A Passion for the Impossible: The Life of Lilias Trotter by Miriam Huffman Rockness

By Miriam Huffman Rockness

(Check out the author's blog about Miss Trotter and her art at: http://ililiastrotter.wordpress.com)

This is the story of the woman whose life of faith and devotion inspired the hymn "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus." Although art critic John Ruskin enthusiastically proclaimed Lilias Trotter's potential as one of the best artists of the nineteenth century, her devotion to Christ compelled her to abandon the life of art, privilege, and leisure she could have enjoyed.

Without knowing the language and without the sponsorship of any organization, Lilias left her London home of comfort for a modest dwelling in Algeria, where her love of literature and art became dynamic tools for evangelism, and where her compassionate heart captured the hearts of the people. For forty years, despite frail health and many obstacles, Lilias devoted herself to missionary service among the people of Algeria through her lifestyle of love and encouragement.

"Christians' works do follow them," wrote Lilias. In writing of this truth, she prophetically supplied a perspective of her own legacy--and the legacy of all who invest int he Kingdom of God.

I am astounded by. . . the beautiful expression of who Lilias was and what her legacy teaches us. I couldn't put the book down, as they say, and I read it--devoured it--carefully , gladly, and with great blessing. . . a "drop everything book"!
--Elisabeth Elliot, author and speaker

Miriam Rockness has done a painstakingly superb job of researching original documents. Her book is filled with quotes that will challenge the reader's faith and obedience to God. . . a fresh look at another one of England's distinguished missionary pioneers. . . ."
--Jim Reapsome, review for Evangelical Missions Quarterly