Gertrude “Biddy” Hobbs Chambers is not your ordinary Christian woman nor is she married to your average Christian minister. Theirs is a different sort of Christianity than you hear much of in religious circles. They depend on God to supply the way, to prepare for the need, and to change an unrepentant heart. Mr. and Mrs. Oswald Chambers give selflessly and work tirelessly to fulfill their burning desire to give their utmost for His highest. After years of reading My Utmost for His Highest as my favorite devotional–a book of uncommon depth of insight, I looked forward to reading this biography of Biddy Chambers that tells the story behind the book. It is an intense read. Mrs. Oswald Chambers devotes her life to mining the treasure she wrote in shorthand in notebooks and journals. They contain sermons Oswald Chambers preached and classes he taught. Biddy turns these into assorted leaflets, calendars, and over thirty books, some of which live on to this day. After her husband passes at age 43, Biddy continues to live dependent on God for provision and direction.
In the life story of Biddy Chambers, Michelle Ule displays her talent for getting it right. This biography is researched thoroughly, written skillfully, and compiled concretely with careful attention to detail, making for a rich read. We soon learn Biddy Chambers is one for ‘doing the next thing’ that comes her way, all the while remaining devoted to transcribing journals and notebooks of Oswald’s words into spiritual themed books. Oswald Chambers is the author. Biddy, though, transcribes, organizes, prepares, edits, and does the hard work for publication. Book profits support the printing of more books. Biddy is savvy, smart, and much more. Hospitality, leading Bible studies, cooking for a crowd and various forms of ministry are a constant part of her life besides the typing of manuscripts and correspondence tasks. Key friends participate in the Chambers’ ongoing BTC ministry. Such is the life of Biddy Chambers. We can learn from her. Oswald and Biddy challenge us to live in ways that still speak today: how to live close to God. In their lives we witness an amazing trust in God. Both knew the true, blessed secret to a happy, fulfilling life.
Lovely review; thanks, Norma!
My life has been immeasurably blessed and improved by the years I’ve spent with Utmost, Biddy, and OC.
Blessings!
Thank you, Michelle. I imagine it was quite an adventure doing the research for this book. I’m glad you persisted. To God be the Glory.