Saturday, March 30, 2013

Edith Schaeffer 1914 - 2013


I know I'd planned not to write until after Easter but I felt I must acknowledge the home going of this wonderful woman.  Not perfect... she never pretended to be perfect... but a life changing mentor to so many of us.


I first "met" Edith through the ministry of L'Abri and her husband's writings.  I went on to sit at her feet (through her writing, of course) as she mentored this young wife and mother... teaching me that to love art, literature, music, nature, etc. is not only okay... but "Christian".

It was while reading Hidden Art (now called The Hidden Art of Homemaking) that I learned I truly did feel the Presence of God in the kitchen, and the garden, and the sewing room... and that kneading bread is a form of worship.

I know in the days to come there will be many tributes but here are the two immediately online.

The tribute at Challies.com... here.

The tribute by her son.... here.  (Although I do not like the way he has trashed his parents through the years, this was pretty good.)

Added:  A short obit at World Magazine... here.

There will be many of us wanting to take tea with Edith in Heavenly Places.  It is a good thing Eternity is forever.  :)

First photo: World Magazine
Second photo:  Swiss L'Abri website

Post Script:  My surgery went well, more next week.

16 comments:

Susan said...

I thought of you immediately when I heard the news. Bless you Brenda - happy Easter.

Terra said...

I am intrigued to learn more about her and to read her writing. Take care and heal, and have a Blessed Easter.

DanielleB said...

I have read so many of her books that I feel like I know her. She will be missed.

Rebecca said...

I'm so glad you posted this. I probably might not have known! I share much of your fondness & similar "experiences" having learned from her books, etc. I actually even got to meet her once and listen as she shared her heart with some denominational directors of women's ministries! What a privilege.

I'm happy to hear your surgery is over and was successful...Happy Easter!

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

I'll join you for tea with Edith! How I appreciated her writing,especially The Hidden Art of Homemaking. She mentored me too, through this book. And through her daughters' books as well.

Deanna

Vee said...

Thank you, Brenda. I read all your links and am sitting here sniffing a bit. What a wonderful day to go home.

So good to know that your surgery went well!

Anonymous said...

Glad your surgery went well!

Coleen

Simply Shelley said...

I didn't know a lot about this lovely woman,but plan to learn more about her life. I did read what you shared and a bit more...seems her life,spirit and person was very beautiful. I will seek to learn more.
Blessings

Susan Humeston said...

I am inspired to read her writings. I love the last sentence of her son's tribute - "You won mom - I believe". Beautiful. What a strong woman!!

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

I am so glad to hear that your surgery went well! Blessed Easter, Brenda. Thank you for the information about Edith Schaeffer. I read her book about homemaking after you mentioned it, and found her ideas very inspiring and "kindred spirited". Her son Frank's memory was beautiful. I still have the others to read.

Tracey M. said...

I have to go visit some of those links ... I think I came across that Homemaking book before, The Hidden Art of Homemaking. Sounds like a wonderful woman. So glad you shared!

Anonymous said...

I had a couple of her books and enjoyed them, reading them more than once. I have not read the son's books. But most families are a bit different "behind closed doors"...in my experience. We live in such an imperfect world right now and are all flawed people. I found her son's remarks very interesting. Thanks for sharing them. Reminds me of my own dear mother, now gone 12 years.
Elizabeth in VA

Mrs. U said...

I am so thankful that you shared this!! I did not know! Mrs. Schaeffer has been a huge blessing to me and has encouraged me in my role as wife and mother and homemaker. She will be missed by many but soooo welcomed in heaven by the Lord!

His,
Mrs. U

Heather L. said...

What an amazingly long and full life she lived! Reading Hidden ARt of Homemaking was also life changing for me. I LOVED that book! It struck so many chords in my heart. I need to re-read it again sometime. (Jane Brocket is the secular version of that book) When I am older I would love to write a modern version of Hidden Art for people in our generation.

Hope your eye surgery went well and you had a good weekend.

Unknown said...

Aww. Wow! That article by her son is so interesting...

Anonymous said...

Brenda I sure hope you or your husband are not down with some new bug. Miss you! Sarah