With Love, Edith: The L'Abri Family Letters

by Edith Schaeffer

Excellent Book

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian

458 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

EDITH SCHAEFFER is the widow of Francis Schaeffer, and with him co-founder of L'Abri Fellowship. Her many books include A Celebration of Children and The Life of Prayer. She passed away in 2013.

Recognized internationally for his work in Christianity and culture, Francis A. Schaeffer authored more than twenty books, which have been translated into a score of languages and sold millions worldwide. He and his wife, Edith, founded L'Abri Fellowship international study and discipleship centers. Schaeffer passed away in 1984, but his influence and legacy continue worldwide.

children: Susan Schaeffer Macaulay

Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, it took me four years to finish this. But, it took Edith 12 years to write it. Hearing her in-the-moment journal style letters inspired me in so many ways. First of all, I was moved to record more pieces of my own life. Every time I read another stretch of this book, I realized how little will be left of my own life for others to read. Now, this is not to suggest that my life is particularly fascinating, but I think Edith’s life shows that every life is an ongoing testimony to God’s care and design. I was encouraged to put more of my own life into words, specifically to record how God has worked out His plan. Secondly, Edith’s own story shows the steps of faith. By following God from one place to the next, not able to see more than just that one next step, she reminds me of the importance of obedience and the unimportance of knowing the future. She didn’t know what was coming next. Yet watching her faithfulness unfold, her readers here can see how God had a design she was merely uncovering from day to day. Finally, I loved hearing about her acceptance of difficult circumstances (never with complaint), her priority on making Christ known, and her delicate balance of ministry and family care. What a beautiful woman of God she was. I am so grateful for the gift of this book (and its sequel, which I can read over the next four years!).

[Rachel B · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Schaeffer wrote letters to her family and "ministry family" while living and working as a missionary in Switzerland, and this book is a collection of 12 years' worth of those letters.

She details her family's ministry efforts that result in many salvations and the creation of L'Abri Fellowship, a place where people seeking spiritual truth can come to converse freely and wrestle with their beliefs (or lack thereof) about God.

Because these letters were penned between 1948 and 1960 in Europe, there are many interesting historical tidbits - for instance, real meals they ate during rationing after World War II are mentioned.

Schaeffer is very detailed in these letters, and so this book is not for those who just want the 'big picture.' (If that is you, I recommend reading L'Abri by Schaeffer instead.)

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. When I would sit down at night to read a bit from it, I felt like I was visiting with an old friend. Reading Edith's letters left my heart encouraged by the rich prayer life of the Schaeffers and rejoicing at the testimonies of God's provision and faithfulness.