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That Way and No Other: Following God through Storm and Drought
How do you stay true to God's call for your life?
Amy Carmichael left everything to become a missionary in India. But then seven-year-old Preena, fleeing sexual slavery, threw herself on the newcomer's protection. Could Carmichael relinquish a religious vocation to become a "nursemaid"? A picture of Jesus washing his disciples' feet came to her mind, and "the question answered itself and was not asked again." Joined by a growing team of Indian women, Carmichael founded Dohnavur, a community of households that has provided family for hundreds of girls who might otherwise have been sold into prostitution.
A modern-day saint, Amy Carmichael has inspired generations of missionaries and activists. The practical wisdom in these selections, taken from her many books, confirms her as a trustworthy spiritual guide for anyone honestly seeking to follow God's path.
Amy Carmichael left everything to become a missionary in India. But then seven-year-old Preena, fleeing sexual slavery, threw herself on the newcomer's protection. Could Carmichael relinquish a religious vocation to become a "nursemaid"? A picture of Jesus washing his disciples' feet came to her mind, and "the question answered itself and was not asked again." Joined by a growing team of Indian women, Carmichael founded Dohnavur, a community of households that has provided family for hundreds of girls who might otherwise have been sold into prostitution.
A modern-day saint, Amy Carmichael has inspired generations of missionaries and activists. The practical wisdom in these selections, taken from her many books, confirms her as a trustworthy spiritual guide for anyone honestly seeking to follow God's path.
144 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2020
About the author
Amy Carmichael
82 books305 followersAmy Wilson Carmichael was a Protestant Christian missionary in India, who opened an orphanage and founded a mission in Dohnavur. She served in India for 55 years without furlough and wrote many books about the missionary work there.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 10, 2020
Some of my earliest memories of Sunday School include stories about Amy Carmichael. In my memory a teacher held the extra-large story book and I was fascinated by the story of the woman who darkened her skin with tea bags in order to disguise herself to rescue children trafficked in prostitution in India. I’m not sure how my child-brain processed the part about rescuing children, but I felt an affinity for Amy Carmichael who wished as a little girl to have blonde hair and blue eyes but ended up thanking God for her dark hair and eyes. Plough Publishing has once again refreshed the stories of the spiritual giants of our Christian history in the welcoming compactness of a book we can read in one sitting and revisit often. My first memories of the treasured life of Amy Carmichael arrived in oversized illustrations that captured my imagination and now Plough’s and author Carolyn Kurtz in this backpack-sized book managed to enlarge the story and my own heart. Thanks be to God.
July 17, 2020
Summary: A curated collection of writings of Amy Carmichael, the missionary to India who became house mother to girls saved from sex trafficking.
Amy Carmichael had visions of missionary service fired by interactions with the likes of D. L. Moody at Keswick conventions. She tried to work among Manchester factory workers but her health failed. Later, she was rejected for missions in China due to health concerns. After working in Japan for fifteen months, she returned home with excruciating headaches. Finally she sailed from England in 1895 for service in India. She never returned. Even there, her visions of evangelistic ministry took an unexpected turn as young girls started arriving at the compound in Dohnavur--girls brought there as an alternative to sexual slavery in the local shrines. She questioned, "Could it be right to turn from so much that might be of profit...and become just nursemaids?" Then she remembered Jesus washing the disciples feet and realized that it was not hers to question where the Lord would assign her to serve. She oversaw a growing ministry to these girls until her death in 1951.
She also wrote. Her books inspired generations of Christians, many to mission service. In this book, Carolyn Kurtz has collected excerpts of her writings under several themes: Nothing Kept Back, Always a Soldier, Prayer Hunger, Your Chief Love and Friend, Forget Yourself in Serving Others, Poetry in Childhood, and Embracing God's Will. Some are short, aphoristic in character, some are longer, many filled with lush descriptions of her setting. One example:
The Gloriosa Superba is native to South India. During the autumn rains you find it shooting in the lane bordered thickly by huge cactus and aloe. Here and there you see it in the open field. In the field it will have a chance, you think; but in the lane, crowded down by cactus and aloe, great assertive things with most fierce thorn and spike, what can a poor lily do but give in and disappear? A few weeks afterward you see a punch of color on the field, you go and gather handfuls of lovely lilies, and your revel in the tangle of color, a little bewilderment of delight.
Other excerpts describe the alternative to the refuge they offer the young girls, the horror of the form of sexual trafficking to which they were subject:
A medical missionary, a woman of wide experience, was talking to a younger woman about the temple children. She had lived for some time, unknowingly, next door to a temple house in an Indian city. Night after night she said she was wakened by the cries of children--frightened cries, indignant cries, sometimes sharp cries of pain. She inquired in the morning, but was always told the children had been punished for some naughtiness. "They were only being beaten." She was not satisfied, and tried to find out more through the police. But she feared the police were bribed to tell nothing, for she found nothing through them. Later, by means of her medical work, she came full upon the truth.
Many of the writings describe the challenges, compensations and joys of work with these girls. So much of this is seen through a life surrendered to Christ. She writes:
Can you find a promise that if we follow the Lord Jesus Christ, life is going to be fairly easy? I do not think we shall find even one. But we shall find ever so many promises assuring us that however things are, we may count on strength to make us brave and peace to keep our hearts at rest.
This is a wonderful collection that captures the essence of Carmichael's spirituality, her love for the people and place to which God called her, and the struggle and joy she found in entrusting herself to the Lord's calling. The quotes are accompanied by as short biography by editor Carolyn Kurtz, and an introduction by Katelyn Beaty, reflecting on Carmichael's life and the role of women in missions, then and now.
I also came across this quote for lovers of books that might be a good way to conclude:
It matters a good deal that your book-food should be strong meat. We are what we think about. Think about trivial things or weak things and somehow one loses fiber and becomes flabby in spirit.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Amy Carmichael had visions of missionary service fired by interactions with the likes of D. L. Moody at Keswick conventions. She tried to work among Manchester factory workers but her health failed. Later, she was rejected for missions in China due to health concerns. After working in Japan for fifteen months, she returned home with excruciating headaches. Finally she sailed from England in 1895 for service in India. She never returned. Even there, her visions of evangelistic ministry took an unexpected turn as young girls started arriving at the compound in Dohnavur--girls brought there as an alternative to sexual slavery in the local shrines. She questioned, "Could it be right to turn from so much that might be of profit...and become just nursemaids?" Then she remembered Jesus washing the disciples feet and realized that it was not hers to question where the Lord would assign her to serve. She oversaw a growing ministry to these girls until her death in 1951.
She also wrote. Her books inspired generations of Christians, many to mission service. In this book, Carolyn Kurtz has collected excerpts of her writings under several themes: Nothing Kept Back, Always a Soldier, Prayer Hunger, Your Chief Love and Friend, Forget Yourself in Serving Others, Poetry in Childhood, and Embracing God's Will. Some are short, aphoristic in character, some are longer, many filled with lush descriptions of her setting. One example:
The Gloriosa Superba is native to South India. During the autumn rains you find it shooting in the lane bordered thickly by huge cactus and aloe. Here and there you see it in the open field. In the field it will have a chance, you think; but in the lane, crowded down by cactus and aloe, great assertive things with most fierce thorn and spike, what can a poor lily do but give in and disappear? A few weeks afterward you see a punch of color on the field, you go and gather handfuls of lovely lilies, and your revel in the tangle of color, a little bewilderment of delight.
Other excerpts describe the alternative to the refuge they offer the young girls, the horror of the form of sexual trafficking to which they were subject:
A medical missionary, a woman of wide experience, was talking to a younger woman about the temple children. She had lived for some time, unknowingly, next door to a temple house in an Indian city. Night after night she said she was wakened by the cries of children--frightened cries, indignant cries, sometimes sharp cries of pain. She inquired in the morning, but was always told the children had been punished for some naughtiness. "They were only being beaten." She was not satisfied, and tried to find out more through the police. But she feared the police were bribed to tell nothing, for she found nothing through them. Later, by means of her medical work, she came full upon the truth.
Many of the writings describe the challenges, compensations and joys of work with these girls. So much of this is seen through a life surrendered to Christ. She writes:
Can you find a promise that if we follow the Lord Jesus Christ, life is going to be fairly easy? I do not think we shall find even one. But we shall find ever so many promises assuring us that however things are, we may count on strength to make us brave and peace to keep our hearts at rest.
This is a wonderful collection that captures the essence of Carmichael's spirituality, her love for the people and place to which God called her, and the struggle and joy she found in entrusting herself to the Lord's calling. The quotes are accompanied by as short biography by editor Carolyn Kurtz, and an introduction by Katelyn Beaty, reflecting on Carmichael's life and the role of women in missions, then and now.
I also came across this quote for lovers of books that might be a good way to conclude:
It matters a good deal that your book-food should be strong meat. We are what we think about. Think about trivial things or weak things and somehow one loses fiber and becomes flabby in spirit.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
May 2, 2020
I first read about Amy Carmichael's work among the children at Dohnavur in high school or undergraduate school. I looked forward to reading about that work in her own words. While this book does that, the snippet brevity sometimes feels like a quotation book. The few longer passages gave me the insight I wanted. I would prefer to read the quotes in their original context. Still this little book offers a glimpse for the curious into the life of an extraordinary woman and her love for God and the children of India. I received this through LibraryThing Early Reviewers program with the expectation of an honest review.
February 11, 2020
The book opens with two different biographical sketches of missionary Amy Carmichael (1867-1951). One sketch is by Carolyn Kurtz; the second sketch is by Katelyn Beaty. The remaining chapters of this one are written by Amy Carmichael herself--taken from previously published works. (I believe she did most of her writing in the 1930s).
The chapters address different topics. Some chapters include a great deal of stories about her life, her children, her work; other chapters stay focused on one topic/aspect/subject of the Christian life. Both can prove beneficial to readers.
This was my first time reading Carmichael. I found myself agreeing with some of what she wrote; I also found myself disagreeing here and there, in bits and pieces, with a few things. Like always, use discernment and judge all things by the Word of God.
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
"Our Lord did not say, “Go ye into all the world if you feel an ardent flame of love to all the people in it.” He just said, “Go ye,” and as we obey, he gives us all we need to lead them to him. And of course as we most of all need love, he gives it to us. I think often we accept the cross in theory, but when it comes to practice, we either do not recognize it for what it is, or we recognize it and try to avoid it. This we can always do, for the cross is something that can be taken up or left, just as we choose."
"Life is a journey; it is a climb; it is also and always a war. The soldier of the Lord of Hosts is always a soldier. He dare not drivel down to any other kind of life. We can’t be entangled in the affairs of this life if we are to be real soldiers. By its affairs I mean its chatter and its ways of thinking and deciding questions, its whole aspect and trend. God forgive us our love of ease. God forgive us that so often we turn our faces from a life that is even remotely like his. Forgive us that we all but worship comfort, the delight of the presence of loved ones, possessions, treasure on earth."
"All the great staining temptations–to selfishness, ambition, and other strong sins that violently affront the soul–appear first in the region of the mind, and can be fought and conquered there. We have been given the power to close the door of the mind. We can lose this power through disuse or increase it by use, by the daily discipline of the inner man in things which seem small, and by reliance upon the word of the spirit of truth."
"It is the eternal in books that makes them our friends and teachers–the paragraphs, the verses, that grip memory and ring down the years like bells, or call like bugles, or sound like trumpets; words of vision that open to us undying things and fix our eyes on them. We are not here, they tell us, for trivial purposes. . . . We are not here to be overcome, but to rise unvanquished after every knock-out blow, and laugh the laugh of faith, not fear."
"More and more as we go on, and learn our utter inability to move a single pebble by ourselves, and the mighty power of God to upturn mountains with a touch, we realize how infinitely important it is to know how to pray. There is the restful prayer of committal to which the immediate answer is peace. We could not live without this sort of prayer; we should be crushed and overborne, and give up brokenhearted if it were not for that peace. But the Apostle speaks of another prayer that is wrestle, conflict, “agony.” And if these little children are to be delivered and protected . . . then some of us must be strong to meet the powers that will combat every inch of the field with us, and some of us must learn deeper things than we know yet about the solemn secret of prevailing prayer."
"Our loving Lord is not just present, but nearer than thought can imagine, so near that a whisper can reach him. You know the story of the man who had a quick temper and had not time to go away and pray for help. His habit was to send up a little telegraph prayer, “Thy sweetness, Lord!” and sweetness came. Do you need courage? “Thy courage, Lord!” Patience? “Thy patience, Lord!” Love? “Thy love, Lord!” A quiet mind? “Thy quietness, Lord!” Shall we all practice this swift and simple way of prayer more and more? If we do, our Very Present Help will not disappoint us. For thou, Lord, hast never failed them that seek thee (Ps. 9:10). Prayer in the name of his beloved Son cannot lose its way in the void. It must find the ear of God."
"For prayer is not emotion, it is a traffic between earth and heaven, “a commerce of love.” Our ships set sail for heavenly shores; they do not return empty; it is impossible that they should; but we are not told what tide will bring them back. We think in terms of time; God thinks in terms of eternity. We see the near end of the thread on which are strung our moments, minutes, hours, days, like pearls on a string; the other end is out of view, and yet the thread is one, indivisible. We call the near end time, and the far end eternity, as though somewhere the thread broke (at death perhaps). But it is not so. We are living in eternity now."
"If monotony tries me, and I cannot stand drudgery; if stupid people fret me and little ruffles set me on edge; if I make much of the trifles of life, then I know nothing of Calvary love. If I am inconsiderate about the comfort of others, or their feelings, or even of their little weaknesses; if I am careless about their little hurts and miss opportunities to smooth their way; if I make the sweet running of household wheels more difficult to accomplish, then I know nothing of Calvary love. If interruptions annoy me and private cares make me impatient; if I shadow the souls about me because I myself am shadowed, then I know nothing of Calvary love. If souls can suffer alongside, and I hardly know it, because the spirit of discernment is not in me, then I know nothing of Calvary love."
"Often our flash of haste means little. To read a book in an hour (if the book has taken half a lifetime to write) means nothing at all. To pray in a hurry of spirit means nothing. To live in a hurry means to do much but effect little. We build more quickly in wood, hay, and stubble than in gold, silver, and precious stones; but the one abides, the other does not."
"Thank God, courage is as infectious as discouragement. Have you not often felt the cheer and strength that seem to flow from one whose mind is stayed on God? I have."
"It matters a good deal that your book-food should be strong meat. We are what we think about."
"Can you find a promise that if we follow the Lord Jesus Christ, life is going to be fairly easy? I do not think we shall find even one. But we shall find ever so many promises assuring us that however things are, we may count on strength to make us brave and peace to keep our hearts at rest. I want you to welcome the little difficult things, the tiny pricks and ruffles that are sure to come almost every day. For they give you a chance to say “No” to yourself, and by doing so you will become strong not only to do but also to endure."
The chapters address different topics. Some chapters include a great deal of stories about her life, her children, her work; other chapters stay focused on one topic/aspect/subject of the Christian life. Both can prove beneficial to readers.
This was my first time reading Carmichael. I found myself agreeing with some of what she wrote; I also found myself disagreeing here and there, in bits and pieces, with a few things. Like always, use discernment and judge all things by the Word of God.
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
"Our Lord did not say, “Go ye into all the world if you feel an ardent flame of love to all the people in it.” He just said, “Go ye,” and as we obey, he gives us all we need to lead them to him. And of course as we most of all need love, he gives it to us. I think often we accept the cross in theory, but when it comes to practice, we either do not recognize it for what it is, or we recognize it and try to avoid it. This we can always do, for the cross is something that can be taken up or left, just as we choose."
"Life is a journey; it is a climb; it is also and always a war. The soldier of the Lord of Hosts is always a soldier. He dare not drivel down to any other kind of life. We can’t be entangled in the affairs of this life if we are to be real soldiers. By its affairs I mean its chatter and its ways of thinking and deciding questions, its whole aspect and trend. God forgive us our love of ease. God forgive us that so often we turn our faces from a life that is even remotely like his. Forgive us that we all but worship comfort, the delight of the presence of loved ones, possessions, treasure on earth."
"All the great staining temptations–to selfishness, ambition, and other strong sins that violently affront the soul–appear first in the region of the mind, and can be fought and conquered there. We have been given the power to close the door of the mind. We can lose this power through disuse or increase it by use, by the daily discipline of the inner man in things which seem small, and by reliance upon the word of the spirit of truth."
"It is the eternal in books that makes them our friends and teachers–the paragraphs, the verses, that grip memory and ring down the years like bells, or call like bugles, or sound like trumpets; words of vision that open to us undying things and fix our eyes on them. We are not here, they tell us, for trivial purposes. . . . We are not here to be overcome, but to rise unvanquished after every knock-out blow, and laugh the laugh of faith, not fear."
"More and more as we go on, and learn our utter inability to move a single pebble by ourselves, and the mighty power of God to upturn mountains with a touch, we realize how infinitely important it is to know how to pray. There is the restful prayer of committal to which the immediate answer is peace. We could not live without this sort of prayer; we should be crushed and overborne, and give up brokenhearted if it were not for that peace. But the Apostle speaks of another prayer that is wrestle, conflict, “agony.” And if these little children are to be delivered and protected . . . then some of us must be strong to meet the powers that will combat every inch of the field with us, and some of us must learn deeper things than we know yet about the solemn secret of prevailing prayer."
"Our loving Lord is not just present, but nearer than thought can imagine, so near that a whisper can reach him. You know the story of the man who had a quick temper and had not time to go away and pray for help. His habit was to send up a little telegraph prayer, “Thy sweetness, Lord!” and sweetness came. Do you need courage? “Thy courage, Lord!” Patience? “Thy patience, Lord!” Love? “Thy love, Lord!” A quiet mind? “Thy quietness, Lord!” Shall we all practice this swift and simple way of prayer more and more? If we do, our Very Present Help will not disappoint us. For thou, Lord, hast never failed them that seek thee (Ps. 9:10). Prayer in the name of his beloved Son cannot lose its way in the void. It must find the ear of God."
"For prayer is not emotion, it is a traffic between earth and heaven, “a commerce of love.” Our ships set sail for heavenly shores; they do not return empty; it is impossible that they should; but we are not told what tide will bring them back. We think in terms of time; God thinks in terms of eternity. We see the near end of the thread on which are strung our moments, minutes, hours, days, like pearls on a string; the other end is out of view, and yet the thread is one, indivisible. We call the near end time, and the far end eternity, as though somewhere the thread broke (at death perhaps). But it is not so. We are living in eternity now."
"If monotony tries me, and I cannot stand drudgery; if stupid people fret me and little ruffles set me on edge; if I make much of the trifles of life, then I know nothing of Calvary love. If I am inconsiderate about the comfort of others, or their feelings, or even of their little weaknesses; if I am careless about their little hurts and miss opportunities to smooth their way; if I make the sweet running of household wheels more difficult to accomplish, then I know nothing of Calvary love. If interruptions annoy me and private cares make me impatient; if I shadow the souls about me because I myself am shadowed, then I know nothing of Calvary love. If souls can suffer alongside, and I hardly know it, because the spirit of discernment is not in me, then I know nothing of Calvary love."
"Often our flash of haste means little. To read a book in an hour (if the book has taken half a lifetime to write) means nothing at all. To pray in a hurry of spirit means nothing. To live in a hurry means to do much but effect little. We build more quickly in wood, hay, and stubble than in gold, silver, and precious stones; but the one abides, the other does not."
"Thank God, courage is as infectious as discouragement. Have you not often felt the cheer and strength that seem to flow from one whose mind is stayed on God? I have."
"It matters a good deal that your book-food should be strong meat. We are what we think about."
"Can you find a promise that if we follow the Lord Jesus Christ, life is going to be fairly easy? I do not think we shall find even one. But we shall find ever so many promises assuring us that however things are, we may count on strength to make us brave and peace to keep our hearts at rest. I want you to welcome the little difficult things, the tiny pricks and ruffles that are sure to come almost every day. For they give you a chance to say “No” to yourself, and by doing so you will become strong not only to do but also to endure."
April 22, 2020
Whenever I read the words of Christians from the Victorian era, I wonder if such sincere, earnest faith is even possible anymore. Take, for example, this sweet instruction from Amy Carmichael: "I wonder what your biggest temptation is. Is it to be suddenly angry? That was mine when I was a little girl. I used to feel something like a fire suddenly burning up in my heart. If you feel like that, ask the Lord Jesus to pour his cool, kind, gentle love into your heart instead." I catch myself thinking Yes, of course! as I read these words, then immediately afterward Wait, is that all? And then you never got angry again?
I love Amy's sincerity, I really do. I love her courage and her faith and admire her example. I just don't know if such sincerity is even possible in a cynical age. Can I really just pray for the "cool, kind, gentle love of Jesus" to wash away my anger and be done with anger forever? Could she? I have a hard time not deconstructing her words as too simple, too optimistic, too hard to live up to. And I wonder if the fault lies in me for being too cynical or in her for being too naive. Either way, I find a gap between her good intentions and my lived experience. Was her era so different that a simple faith was possible only then and my era requires a more nuanced, jaded understanding of faith? I don't have an answer. That's just the question I ask every time I read words like hers.
This is not to say there is any fault with this little book. On the contrary, it's a delightful, short insight in Amy Carmichael's heart. I feel I've caught up a bit with all my contemporaries who have admired her words. It feels a bit like getting the Sparknotes version, but instead of summaries, you get selections of her actual words, curated and ordered to help you get the most out of each selection. Love these books!
I love Amy's sincerity, I really do. I love her courage and her faith and admire her example. I just don't know if such sincerity is even possible in a cynical age. Can I really just pray for the "cool, kind, gentle love of Jesus" to wash away my anger and be done with anger forever? Could she? I have a hard time not deconstructing her words as too simple, too optimistic, too hard to live up to. And I wonder if the fault lies in me for being too cynical or in her for being too naive. Either way, I find a gap between her good intentions and my lived experience. Was her era so different that a simple faith was possible only then and my era requires a more nuanced, jaded understanding of faith? I don't have an answer. That's just the question I ask every time I read words like hers.
This is not to say there is any fault with this little book. On the contrary, it's a delightful, short insight in Amy Carmichael's heart. I feel I've caught up a bit with all my contemporaries who have admired her words. It feels a bit like getting the Sparknotes version, but instead of summaries, you get selections of her actual words, curated and ordered to help you get the most out of each selection. Love these books!
February 15, 2023
As some others mentioned in reviews, this was not exactly what I expected. I’m not exactly sure why they included two separate bios at the beginning. I enjoyed the first one, but the second was not my favorite. It held a lot of (what seemed to me) speculation.
The rest of the book is themed quotes from various works by AC. I found some of the chapters helpful. Some quotes were hard to grasp out of context. Still it’s a fine little book—maybe more of a “quote a day” type devotional companion? I didn’t agree with everything in it, but I’ve enjoyed her writings in the past.
(I recommend her books “If” and “His thoughts said, His Father said.” I personally haven’t yet read “a Chance to Die”, but I know E. Elliot is an excellent writer and I am sure that is also a good bio.)
The rest of the book is themed quotes from various works by AC. I found some of the chapters helpful. Some quotes were hard to grasp out of context. Still it’s a fine little book—maybe more of a “quote a day” type devotional companion? I didn’t agree with everything in it, but I’ve enjoyed her writings in the past.
(I recommend her books “If” and “His thoughts said, His Father said.” I personally haven’t yet read “a Chance to Die”, but I know E. Elliot is an excellent writer and I am sure that is also a good bio.)
March 11, 2020
Beautiful little book about the early 20th century Christian missionary in India: Amy Carmichael. She and the Community she founded devoted their lives to Indian children, rescuing them from a horrific fate as Hindu temple prostitutes [and worse.] We are given a short biography then most of the book consists of excerpts from Ms. Carmichael's writings: her life in India with the children and many devotional selections. Her spirituality shines through. Much of this book is meant to be dipped into, reread, and reflected upon.
Recommended. I thank LibraryThing for the ARC they sent me.
Recommended. I thank LibraryThing for the ARC they sent me.
February 5, 2020
"That Way and No Other," by Amy Carmichael is written from a collection of her many works published during her lifetime about her decades spent at an orphanage in India, started to rescue girls from being sex slaves in Hindu temples. The first chapter of the book is more of a history of Carmichael's ministry in India and her 55 years of service as a missionary for the "least of these."
The remainder of the book is spiritual lessons Carmichael learned following God and his calling on her life. There is much practical wisdom and application to be gleaned from the writings. I found it at times difficult to put down as you can hear Carmichael's passion and experience that comes from facing some of life's hardest challenges.
After reading this book, I have a newfound respect and reverence for Carmichael and her enduring ministry. She is truly an example of an amazing woman who literally laid down her life to follow Jesus, and found that every sacrifice she made was absolutely worth it.
I received this as an eBook from Plough Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review of the title. I did not receive any compensation from either company. The opinions expressed herein are completely my own.
The remainder of the book is spiritual lessons Carmichael learned following God and his calling on her life. There is much practical wisdom and application to be gleaned from the writings. I found it at times difficult to put down as you can hear Carmichael's passion and experience that comes from facing some of life's hardest challenges.
After reading this book, I have a newfound respect and reverence for Carmichael and her enduring ministry. She is truly an example of an amazing woman who literally laid down her life to follow Jesus, and found that every sacrifice she made was absolutely worth it.
I received this as an eBook from Plough Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review of the title. I did not receive any compensation from either company. The opinions expressed herein are completely my own.
August 12, 2020
Pioneer missionary and author Amy Carmichael’s remarkable servant life was shaped from the very beginning by the awareness that God is free to work his will in this world, even when it diverted from her own chosen path. From this partnership with the living and untamed God flowed thirty-five books that continue to inspire readers today and a ministry among trafficked temple children in the land of India.
That Way and No Other shares Amy’s inspiring story in two biographical essays followed by a rich sampling of excerpts lifted from Amy’s own writing, offering her soulful and no-nonsense observations gleaned from a faithful following life.
God’s assignment to become “Amma” (“mother”) to a houseful of sons and daughters arrived as both a surprise and a struggle to a woman who had envisioned herself in an itinerant speaking ministry. Throughout her life, she quoted the Tamil proverb, “Children tie the mother’s feet,” but added, “We let our feet be tied for love of Him whose feet were pierced.” (116) In her submission to the commonplace duties of loving and caring for the children she rescued, she elevates the calling of motherhood and the role of the servant in the kingdom of God where the meek are blessed and the last shall be first.
Darkening her skin with coffee grounds, brown-eyed Amy was able to move unnoticed on city streets, rescuing children from a life of temple prostitution, from “things that darkened the sunlight,” and from which Amy, with her Victorian era sensibilities would have longed to “turn away with burning eyes, and only for the children’s sake could we ever look again…” (400)
Well aware that Jesus had come under the burden with her, Amy ministered faithfully in the orphanage she established, and she remained in India for the rest of her life. Perhaps it was her awareness of the impossible nature of her calling and the unspeakable evil she was confronting that account for the staying power of her words. She was ahead of her time in resisting imperialism and the white savior complex that plagued missions in her day:
"The thing we fight is not India or Indian, in essence or development. It is something alien to the old life of the people… We think of the real India as we see it in the… seeker after the unknown God, with his wistful eyes… The true India is sensitive and very gentle. There is a wisdom in its ways, none the less wise because it is not the wisdom of the West.”
That Way and No Other, 413
With lyrical prose and with poetry that shimmers with glimpses of God-light, Amy’s words live on, and if Amy is one of those classic writers you’ve “always meant to dig into, but haven’t yet,” That Way and No Other (with introductory biographical material from Carolyn Kurtz and Katelyn Beaty) is an excellent beginning point.
Be inspired and encouraged by words like these on prayer:
There are two prayers, one of which we are constantly praying, sometimes in words, sometimes in thoughts, always in actions. One is, ‘Teach me to do the thing that pleaseth thee.’ (Psalm 143:10) and the other is, ‘Lord, let me do the thing that pleaseth me.”
Many thanks to Plough Publishing House and Net Galley for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which, of course, is offered freely and with honesty.
That Way and No Other shares Amy’s inspiring story in two biographical essays followed by a rich sampling of excerpts lifted from Amy’s own writing, offering her soulful and no-nonsense observations gleaned from a faithful following life.
God’s assignment to become “Amma” (“mother”) to a houseful of sons and daughters arrived as both a surprise and a struggle to a woman who had envisioned herself in an itinerant speaking ministry. Throughout her life, she quoted the Tamil proverb, “Children tie the mother’s feet,” but added, “We let our feet be tied for love of Him whose feet were pierced.” (116) In her submission to the commonplace duties of loving and caring for the children she rescued, she elevates the calling of motherhood and the role of the servant in the kingdom of God where the meek are blessed and the last shall be first.
Darkening her skin with coffee grounds, brown-eyed Amy was able to move unnoticed on city streets, rescuing children from a life of temple prostitution, from “things that darkened the sunlight,” and from which Amy, with her Victorian era sensibilities would have longed to “turn away with burning eyes, and only for the children’s sake could we ever look again…” (400)
Well aware that Jesus had come under the burden with her, Amy ministered faithfully in the orphanage she established, and she remained in India for the rest of her life. Perhaps it was her awareness of the impossible nature of her calling and the unspeakable evil she was confronting that account for the staying power of her words. She was ahead of her time in resisting imperialism and the white savior complex that plagued missions in her day:
"The thing we fight is not India or Indian, in essence or development. It is something alien to the old life of the people… We think of the real India as we see it in the… seeker after the unknown God, with his wistful eyes… The true India is sensitive and very gentle. There is a wisdom in its ways, none the less wise because it is not the wisdom of the West.”
That Way and No Other, 413
With lyrical prose and with poetry that shimmers with glimpses of God-light, Amy’s words live on, and if Amy is one of those classic writers you’ve “always meant to dig into, but haven’t yet,” That Way and No Other (with introductory biographical material from Carolyn Kurtz and Katelyn Beaty) is an excellent beginning point.
Be inspired and encouraged by words like these on prayer:
There are two prayers, one of which we are constantly praying, sometimes in words, sometimes in thoughts, always in actions. One is, ‘Teach me to do the thing that pleaseth thee.’ (Psalm 143:10) and the other is, ‘Lord, let me do the thing that pleaseth me.”
Many thanks to Plough Publishing House and Net Galley for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which, of course, is offered freely and with honesty.
February 23, 2020
That Way and No Other
Following God through Storm and Drought
by Amy Carmichael
Plough Publishing
Plough Publishing House
Christian , Religion & Spirituality
Pub Date 03 Mar 2020
I am reviewing a copy of That Way and No Other: Following God through Storm and Drought through Plough Publishing and Netgalley:
Amy Carmichael was born on December.16, 1867 in Ireland. She was the first child of Catherine and David Carmichael. Her family owned the mills in the Coastal Village of Millisle.
In 1859 a Christian revival took place in the area affecting David and Catherine, and later there children as well. From a young age Amy remembered that after the nursery lights were turned low, and she was alone she’d smooth a spot on her sheets and say “Father, please come and sit with me.” At bedtime she would absorb the songs and stories sung to her, and read to her.
Like her Mother, Amy had a love for all living things. One of her first memories of feeling fury was when she had was when she saw a child torment a frog.
At the age of twelve Amy was sent to a boarding school, but soon financial difficulties hit the family, and Amy was sent back home from school. On April.12.1885, David died of Pneumonia, he was fifty four. Amy was seventeen, and she helped her Mother by homeschooling the younger children. Amy started gathering local children in her family’s home on Sunday afternoons, and in 1888 she oversaw the construction of a metal hall for outreach to Belfast’s Mill girls. Despite having no money for the project she believed in the power of prayer, and The Welcome was built, and is still in use a hundred and thirty years later.
When she was twenty one Amy moved to England joining a mission to Manchester factory workers. She took a room in the slums, but her health suffered because of it. In the months that followed as Amy was rebuilding her health she talked about mission work with Wilson.
Amy Carmichael had left everything she had known to become a missionary in India. When a seven year old little girl named Preena, a victim of Sexual Slavery threw herself on to the protection of the newcomer. Amy Carmichael struggles with whether or not she would be able to relinquish a religious vocation to become a nursemaid. But as she pictured Jesus washing his disciples feet, her questioning was answered.
With a team of Indian Women, Carmichael founded Dohnavur, a community of households that provided for hundreds of girls who otherwise would have likely been sold into Prostitution.
Amy Carmichael has inspired generations of activists and missionaries.
I give Thar Way and No Other five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
October 5, 2021
Amy Carmichael inspires many generations of Christians and people in reflection if missionary life is for them and if God’s called them to missionary ministry. I am thankful for Amy Carmichael and her missionary to save young girls and women from being sexual slaves, prostitution and helping them to flee. Even though I would have liked to fully read the book to have an understanding of what these young girls and women went through and how they escaped and how Amy helped them through the process but unfortunately it didn’t hold my entire attention. Whereas I recommend That way and no other for fellow Christians who like to read about missionary work in India and the religion and spirituality genre. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harvest House Publishing via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.
#Immortal #NetGalley
Review run date was set for 03 Mar 2020 for Netgalley, unfortunately life stood at a standstill as I finished the final semester and three subjects of my studies. On 28 March 2021 I was set to write the review and my health became an emotional roller coaster so here I am today 06 October 2021 going to write my review will be post on my blog, Facebook blog, Amazon.com.au, goodreads, kobo, googlebooks and iBooks.
My WordPress blog is http://bluefalkon95adorationofallgenr... My Facebook reader blog page link, is https://www.facebook.com/BlueFalkon95...
#Immortal #NetGalley
Review run date was set for 03 Mar 2020 for Netgalley, unfortunately life stood at a standstill as I finished the final semester and three subjects of my studies. On 28 March 2021 I was set to write the review and my health became an emotional roller coaster so here I am today 06 October 2021 going to write my review will be post on my blog, Facebook blog, Amazon.com.au, goodreads, kobo, googlebooks and iBooks.
My WordPress blog is http://bluefalkon95adorationofallgenr... My Facebook reader blog page link, is https://www.facebook.com/BlueFalkon95...
February 13, 2020
Ever since I first learned about the life Amy Carmichael, I've been inspired by her complete submission and devotion to Christ. I picked up That Way and No Other from Plough Publishing, wanting to hear from Amy herself through some of her devotional thoughts. The editors of this volume selected some of Carmichael's writings and arranged them topically. Overall, I found the readings challenging and inspiring at the same time. For Carmichael's writings, this is a great resource.
My complaint about the book has to do with the introductory material, which seems to have been written by someone with a femininst agenda who incorrectly interpreted the meaning of some decisions by missions organizations in the United States. I believe a more thorough examination would find that while Southern Baptists are certainly not feminists and do not advocate women as pastors in authority over men, Southern Baptist women do participate in evangelism and church planting efforts all over the world. Unfortunately that set the tone for the rest of the book for me, even though I enjoy Carmichael's writings.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for this honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
My complaint about the book has to do with the introductory material, which seems to have been written by someone with a femininst agenda who incorrectly interpreted the meaning of some decisions by missions organizations in the United States. I believe a more thorough examination would find that while Southern Baptists are certainly not feminists and do not advocate women as pastors in authority over men, Southern Baptist women do participate in evangelism and church planting efforts all over the world. Unfortunately that set the tone for the rest of the book for me, even though I enjoy Carmichael's writings.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for this honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
January 23, 2021
The first two chapters of the book biographied Amy Carmichael’s life and the following six were composed of her own reflections on what life looked like while following The Lord into some of the darkest corners of the world. I loved hearing the stoic peace in her words - she knew the truth of the gospel and how the scriptures instructed her to live, and she’d walk in it in Christ’s power regardless of feeling or circumstance. This was very encouraging to me and though it’s short, it’s a valuable gem that points us away from ourselves and onto the cross - where we find peace.
Also really cool to see how a single woman in the late 1800s embarked alone on mission - “The story of modern missions is the story of adventurous women. They are remembered for their radical service to God, yes, but also for challenging conventions of womanhood, even while affirming traditional gender roles” (p. xxviii).
My favorite quote - “At last a day came when the burden grew too heavy for me; and then it was as though the trees I stood under were olive, and under one of those trees our Lord Jesus knelt, and He knelt alone. And I knew that this was His burden, not mine. It was He who was asking me to share it with Him, not I who was asking Him to share it with me” (p. x-xi).
Also really cool to see how a single woman in the late 1800s embarked alone on mission - “The story of modern missions is the story of adventurous women. They are remembered for their radical service to God, yes, but also for challenging conventions of womanhood, even while affirming traditional gender roles” (p. xxviii).
My favorite quote - “At last a day came when the burden grew too heavy for me; and then it was as though the trees I stood under were olive, and under one of those trees our Lord Jesus knelt, and He knelt alone. And I knew that this was His burden, not mine. It was He who was asking me to share it with Him, not I who was asking Him to share it with me” (p. x-xi).
March 3, 2020
Amy Carmichael is a missionary that has held interest for me since I was a child. I had read two biographies of her in the past. She is a women God used to change the country f India and the perception of missions for many including myself.
That Way and No Other, Following God through Storm and Drought by Amy Carmichael gives her story through mostly her own words. The beginning is a sketch of her but then it is her words and thoughts. Some of this I had read in the profile but it was enlightening to hear it in her own words.
A complex enthusiastic person who gave her whole self to serve the Lord. This book highlights much of that contagious personality of hers. You do not need to agree with everything she wrote to appreciate her life.
4.5 Stars
The publisher through Net Galley provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.
That Way and No Other, Following God through Storm and Drought by Amy Carmichael gives her story through mostly her own words. The beginning is a sketch of her but then it is her words and thoughts. Some of this I had read in the profile but it was enlightening to hear it in her own words.
A complex enthusiastic person who gave her whole self to serve the Lord. This book highlights much of that contagious personality of hers. You do not need to agree with everything she wrote to appreciate her life.
4.5 Stars
The publisher through Net Galley provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.
March 18, 2020
"That Way and No Other" talked about Amy Carmichael's work and what she felt it meant to be a fully devoted disciple of Jesus. The first quarter of the book was descriptions of Amy Carmichael's life provided by others to give context to Amy's writings. They talked about her work in India rescuing young children from sexual abuse in Hindu temples. The rest of the book was written by Amy Carmichael. She sometimes talked about things occurring with the children (how she learned about the abuse, rescuing a child, raising the children), but they were more tidbits than full stories. Since this is a collection, the book didn't have a tied-together feel. She mostly talked about topics like praying. Overall, I'd recommend this book to those interested in Amy Carmichael's work and thoughts.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
May 14, 2020
I received this small , but powerful paperback compilation of Amy Carmichael's quotes , stories , and Godly nuggets of wisdom from a Goodreads giveaway ! Although I have read , A Chance to Die, by Elizabeth Elliott , and so already knew much of what I read here , I enjoyed the snatches of moments I was blessed with in between teaching our children . Speaking of those , I cringed every time I read about those dear ones in India enslaved in the temples for the devil's pleasure . I have no idea if this continues in my generation , but if so, we definitely need more people like Amy Carmichael , who literally chose God's Way , and no other !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2020
This is my first interaction with the writings of Amy Carmichael and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was encouraged in Christ and greatly challenged. It would be easy to take a woman like Amy and make her “other than” or a “super Christian” but her writings truly reveal her heart. She expresses struggles, confesses sin, and points the reader to Christ and the extraordinary God for whom she spent her life. The reason for three stars and not more is that I feel a curated collection of quotes and excerpts is just not my style. I didn’t like jumping from thought to thought, so I’d prefer to spend my time reading one of her full books, which I intend to do.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for a review.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for a review.
November 30, 2020
This book contains an introduction to the life and work of the beloved missionary to India, Amy Carmichael, and an introduction to her vast writing. The second section is a sampling of her writing. I was intrigued by her observances of nature and how they correlate to the life of a disciple of Christ. The chapters include "Nothing Kept Back," that means nothing kept back from God; "Prayer Hunger"; "Your Chief Love and Friend"--Jesus; a chapter on serving others; and "Embracing God's Will"; among others. There is much that I learned--or am learning--from this small book, and I know others will get a lot out of it as well.
I received a free copy of this book from Amazon Vine in exchange for my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from Amazon Vine in exchange for my honest review.
March 19, 2020
I received this book in a goodreads giveaway from Plough Publishing. I was expecting a biography, but it is actually a collection of quotes from Amy Carmichael's works that were beautiful to read. There were introductions that gave some of the biographical background, but the main focus of the book were these snippets of wisdom from Ms Carmichael herself. She was clearly an intelligent, faithful woman and I was moved by her expressions of faith. This is a quick, uplifting read full of wisdom and truth.
March 30, 2020
I've been somewhat familiar with Amy Carmichael in that I've purchased a couple books based on her writing. (She was recommended by another writer I have read. I think perhaps it was Elizabeth Elliott?) This was an excellent collection of her writings. It is not necessary to read this all in one go, as it was not written that way.
Some excellent insights into life, God, the poor, evangelism, prayer. It is a good introduction to Amy Carmichael for anyone who is interested in learning more about her.
Some excellent insights into life, God, the poor, evangelism, prayer. It is a good introduction to Amy Carmichael for anyone who is interested in learning more about her.
February 5, 2020
That Way and No Other
Following God through Storm and Drought
by Amy Carmichael
Plough Publishing
Plough Publishing House
Christian , Religion & Spirituality
I received the
ARC from Net Galley and Plough Publishing House. Very good read!! HIstorical and True!
Will recommend this to our readers who like biographies.
Following God through Storm and Drought
by Amy Carmichael
Plough Publishing
Plough Publishing House
Christian , Religion & Spirituality
I received the
ARC from Net Galley and Plough Publishing House. Very good read!! HIstorical and True!
Will recommend this to our readers who like biographies.
March 25, 2020
I received this book through Librarything.com Early Member Giveaway for an honest review. This is my own opinion and thoughts on the book. I enjoyed this book a lot. I didn't know about this woman at all. This book was great, the woman in the book was a true fighter for the Christian faith! This was a quick read and easy to understand.
January 3, 2022
I was not enthralled by this book. Too much time is spent of people talking about Amy Carmichael and not enough of her writings. I gave it three stars because her writings are emotional and spiritual and I was glad to have a chance to experience a new writing/missionary.
I received an ARC from the publisher all my opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the publisher all my opinions are my own.
March 18, 2020
Amy Carmichael opened an orphanage to rescue Indian children from becoming Hindu temple sex slaves. She served in India for 55 years and wrote many books about her service. This book is a collection from many books that she wrote during her lifetime.
May 27, 2022
I love the format of this series of books. There is so much to learn about God and life through the writings of Amy Carmichael. At the same time, there are also portions of her writing that just made me cringe. Her ability to observe nature and celebrate God’s faithfulness were powerful.
February 24, 2020
A brief introduction to the writing of this remarkable woman. I wish more of her work was still in print. I hope to read more of her.
March 24, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book, I loved the biography part, I didn't know about Amy Carmichael. Loved reading some of her writing and about India.
February 24, 2024
Amy is one of my favorites. There are some beautiful & thoughtful passages.
January 9, 2021
Oh how you will be encouraged and challenged in this book That Way and No Other: Following God through Storm and Drought edited by Carolyn Kurtz.
Amy Carmichael was a Christian missionary in India who opened an orphanage and found a mission there. She worked in India for 55 years and has been an encouragement to many through her writings and books.
This book is a peek inside the life and ministry of Amy Carmichael through her own writings and thoughts. Ms. Carmichael is not one to shrink back from sharing hard truths and words that we in our current culture need to hear.
These writings will spur you on to get out of your comfort zone, to serve others well while forgetting about yourself and how to be hungry in prayer.
Sometimes in life it’s hard to find a mentor to walk with through difficult times. This book will be a way to “read a mentor” that will spur you on to live a life more surrendered to God!
Thank you Netgalley and Plough Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest review.
Amy Carmichael was a Christian missionary in India who opened an orphanage and found a mission there. She worked in India for 55 years and has been an encouragement to many through her writings and books.
This book is a peek inside the life and ministry of Amy Carmichael through her own writings and thoughts. Ms. Carmichael is not one to shrink back from sharing hard truths and words that we in our current culture need to hear.
These writings will spur you on to get out of your comfort zone, to serve others well while forgetting about yourself and how to be hungry in prayer.
Sometimes in life it’s hard to find a mentor to walk with through difficult times. This book will be a way to “read a mentor” that will spur you on to live a life more surrendered to God!
Thank you Netgalley and Plough Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews