Friday, August 23, 2024

Book Review- Secure in the Everlasting Arms

One of my all-time favorite authors is Elisabeth Elliot. I was introduced to her writings back in the fall of 2015 while hunting through our church library shelves. I pulled Mrs. Elliot's book, "Passion and Purity" (I highly recommend this book, but would advise it for those 18+ and it to be run through your mother due to the frankness in some of the chapters) from the bookcase. I was in a season where some distinct, plain, Biblical guidance was helpful in dealing with thoughts regarding a young man I had met earlier that year, and the book looked interesting, so I carried it home. I almost inhaled it! I returned the church's copy and obtained my own and proceeded to begin collecting other books by Mrs. Elliot. While I do not agree with everything that Elisabeth Elliot held to (what author except the Divine Author will you ever?), I have again and again been encouraged, strengthened, and blessed by her writings. 

As I look back over the shelf of my collection, "Secure in the Everlasting Arms" stands out. "Secure in the Everlasting Arms" is broken down into 7 sections with titles such as "Finding Contentment", "Joy and Sorrow", "Missionary Stories", "Marriage, Courtship, and Singleness", and "Do the Next Thing".  Most chapters are 2-4 pages long, making it an easy read to progress through, even if you only have a few minutes to snatch up the book. There has been more than one moment when I needed encouragement in a specific area and opened "Secure in the Everlasting Arms" at random. In His kindness, the Lord has directed my eyes to the exact place where I received help and comfort.

"God's all-encompassing love has become the theme of Elisabeth Elliot's long life. For thirteen years she opened her daily radio program, Gateway to Joy, with her signature words, "Underneath are the everlasting arms," and now she offers this new collection of her reflections about the security we can find in God's love." (from the back cover)

Mrs. Elliot passed away in 2015, but the legacy that she has left us by her faith-filled example and many books continues to bless and encourage.