Declining, Yet Shining
The Bible Speaks to our Later Years
- Christian Living
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Published: 2009
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Publisher's Description
This book shows how the Bible offers timeless wisdom for any age, but has special guidance for older people. Author Richard Morgan has chosen 120 Scripture readings, in tribute to Moses--recorded as living one hundred and twenty years when he died--and written a series of reflections on Bible characters whose experience of aging speaks across the centuries to us today. Author Jane Marie Thibault asks the question, "Would you accept the gift of 120 years with joy and gratitude, or would you respond according to your circumstances? . . . For the first time in the history of humankind many of us may have the opportunity to live that long. We can reasonably expect that we will soon accept the gift of 120 years. Is this good news or bad news for you?" Medical science has extended our years and given us longevity, but medical science cannot give us meaning for these years. The meditations in this book offer stories of older Biblical men and women, like Abraham and Sarah, Elizabeth and Zechariah, Simeon and Ann, who offer wisdom on how to find meaning in these later years. Morgan's book would be good reading for older adults and those who have not yet had to face the challenges of the later years. Its wisdom offers the prayer, "May you die young at a very old age."
Endorsements (1)
“Declining, Yet Shining, is a deep well of Biblical counsel and pastoral reflection on the experience of aging. As he always does, author Richard Morgan captures the essence of the issues that concern older adults and transforms them into opportunities for spiritual growth. Of particular usefulness is the sensitivity to the differing needs of well elders, and those who are frail and less able to do as they wish. Drawing on both the Hebrew and Christian scriptures, Morgan not only provides realistic practical counsel to the reader, but also promotes a deeper insight into the scriptures. The reflection questions at the end of the meditation guides individual thought and group discussion. Each meditation provides substance for homilies and sermons, and the Biblical text is of great use to those searching for scriptural references for aging. This is a gem of a book--essential reading--for both elders and who serve them pastorally.”
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