“I never thought I would live to be this old. All my life I was taught how to die as a Christian, but no one ever taught me how I ought to live in the years before I die. I wish they had because I am an old man now, and believe me, it’s not easy.” So begins what is, to my knowledge, a unique book by one of the best known Christians of our day, Billy Graham.
Now in his 90s, Graham takes a practical, personal and biblical look at a variety of issues related to old age; things like declining health, financial concerns, retirement and leaving a spiritual legacy for your children. Only someone at his stage of life could have written this and although the last phrase of the above quoted introduction might suggest otherwise, there is absolutely no self-pity or complaining in this book. It is realistic but also extremely warm and pastoral, written by a man who is committed to finishing well a race he has, in my opinion, run well.
The book is sprinkled with lots of biblical references and anecdotes from personal experience and friends and the last few chapters move seamlessly into some clear and very winsome exhortations aimed at both believers and unbelievers to make sure they understand, respond to and live by the sure foundation of the Gospel of Christ.
Obviously aimed at the retired and those approaching that stage in life, this would make a great discussion resource for those in that group and a very useful pastoral resource for those in ministry and counselling. I can see sensitivity issues if you were to think of giving it someone as a present (!), but I unreservedly commend this volume which may well prove to be Billy Graham’s literary legacy.
For the purpose of review, I received a complimentary copy of the book from the Publishers. I was under no obligation to write a positive review.
Thomas Nelson Publishers (21 Sept. 2011) Review written in 2011