The Legacy Of Amazing Women

Elisabeth Elliot (1926 – 2015) passed away today at the age of 88. I have spent the last hour listening to her speak at a ladies’ luncheon via a YouTube clip. And I am listening again while I write this.

(this article was first written in 2015)

Wow. Wow. WOW. Absolutely amazing speaker. I have been convicted and encouraged tremendously while listening to her.

She is down to earth and straightforward, and the thought that my mom would agree with her words came to my mind while listening. Mostly because of her wise advice of using God’s Holy Word as our “reference point” in all of life.

“Compare our experiences to this (God’s) Book” – Elisabeth Elliot.

One of my greatest struggles is not allowing my emotions, experiences, and thoughts to control how I live. The truth is, I shouldn’t trust myself.

I must use God’s Holy Word as a reference point and compare my thoughts with His Word. The Bible is the one truth.

I love the 3 points that Elisabeth spoke about:

1. Start with God.
2. Don’t be squeezed into the world’s mold.
3. Let God remold your mind.

Listen to it HERE(it is just audio).

BlessingsKJV Deluxe Gift & Award Bible (DiCarta Pink) (King James Bible)

The Legacy Of Amazing Women

Ironically, today (June 15) is my mom’s birthday (1956 – 2007). She would have been 59 years old today.

She has been gone for almost 8 years already. She was an amazing woman, though she wasn’t a missionary or public speaker.

In fact, she was an introvert. She preferred to spend her time alone or with her husband and kids.

However, she was an example of accepting the life God has given you, of not being conformed to the world, and of caring about what God thinks first and foremost. She taught me that eternity matters more than this life.

Both Elisabeth Elliot and Nancy Elizabeth (my mom) were amazing women and have left behind an amazing legacy that will be passed down for generations. Neither of them followed popular opinion, they cared little for the hype of mass media.

They both spoke and lived the truth. Their words and actions have shaped the lives of others. They both have impacted others for the sake of God.

Do you think that my mother’s work on earth was less important to God than that of Elisabeth Elliot? Do you believe that my mother’s “mission work” of dedicating her life to God, her husband, and her kids was less worthy than that of Elisabeth Elliot?

God has a purpose and plan for each of us. Our mission work may look different than that of others but it is no less important. Whether we stay home or travel, one thing remains the same: seek God’s will in all circumstances.

“Start with God. Present your body, present your problem, don’t let the world squeeze you, and let God remold your mind from within. Paul says, ‘if you let God remold your mind from within, you will see that the plan of God for you is perfect, meets all of His demands, and moves towards the goal of true maturity.’ … God has a plan for YOU … the minute you start comparing your gifts and your circumstances with somebody else, you’ve been squeezed by the world. … It’s just as important to God how I wash the dishes as it is how I write a book, I am just as much serving Him when I am cooking a pot on the stove as when I’m standing up talking to a hundred ladies at a luncheon, but God wants me to know Him within the set of circumstances that He has given me.” – Elisabeth Elliot

Wow! I am reminded by them both that I need to spend more time in God’s Word, prayer, and meditation (to ponder, to quietly and carefully consider) with God. I need to present myself to Him to be used as He wills for my life.

What God wills.

That’s really all that matters.

Some amazing women have taught me that.