Nearing Home by Billy Graham is a delightful collection of thoughts, recollections, and advice from a hero of the faith in this generation. Graham masterfully illustrates his pearls of wisdom with stories from his long and faithful life of serving Jesus. He challenges those who are older to avoid retiring from service to others and encourages those who are younger to soberly assess the brevity of life and make their days count.
The chapters of Nearing Home celebrate long life rather than fear it. As a pastor, Graham talks through the grieving process of losing health, friends, and family. He offers comfort, encouragement, and hope. He doesn’t deny his failing health, but embraces it as God’s tool to continue to refine him.
God uses people at any age; sometime most clearly at an older age. Graham included the story of Barzillai from 2 Samuel 17 and 19. Barzillai helped King David and his men when he was fleeing from Absalom. Barzillai was eighty years old and could have decided that he was too old to get involved in such a thing. However, he saw a need and, in spite of his age and the risk, boldly met it.
My parents, who are retired, recommended this book to me. I believe that whether you are early or late in life, you will be moved and inspired by this book. Graham wrote, “My prayer is that you will sense God encouraging you to impact those around you, regardless of age. Look for the Lord’s purpose in every circumstance and every face or voice you encounter daily, for the time He has given you is not without purpose.”
Related posts:
- Friday Book Review: Cultivate: Forming the Emerging Generation Through Life-on-life Mentoring by Jeff Myers, 5 Stars
- Friday Book Review: Real-Life Discipleship: Building Churches That Make Disciples by Jim Putman, 4 Stars
- Friday Book Review: I Am a Follower: The Way, Truth, and Life of Following Jesus by Leonard Sweet, 3 Stars
- Friday Book Review: The Tangible Kingdom: Creating Incarnational Community by Hugh Halter and Matt Smay, 2 Stars
I read this book with my mother, whom I has just placed into a care center…it was a very encouraging time. I highly recommend it.