The Shaping of a Christian Family

this book was such an inspiration to me as a Christian mom. i have always appreciated Elisabeth Elliot's words and admonitions in her books and tapes. this book is probably my favorite of all of her books. i still have pages of this book turned down so that i can find a favorite passage quickly!

Elisabeth Elliot's biography of the family she was raised in is a privilege to read. She includes many diary excerpts and personal letters to tell the story of her parents and grandparents, but this is more than just biography. It is the story of God's workings in the lives of a few of His faithful servants and the fruits of their labor. Elliot tells practical stories of child-rearing (such as how her mother taught Elliot's brother as a toddler the meaning of obedience), as well as practical life lessons such as waiting on God's will regarding finding a spouse and whether to be a missionary or not. It is a wonderful story told with humor and genuineness, but even more importantly, it inspires those of us who are parents towards the goal of creating a God-centered home and raising children to live their lives in integrity and moral uprightness. I read this book shortly after my first child was born, and I plan to re-read it at least every five years--there is so much that is helpful and encouraging to glean from it. Anyone who has read Elliot's other books will enjoy this tremendously, as it will help you to know her even better. There are wonderful family photos in the book, too. I highly recommend this book. All Christian parents should read it!

As a pediatrician I witness daily how lost parents are in the area of family and parenting. We are now in the second and third generation of parents who were themselves never parented. Many of them have no vision for their children beyond being healthy, happy and having a college education. For the most part the parents of today are completely unaware that there is anything of importance to be given to their children beyond their materialistic needs. Elisabeth Elliot's book gives such parents a glimpse into the past and shows what a family and parents can be. If nothing else it demonstrates how much has been lost. I encourage parents to read this book together and discuss its contents in relation to their own upbringing in addition to their own parenting. My hope is that they will take a hard look at their duty to their children and develop a well rounded vision for their family.

For those of us, who have never had the rare privilege in growing up in a godly home, this book is precious and insightful. As a father and husband, I gleaned much from this book.