A couple of weeks ago, I shared an interview with Missy Buchanan provided by The B&B Media Group regarding the spiritual needs of aging adults. Missy's experiences with her own parents led her first to write devotions for them and later to author books for others in similar circumstances.
As one who has had aging parents and in-laws (with only one remaining), in addition to my role as Care Minister at our church, I was so intrigued and excited by this. Upon my request, I was sent a copy of Living with Purpose in a Worn-out Body: Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adults, and I was absolutely overwhelmed by it. Though simple and easy to read and understand, these devotionals are far from simplistic. These devotionals pulsate with the daily realities of living as one who struggles with loss of independence, loneliness, fear, and even homesickness for a place they've never been. . .heaven! Prayers that begin with pouring a heart out to God end with encouragemnt and hope and are followed by two or three relevant verses. What a treasure this book is! A wonderful gift for the senior in your life, it would also be a great resource for you to gain just a bit of the perspective of those experiencing the many challenges that come with the frailness of aging. I love that she said in her interview that youth groups read her books to understand the older generation, and some have even adopted senior living centers in their towns as a result!
As I thumb back through the book, I see so many special devotions that I think, "Oh, I should share that one!" So many of these touched my heart. Here is just one of many:
I am eagerly anticipating Missy Buchanan's next book, due out in March: Don't Write My Obituary Just Yet: Inspiring Faith Stories for Older Adults.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Birthed out of real-life experience, Living with Purpose in a Worn-out Body is a big does of authentic spiritual encouragement for frail elderly who struggle to find purpose a the end of their lives. These devotionals addressed to God raise in prayer the many concerns of the frail elderly and provide opportunities to reminisce and reflect on their blessings.
Each devotional offers the following:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Missy Buchanan is the author of two previous books and several articles in numerous magazines, including SOUTHERN LIVING. Buchanan has made appearances on national TV shows including HGTV's SMART SOLUTIONS and Lifetime TV's OUR HOME. Currently, she hosts a bi-weekly talk show on blogtalk radio, Aging and Faith with Missy Buchanan. She resides in the Dallas, TX area and is a regular visitor and friend to seniors who live in the facility where her mother once resided.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from The B&B Media Group as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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| ISBN 978-0835899420 May, 2008/96 pages/$12.00 |
As I thumb back through the book, I see so many special devotions that I think, "Oh, I should share that one!" So many of these touched my heart. Here is just one of many:
THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND
Is it possible to be loved and forgotten at the same time?
Sometimes that's how I feel.
Loved but forgotten, like a once-cherished doll left on a top shelf.
Outside my senior center, friends and family buzz from place to place.
They have good intentions, but their lives are crowded with jobs and soccer games, church events and fast food.
It seems I am the last thing on their long to-do lists.
O God, you hear the cry of my mixed-up heart, and you love me still.
When I feel abandoned by others, let me rejoice in knowing that you will never forget one of your own.
You will never leave me like a doll on a shelf.
If I want friends and family to remember me, let me remember them.
I will phone a loved one and listen attentively to the ups and downs of her day.
I will chase away loneliness by knocking on the door of a neighbor, sharing a cookie or two.
Lord, help me press on, keeping my eye on you.
I am not forgotten. I am redeemed!
Psalm 16:9-10
Therefore my heart is glad and
my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
because you will not abandon me
to the grave,
nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
Luke 12:6-7
"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?
Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.
Indeed the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
I am eagerly anticipating Missy Buchanan's next book, due out in March: Don't Write My Obituary Just Yet: Inspiring Faith Stories for Older Adults.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Birthed out of real-life experience, Living with Purpose in a Worn-out Body is a big does of authentic spiritual encouragement for frail elderly who struggle to find purpose a the end of their lives. These devotionals addressed to God raise in prayer the many concerns of the frail elderly and provide opportunities to reminisce and reflect on their blessings.
Each devotional offers the following:
- Easy-to-read print
- Reader-friendly format
- Comfortable, nonacademic language
- A first-person address to God
- Brief supporting scriptures from the New and Old Testaments
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Missy Buchanan is the author of two previous books and several articles in numerous magazines, including SOUTHERN LIVING. Buchanan has made appearances on national TV shows including HGTV's SMART SOLUTIONS and Lifetime TV's OUR HOME. Currently, she hosts a bi-weekly talk show on blogtalk radio, Aging and Faith with Missy Buchanan. She resides in the Dallas, TX area and is a regular visitor and friend to seniors who live in the facility where her mother once resided.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from The B&B Media Group as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Lina, This book hits home for me in SO many ways!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all is my dad who is over 70. In his younger days he was an all star, all American football quarterback in high school and at VA Tech. He had scholarships offered from all over the country. Even then, he chose Tech to stay close to his family. He was even scouted out by the Redskins (among others). He gave it all up for a wife and family and a "dependable" job. He was loved by everybody and in our town, everybody knew his name. Kind of like a Hometown Hero. He did end up in the High School Hall of Fame. But I know he must often wonder "what if".
Second, it seems that this book might even help some of us who are not quite seniors but have had to give up something they love due to their body not being able to keep up with their dreams (sounds like a former firefighter we may know).
I need to read this book.
I have this on my Amazon wish list for my mother-in-law, but I think I am going to go ahead and order it. For myself, too. It gives a window into their thinking and feeling. I was particularly convicted about seeing her for the day as one thing on the long list of things to do. I feel like that sometimes and need to remember she's not something on my list of things to do but someone I need to minister to.
ReplyDeletethanks for the review...getting this for my mom's birthday. ;)
ReplyDeleteI want this book! I love the older folks. I have no remaining parents or in-laws unfortunately. I have always been around older people. When I was growing up, my mother worked at a nursing home for some time. I have also had my grandmother, mother, and FIL as residents in them, too.
ReplyDeleteI help with Sr. citizen events at my church. Well, I will stop rambling but I have such a heart for them.