Passion and Purity

The Lord led me to this book again a few days ago. My mom had encouraged me to and I had read it a couple of years ago prior to our wedding, but I was drawn to it again this week. I have read many books on purity of a woman, dating, not dating, christian living, pursuit of Christ, love, marriage, etc. but I quite honestly have never encountered a book that parallels to this one in honesty, truth and revelation.

The story of Jim & Elisabeth Elliot is remarkable, and one that many Christians are familiar with. It's a classic love story with it's own unique twists and turns, but more than anything, it's a lesson in patience, sacrifice, obedience, trust, humilty, seeking God and waiting. Waiting for something for which there is no guarantee. Waiting because you believe the possibility of attaining it, if it should be yours to attain, would be worth any price of time or energy or self-sacrifice you might pay in the process.

There are far too many truths and insights to write them all here, but I strongly encourage you, man or woman, married or single, old or young to get a copy of this book and read it when you get the chance. It is so helpful, especially for those entering a courtship or that time where you find your mate, but valuable to any walk of life.

Some of my favorite quotes from the book:

"The problem starts when we make up our own minds what will give us happiness and then decide, if we don't get exactly that, that God doesn't love us." (in reference to self-deception and contentment)

"But the things that we feel most deeply we ought to learn to be silent about, at least until we have talked them over thoroughly with God....never pass up an opportunity to keep your mouth shut."

"Thy will be done. Acceptance of whatever that means is the great victory of faith that overcomes the world."

"Women expect too much of men...I beg women to wait. Wait on God. Keep your mouth shut. Don't expect anything until the declaration is clear and forthright."

"If virginity [not just sexual] is to be preserved , lines must be drawn. Why put yourself in any situation where the lines become smudged and obscure? Why take the risks? Why accept the pressure of tremendous temptation when you can easily avoid it by refusing to be anywhere where compromise is possible. "

I could go on and on.....but I won't. Have to leave some things unsaid so YOU can read them for yourself!

Blessings on your day :)