Lettie Cowman
Co-author of 'Streams in the Desert' devotional
Lettie Burd Cowman (1870-1960) was an American Christian author, publisher, and editor who, alongside her husband Charles E. Cowman, created one of the most influential Christian devotional works of the 20th century. 'Streams in the Desert,' first published in 1925, was inspired by the couple's missionary work and their desire to provide spiritual encouragement and biblical wisdom for daily living. The devotional, organized by date with biblical passages, prayers, and reflective meditations, became a foundational text in Christian spirituality and has been translated into numerous languages with millions of copies sold worldwide. Lettie's writing was characterized by her deep faith, poetic language, and ability to find spiritual meaning in everyday struggles and challenges. Beyond 'Streams in the Desert,' she authored several other devotional works and was instrumental in the publication and promotion of her husband's works through their publishing endeavor. Her contributions to Christian literature extended the influence of Pentecostal and holiness movement theology to mainstream Christian audiences. Lettie Cowman's legacy endures through the continued popularity of 'Streams in the Desert,' which remains in print and continues to inspire spiritual reflection for readers across denominations.
Arts & Literature
American
1870
1960
Thinking about the name
Lettie
American origin
“A charming, approachable diminutive or standalone name with a gentle, friendly character, Lettie likely emerged as a shortened form of longer Lett- names or as an independent creation. With its double-t and -ie ending, it recalls Victorian-era nicknames while functioning as a modern, accessible choice. Lettie feels warm and personable.”