I spent 18 months in 2015 and 2016 writing a biography of Biddy, Mrs. Oswald Chambers.
I loved the entire experience of researching and writing about the life of an amazing woman who lived in extraordinary times.
Mrs. Oswald Chambers released in October, 2017–the month before the 100th anniversary of Oswald Chambers’ death.
I’ve also wrote an essay for Discovery House’s fall 2017 release: Utmost Ongoing: Reflections on the Legacy of Oswald Chambers.
Some two-dozen authors wrote about the most significant My Utmost for His Highest reading in their personal lives.
I described my life-changing reaction to August 28: What’s the Point of Prayer?
2017
Both books are significant for lovers of My Utmost for His Highest and people interested in deepening their spiritual life through the examples of Biddy and Oswald Chambers.
To that end, I devoted Fridays throughout 2017 to thoughts about either Biddy or Oswald (or both), and interesting stories from their life and work.
According to Brother Andrew, even Biddy’s secular neighbors recognized her as being like Elijah, “she walked with God.”
I interviewed pertinent authors, shared stories of my research and explained the biographical influences on various readings from My Utmost for His Highest.
In addition, I told stories about the Chambers’ lives that did not make it into my book.
I followed the footsteps of several students in 2018 to demonstrate how Oswald’s profound teachings about the spiritual life carried into their lives and the world.
As my husband likes to say, “wouldn’t you like to know what it was like to study under Oswald Chambers and what you did with your life after that?”
God’s hand in the writing
My personal stories behind the writing of Mrs. Oswald Chambers have been of great spiritual encouragement to me.
Time and again, I received information, stumbled on a truth, heard from someone, and even met a stranger at a train station, that enhanced both my faith and the writing of this book, as well as my (as yet unsold) World War I novel.
At one point, I staggered downstairs to my husband’s study. “You’re not going to believe what happened this time. It’s almost like I’m being led to write this book!”
The wise man who has walked through this entire process, laughed. “You think so?”
Many friends have listened wide-eyed as I’ve marveled. “You’re not going to believe the latest.”
You can get the free Ebook Writing about Biddy and Oswald Chambers telling the stories by signing up for my newsletter here.
Oswald, Biddy and their final New Year’s Eve.
Through the seven years of their marriage, Oswald and Biddy spent the final days of the calendar year praying and considering what God was calling them to do or be in the following year.
Summer 1917
On December 31, 1916, soldiers, civilians and the world at large were weary of the grim, seemingly never-ending war.
Oswald closed the year at a watch-night service sponsored by the YMCA at Cairo’s Ezbekieh Gardens.
He spoke on “Finish 1916,” writing on his ubiquitous blackboard:
“The Irreparable Past–Sleep On Now. The Irresistible Future–Arise Let Us be Going. Matthew 26:45-46.”
At the stroke of midnight, he turned over the blackboard to his printed words:
“1917, A great New Year to you all ‘And God shall wipe away all tears,’ Revelation 21:4.”
They dreamed, of course, for the end of that ghastly war.
Peace, no more pain, grief nor tears, came with the joy of heaven on November 15, 1917 for Oswald Chambers.
It took a lot longer–with many more challenges– for Biddy.
Mrs. Oswald Chambers tells the story of one woman’s extraordinary skill, determination and love for her God. Using all those traits in combination with her confidence the words Oswald spoke on God’s behalf were important, Biddy compiled one of the bestselling devotionals of all time.
Tweetables
A year of faith-growing stories about Oswald and Biddy Chambers Click to Tweet
New Year’s Eve 1916 with Oswald Chambers Click to Tweet
2017 with Biddy and Oswald Chambers. Click to Tweet
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I’d just like to say, as a pastor, that Oswald Chambers’ writings (I have his Collected Works) have been, next to the Bible, the greatest single influence on my spiritual development. As my brother-in-law put it, we feel as if we’re in elementary school while he’s at university. It’s good to know that other people are also remembering this day – the 100th anniversary of his death. Harry Irrgang from Warsaw, Poland
Amen to that, Harry, and thanks for writing.
I make a similar analogy: Utmost is advanced Christianity because it requires me to really think about what each reading means. I’ve grown as a believer a great deal first from Utmost, and now from writing this biography. God is good, always, and we can trust Him.
Blessings on your ministry and today is a good day to honor OC.
Yes, indeed, thank you, and blessings on your own work.