criteria of femininity, for it is in their femininity that they participate in the human race. And femininity has its limitations. So has masculinity. That is what we’ve been talking about. To do this is not to do that. To be this is not to be that. To be a woman is not to be a man. To be married is not to be single - which may mean not to have a career. To marry this man is not to marry all the others. A choice is a limitation.”
I will close with this: Let Me Be A Woman had a lasting impression on my heart. It’s inspirational for many reasons but solely for strengthening one’s marriage, encouragement within motherhood, spiritual growth, and the push against modern feminism, which created discussion and controversy. This book was one of the stepping stones in creating a large emphasis on living out biblical principles with trusting faith, dedication, and purpose. If you’re a woman, I encourage you, as a reader, to read this book. It will make you think about your role as a woman and how we can contribute and further the Kingdom of God, Biblically.
