AUGUST — Christian Female Authors in History
Hello Dear Reader,
Welcome back to another issue! I hoped you had a chance to test out the Brazilian Limeade from last time and are sipping some as you read this, you better believe I am! As August brings us near the close of our vacation and back to the realities of school, work, education, etc.., I have something that is meant as an inspiration. This is for you – you the history nut, the avid reader, the intrigued learner, and the purpose seekers.
As people, we tend to look for role models in our lives, usually specific to our circumstances, interests, and occupations. For instance, as an author, my primary role models tend to be Christian authors, diving in to how they used their craft for Gods glory. To give you a small taste, I have complied a snippet of information regarding some of my most admired people. Now, this list is not all inclusive, but just a scratch on the surface to pique your interest and maybe guide you as you search for role models of your own. Whether this is a first for you or you are just adding to your list, this is a great place to start!
But first…
KNEE SLAPPER THURSDAY
Some history humor – this made me giggle.
Verse of the Month
“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
Psalm 27:14 ESV
CHRISTIAN FEMALE AUTHORS IN HISTORY
Elisabeth Elliot (1926 – 2015)
Elliot was born in Belgium and was the wife of Jim Elliot, martyred missionary to the Auca people of east Ecuador. She studied Classical Greek at Wheaton College with the goal of translating the New Testament of the Bible into unknown languages. After her first husband’s death, Elliot wrote about their time with the Auca people and dedicated all her writing to the Lord. Elliot later served as one of the stylistic consultants for the committee of the New International Version of the Bible (NIV). She had her own radio show, Gateway to Joy, which aired daily.
Learn more about Elliot: Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot
Book Recommendation: Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot and These Strange Ashes
Extra: End of the Spear film (2006)
Charlotte Maria Tucker (A.L.O.E.) (1821–1883)
Tucker was born in England to a secular family. Her father disagreed with female writers and was strict on education, so Tucker was taught at home and none of her works were published until after her father’s death. She was known for her fun-loving spirit, energy, and the spring in her step. When published, she went under the pseudonym of “A.L.O.E.,” also known as “A Lady of England.” Most of her stories reflected her Evangelical religious beliefs and held a deep moral center. She later became a missionary to India, where many of her tales take place. Tucker did not go to India until she was fifty-four, but after arriving she remained there until her death eighteen years later.
Learn more about Tucker: A Lady of England: The Life and Letters of Charlotte Maria Tucker by Anges Giberne
Book Recommendation: The Light in the Robbers Cave, The Haunted Room, and The Giant Killer
Extra: Some of her stories are available as audio dramas via Lamplighter Theatre.
Lucy Maud Montgomery (1874 – 1942)
Montgomery was born on Prince Edward Island, Canada in 1874. After the death of her mother, she was sent to live with her grandparents at 21 months. She had a lonely childhood which led her to have a wild imagination, making imaginary friends and other fanciful ideas. An example of this happened during a church service. Montgomery asked a family member where her dead mother was, leading them to point towards the sky. Montgomery saw a trap door in the church’s ceiling, leading her to wonder why the minister didn’t just get a ladder to retrieve her mother from the church’s ceiling. She went to college and became a teacher, although she didn’t enjoy teaching at first. Many know her as the author of Anne of Green Gables which she published in 1908, making her an international phenomenon. She later married a Calvinist minister and in 1935 King George V named Montgomery to the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
Learn more about Montgomery: Lucy Maud Montgomery: The Gift of Wings by Mary Rubio
Book Recommendation: Anne of Green Gables and Chronicles of Avonlea
Extra: Anne of Green Gables film (1985)
Charlotte Mary Yonge (1823 – 1901)
Yonge was born into a religious family in England and was educated at home by her father, studying French, Greek, Latin, Euclid, and algebra. Yonge wrote historical fiction, works of devotion, history, biography, and hymns, for children, teenagers, and adults alike. She also edited “The Monthly Packet” which was the first magazine for teenage girls, focusing on God’s interest in their lives. Her work was widely read and respected in the 19th century. Some of her admirers included George Eliot, Lewis Carroll, Charles Kingsley, William Ewart Gladstone, and many more. For 71 years of her life, she taught in her church’s Sunday School and paid for the construction of a combined school and chapel of ease. Yonge’s books have been noted as “the best Victorian novel you’ve never heard of.”
Learn more about Yonge: https://www.yongefamily.info/184806882
Book Recommendation: The Heir of Redclyffe and The Daisy Chain
Catherine Sedgewick (1789 – 1867)
Sedgwick was born in the United States to General Joseph Dwight and was the granddaughter of Ephraim Williams, founder of Williams College. Her four brothers were trained as lawyers while she was taken care of by Elizabeth Freeman, a former slave whose freedom was won by Sedgwick’s father as he battled in court. Freeman’s integrity and pride were a great influence in Sedgwick’s life and inspired her throughout her writing career. She wrote much on her faith and remained single to inspire people through her writing.
Learn more about Sedgewick: https://www.masshist.org/collection-guides/view/fa0357
Book Recommendation: The New England Tale, Hope Leslie, and Redwood: A Tale
This is but a sneak peek into the lives of these women and all the other Christian female writers to date. God uses people no matter time, occupation, or circumstance. Take this as a reminder, an encouragement, and a guide. Learning about different people and how God worked through them is so inspiring and serves as a reminder that He is faithful. So, if you’re feeling stuck and wondering how God is using you, do two things: one, study history and see how He used people in both small and big ways, and two, dive into His word, He will answer you.
COMING NEXT MONTH
In next month’s issue we will be doing a Q&A / FAQ! Drop any questions you have by clicking the button below or keep an eye on my Instagram story to enter them there. If you check out any of these incredible women and their works, reach out to me and tell me your thoughts! Enjoy the last few days of summer!
See You Next Month!
