Another woman I celebrate this month is Madeleine L'Engle. She died in September, 2007 after a long life of 88 years. Her 60 books are as varied as her interests. She wrote fantasies as a children's author (Wrinkle in Time), poetry, memoirs (Summer of the Great-grandmother) Christian inspirational books, and science essays. Her thoughts on creativity in Walking on Water have become classic reading for artists of all kinds.
Her other Christian books are often challenging, but always filled with a strong belief in God and his faithfulness. I own 17 of her books and have enjoyed them all, but I guess my favorite is The Rock That Is Higher: Story as Truth which begins with the story of her horrible car wreck in California in 1991. In that story, she reaffirms the fact in her life that God is her creator and is The Rock.
Later, she looks at the God of Scripture as the one who "refused to nuke Ninevah, even though that is what Jonah wanted; who forgave David for a staggering list of wrongdoings; who goes out on a stormy night for one lost black sheep; who throws a party when the prodigal son returns; who loves so much that he sent his only begotten son to live with us, as one of us, --to help us understand our stories--each one unique, infinitely valuable, irreplaceable."
Now that is a God I can follow and a woman I admire.
Showing posts with label Madeleine L'Engle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Madeleine L'Engle. Show all posts
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Wrinkle in Time
Madeleine L'Engle's most honored children's book (won the Newbery Award) was also her most censored. Wrinkle in Time was rejected 26 times before being published.
It ranks #12 on the the list of the "50 most banned Books." The book went through several rounds of publishers before Farrar, Giroux ageed to publish it. It has sold over 6 million copies, and is now one of the most popular of the older Newberys. Censorship came because of the inclusion of witches--Remember Mrs. Who, Mrs. Whatsit, and Mrs. Which? It was in her own words "a different book" than most written for children in that it was science fiction which featured evil as a big disembodied brain called "It." But it also had sprititual themes which adult censors failed to recognize.
A great mind is stilled and with God.
It ranks #12 on the the list of the "50 most banned Books." The book went through several rounds of publishers before Farrar, Giroux ageed to publish it. It has sold over 6 million copies, and is now one of the most popular of the older Newberys. Censorship came because of the inclusion of witches--Remember Mrs. Who, Mrs. Whatsit, and Mrs. Which? It was in her own words "a different book" than most written for children in that it was science fiction which featured evil as a big disembodied brain called "It." But it also had sprititual themes which adult censors failed to recognize.
A great mind is stilled and with God.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Madeleine L'Engle
So sorry to hear of the death of Madeleine L'Engle, the celebrated children's author of Wrinkle in Time.
I appreciated and knew her as the author of spiritual books which lifted my spirit and challenged my thinking. I probably have more quotes from her in my journals than any other person. My spiritual formation group in Abilene shared many an hour meditating over her writings. Her book Walking on Water is my favorite. I shall miss her wisdom.
She died at age 89 day before yesterday. She had a stroke several years from which she never recovered.
I appreciated and knew her as the author of spiritual books which lifted my spirit and challenged my thinking. I probably have more quotes from her in my journals than any other person. My spiritual formation group in Abilene shared many an hour meditating over her writings. Her book Walking on Water is my favorite. I shall miss her wisdom.
She died at age 89 day before yesterday. She had a stroke several years from which she never recovered.
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