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Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body

Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adults

by Missy Buchanan

eBook

Older Adults

"Why am I still here? Why is God letting me suffer so long?"

Frailty, dependence, and constant pain can lead to spiritual hopelessness in older adults. While we're inspired by occasional news about an extraordinary centenarian who swims every day, it's more common to grieve and wonder as loved ones grow feeble.

With compassion and honesty, Buchanan gives voice to the those who have to depend on others for assistance with daily tasks. She leads caregivers and those in their care to see that living with purpose in old age is an extension of the challenges lived all along:

learning to offer our will to God's
trusting God's grace
continuing to respond with the joy and fortitude of faith

Buchanan fosters empathy for the frail elderly and expresses their deepest concerns without tap-dancing around the tough issues. Forty-two short, comforting devotions offer spiritual encouragement to those who now cope with daily limitations and failing health.

The devotions are written in the first person, allowing readers to speak directly to God about their concerns. Supporting scriptures from the New Testament and Psalms are included with each meditation. Buchanan writes to the experiences of lifelong Christians as well as elderly non-believers who are thinking anew about God.

Help someone you love find a reason and way to live out God's purpose in spite of their limitations.

About the Author

Missy Buchanan, an advocate for older adults, is an internationally recognized author and speaker on issues of aging faithfully. With thousands of followers on Twitter and Facebook, Buchanan provides daily insight and encouragement for the journey of aging. She enjoys weekly visits (digital visits and phone calls during the COVID pandemic) with older adult friends in senior living communities. Buchanan is the author of multiple books, a devotional calendar, and a devotional journal. She lives with her husband, Barry, in Rockwall, TX. They have three adult children and four grandchildren.

Reviews

"These are meditations of the heart — full of faith and hope. Though we may experience fear and discouragement, this book invites us to remember that God's energies are at work silently but powerfully throughout all of life. Living with Purpose in a Worn-out Body is a perfect gift for frail elderly and the people who care for them."
— Rev. Dr. Richard H. Gentzler Jr.
Director, Center on Aging & Older Adult Ministries (GBOD)

"Living with Purpose in a Worn-out Body is a wonderful collection of devotions that speaks to the issues and concerns faced by the frail in their everyday lives. In simple yet powerful language, this book offers hope and encouragement for the frail as they seek the reassurance that God is always with them."
— Karla Woodward
Program Director, Silver Link Ministries
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
Lenwood, Kansas

"I think this book should be a staple — the Gideon's Bible of the nursing homes. What comfort a family who is trying so desperately to copy could take from just opening "Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body." It will turn itself through the Lord's hand to the right page."
--Maroba Zoeller, Ed.D

"Missy has a new "fan" in East Tennessee. My mom, Katherine Henninger, is 91. After reading library copy of Living with Purpose in a Worn Out Body, Mother wanted her own copy. In fact she ordered two. She has kept one and has given one to her pastor. She asked me to send her appreciation for such a perfect book. She has really benefitted from the topics spoken about by you and Scripture."
--Barbara Watson