Biographies are wonderful food for the mind and spirit. Within their covers, we are invited to take a look at the travails, triumphs, joys, and sorrows of ordinary men and women who attempted extraordinary things.
Biographies are my favorite genre of books, but not just because I like inspiring stories. I also love learning from the lives of others who have gone before me. I’ve been encouraged by their lives of service, motivated by their diligence, and blessed by their love for our Lord.
A few months ago I published a list of Christian books worth reading twice, so to follow it up, here is a new list of seven fantastic biographies that you probably have not read.
Pure Gold by David McCasland
Many of you have probably seen the film Chariots of Fire, but do you know the real story behind the movie? Eric Liddell was not just an Olympic gold medalist. He was a man sold out for Christ and dedicated to His service.
David McCasland is one of my favorite biographers and he does a fantastic job telling the story of Scotland’s most famous athlete—and one of China’s most beloved missionaries. McCasland tells the untold side of Liddell’s life, from his early years in China as a boy, all the way to his final days in an internment camp back in China during World War 2.
The Faith of Ronald Reagan by Mary Beth Brown
This is a relatively recent read for me, as I picked it up on the discount rack at Mardel’s a few weeks ago. It was an easy read, but this is definitely a book to read with a highlighter or pen handy!
I thought I knew a lot about Ronald Reagan, but after reading just a few chapters of this book, I started to realize that I had no idea just how much his faith impacted his life—and our nation. Ronald Reagan was a man on a mission. His mission was to serve His God and to fulfill God’s plan for his life. Trust me, this book is filled with anecdotes that you won’t ever see in our secular history books.
A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael by Elisabeth Elliot
Elisabeth Elliot is known for many amazing books, but this one, I believe, was a real labor of love. Thanks to Elliot’s diligent research and superb retelling, our generation has been introduced to the remarkable legacy of a single woman who turned India upside down.
Amy Carmichael spent fifty-three years in India—without a single furlough. Her life work of ministering to the orphans of India is still bearing fruit all these years later.
Mrs. Ike by Susan Eisenhower
Before Jacqueline Kennedy, Hilary Clinton, Nancy Reagan, Laura Bush, and Michelle Obama, there was another First Lady that captured our nation’s attention. But she didn’t set policy and she didn’t have her own political agenda.
Instead, she focused on being a help-meet to the young Texas soldier who swept her off her feet. She loyally stood by her man when they lived in tiny Army barracks. . . and when they ended up in the grandest White House in the land. Mrs. Ike is the fascinating, faithful tale of a great woman who America is quickly forgetting. Written by her granddaughter, this book tells the story of a woman who devoted her life to the task of making her husband a success—and how she changed the world because of that.
Extraordinary, Ordinary People by Condoleeza Rice
Before she was National Security Advisor and Secretary of State, she was just a little girl growing up in Alabama during some of our nation’s saddest hours. But growing up in that racially charged society did not thwart Condoleeza Rice. Instead, thanks to her extraordinary, ordinary parents, it inspired her to become the leader she is today.
Extraordinary, Ordinary People is the loving tale of Rice’s parents. Inside the book, you will meet not just a set of ordinary parents, but two people who also had courage, character, and commitment. You will be inspired, challenged, and encouraged to see how two humble Americans helped guide their daughter to an amazing life of service and leadership.
The Pastor’s Wife by Sabina Wurmbrand
Richard Wurmbrand was a Romanian pastor who spent years imprisoned by the Communists before escaping to America, and eventually founding Voice of the Martyrs. This autobiography, The Pastor’s Wife, is written by his faithful wife Sabina, who endured more than most wives will ever even dream about in their worst nightmares.
This book isn’t light reading, but it is necessary reading. You will cry and your heart will ache. But ultimately you will be encouraged by the story of how God was able to use this precious woman, who was even imprisoned herself, to encourage her husband to stay faithful and make unimaginable sacrifices for his Savior.
In the Presence of My Enemies by Gracia Burnham
Twelve years ago, our nation was jolted by the kidnapping of a group of American missionaries in the Philippines. What was supposed to be a simple ransom turned into a year long nightmare that finally ended after special forces attempted a daring rescue.
Gracia Burnham, who was kidnapped with her husband Martin, tells the story of their harrowing captivity—and of the faith that sustained them in the jungle, even when horrific tragedy struck. You will be inspired by this book and encouraged to faithfully pray for other missionaries who are still in harm’s way overseas.
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