Happy Monday.
I just learned of the death of one of my long time heroes, Elisabeth Elliot. I read her book, Through Gates of Splendor, as a young woman. In it she told of going to a tribe of uncivilized natives, the Auca Indians in Ecuador, with husband Jim.
After a few contacts, Jim, along with two other men, landed their small plane among the tribe. Soon after, they were speared and murdered.
Elisabeth grieved, but after a period of time, returned to the Aucas and was able to see the very man who killed her husband come to know Jesus and become a leader among his people for Christ.
Her life was one of true surrender to God’s purpose and she now has entered those “Gates of Splendor” a hero.
Do you have a hero?
What is a hero?
Such words as extreme courage, fortitude, bravery, having boldness, perseverance come to mind.
I have heroes, not in the athletic field or entertainment arena, but ordinary people who live extraordinary lives.
My daughter, Becky, who has lived heroically for twenty six years with the pain of lupus, yet she and husband Tim have reared three children who are making a difference in the world. She’s my hero.
A niece who has suffered M.S. for many years, yet still trusts God, knowing He sees the whole picture–what fortitude!
Among my all time heroes has to be Marlene Evans. How many years she battled cancer, while giving herself to women and girls with her profound teaching until her death.
At this time, I think of a brave lady who has been the wife of a man used of God, who herself has suffered illnesses, surgeries beyond what many have. Yet, she shows that fortitude that won’t be stopped; a hero.
My thoughts go to those who have lost a child or maybe more than one. That’s not the way life should go. Yet, their faith in God’s plan grows stronger.
There are those of you who were living your “dream.” When that dream shattered, you picked up the pieces and with courage have gone forward.
Girls who had dreamed of marriage, home, children, which never happened. But, not wallowing in self pity, have chosen to be servants to others.
Those of you who have become “caregivers” to a handicapped child for life, or caretaker to a spouse, or you have become a parent to your parent. NO HARDER TASK. You’re heroes.
Former First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, said–
“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you stop and look fear in the face. You can say, I lived through those…I can take the next thing that comes along.”
I have a little booklet entitled, “The Language of Courage and Inner Strength.” The following, written by Douglas Pagets, came from it:
Turn to the Courage Within You
“It takes a strong person to deal with tough times and difficult choices. But you are a strong person. It takes courage, but you possess that inner courage.
You are in the driver’s seat and you can determine the direction you want tomorrow to go in.
So–beginning today and lasting a lifetime–hang in there and don’t be afraid to feel like the morning sun is shining…just for you.”
Hats off to our heroes!
Monday with Beverly 
This was a beautiful post. I shared it with my WOW (Women of Wisdom) group this week as we were already talking about how they were heroines in my life and how we can encourage other, younger women. I love you, miss you, and pray for you often…especially on Mondays when I read your blog!
LikeLike
You are my hero, Mrs. Hyles- how many countless times I have read your blog and said “well God, that was just for me wasn’t it?” I’ve been encouraged sooooooooooooooo many times to keep going on and that God loves ME that I now actually believe it, through your thoughts and wisdom, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are loved greatly…by me. Leona Modica
LikeLike
Thank you for this, i am blessed
LikeLike
I learned from Elizabeth Elliot “you don’t know what you believe until you write it.”
There were 5 men speared that day by the Auca indians: Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Roger Youderian, Peter Fleming and Ed McCully.
She was a godly woman that blessed many.
LikeLike
I learned that “you do not know what you believe until you write it” from Elizabeth Elliot. She was alway praising her parents.
Actually there were 5 that were speared by the Auca Indians: Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Roger Youderian, Peter Fleming and Ed McCully.
I pastored one of the parents of one of the families for a while in MI. I am sad to here that she is gone because she blessed so many.
LikeLike
what a good reminder. I remember reading Elisabeth Elliot’s writings and being challenged. I am challenged again to be sure to keep godly examples before me. Thank you!
LikeLike
Great encouragement!! Thanks.
LikeLike
Thank you Mrs. Hyles for your blogI love it so much and I really needed that I think about Mrs. Evans and Mrs. Helton and you of course are my biggest hero Mrs. Musser my preachers wife and I love her too she has almost lost her eyesight but yet she goes on and on and teaches such a blessing. I Had seventeen in my Sunday School class Sunday it was 102 degrees I love to hear from you and Bro Dave to get valuable things to share with my third graders I am teaching 2nd and third graders this coming Sunday Thank you you truly are and will always be my hero!!😄
LikeLike
Thank you for reminding me of ‘heroes’ in my life. I too was greatly influenced early in my own life by reading the book and seeing the film ‘Through Gates Of Splendour’. What courage and what love, to return to the tribe that killed her husband, and to spend her life living for ‘others’ .
LikeLike
I too read the book Through Gates of Splendor as a young girl. Elisabeth was a hero of mine, and I got the chance to hear her speak when I was a teen and sign my Bible! I remember being very excited. Mrs. Evans was a wonderful woman too. I was privileged to see her in Rochester at the Mayo Clinic where I worked when she visited. I loved her classes in college:) There’s another lady I have always looked up to as well- Full of Grace and Beauty. You. thank you for your sweet spirit. It is noticed.
LikeLike
The two people who have had the greatest influence on my life as a Christian have now departed. These two people are Bro. Hyles and Elisabeth Elliot. They are having the best day of their lives …. a day that will never end! But as I stop to meditate and, yes, mourn, I am reminded of another hero of the faith. Her name is Beverly Hyles. Thank you for giving yourself to the Lord. I am a life that was changed.
You are loved with an everlasting love …. and underneath are the everlasting arms. That’s what the Bible says!
LikeLike