Outlawed Bibles

Review of The End Begins by Sara Davison

*****

Sara Davison draws the reader into a world set in the not too distant future in Canada. The Bible has been outlawed as hate literature and the Canadian Human Rights Commission, an unelected body, has the power to investigate, arrest and sentence Christians to corporal or capital punishment.

This is the first of The Seven trilogy. The writing, characters and pacing of the story are spot-on. I found myself thinking about the book when I was away from it, and wanting to get back to find out what happened next.

The premise is terrifying and yet plausible, given the slow trend to vilifying Christians. What other group can be named in public and spoken of so scornfully? It reminds me of the early days of World War Two when Jews were named as the cause of all social ills.

I found myself imagining what I would do in such a situation: Run and hide? Stay and fight? Smuggle Bibles?

What do I do now, to prepare for such a time? Memorize Scripture? Purchase and hide more Bibles? Read and study it more?

Appreciate the gift we have in the Word of God in our own language while it’s ours. Many do not have this privilege even now.

I can’t wait to read the other books in the series. Watch for more from this exciting new Thriller author.

Ten Books that have had a Lasting Impact on my Life

These books, four fiction and six non-fiction have made me who I am.

1.       The Bible—it changed my life by leading me to my Saviour.

2.       Hinds’ Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard—as a young, fearful teen, the character of Much-Afraid on her journey with the Shepherd resonated with me.

3.       Mountains of Spices by Hannah Hurnard—her continuing journey taught me much about the Christian walk and the love of the Shepherd.

4.       The Murder of Jesus by John F. MacArthur Jr.—takes the four gospel accounts of the trial and crucifixion of Jesus and weaves them together with new insights into the old, old story.

5.       A Tale of Two Sons by John F. MacArthur Jr.—retelling of the story of the Prodigal son in such a powerful way, showing that Jesus ended it where He did, with the invitation to the elder son to come and rejoice, to give the Pharisees an option to what they were planning to do.

6.       On the Triangle Run by James B. Lamb—the first book about naval battles in WWII in the Atlantic, which sparked my desire to read more, and then led to submarine technothrillers.

7.       The Reformers and Their Stepchildren by James Verduin—a great mix of biography, theology and history to show how we got to where we are.

8.       Mission Possible by Marilyn Laszlo and Luci Tumas—a missionary story of a single woman in Papua New Guinea with Wycliffe Bible Translators. This began my love affair with PNG.

9.       Luther, By Those who Knew Him by Elizabeth Rundle Charles—a fictionalized account of the life of Martin Luther, told from several viewpoints. It’s so exciting as you see history unfolding and people coming out of darkness into light.

10.   The Divine Romance by Gene Edwards—an allegory about God and His love for His bride. I am that girl!

Demon: A Memoir by Tosca Lee

What is Man?

This novel was gripping. A writer/editor named Clay is approached by a stranger who insists that he must write the man's memoir. He takes different forms every time he comes to Clay to continue his story. He is a demon and he recounts Lucifer's fall, the creation of the world, the creation and fall of man, the flood ,Satan's hatred of God's people throughout history, the account of Job, the coming of Christ; His temptation, ministry, crucifixion and resurrection.

It's an interesting perspective on the old, old story. It reviews Redemptive history from the point of view of the enemy of man. The demons could not believe that God would lavish His love and favour on this mud-man, made of dust, or that He would continue to forgive them when they rebelled against Him. Even the demons were amazed by grace, yet it just made them hate man even more. Too late, they realized that what they thought was their moment of triumph, the crucifixion of the God-man, Jesus, was actually their defeat. It was finished when God paid the price for the creature 's sin.

"But here now, is the crux of it"--he stared at me--"there are those of us damned for one single, failing moment, while you have the favor of an utterly partial God, willing to offer second chances again and again and again."

Beautiful. It made me appreciate my salvation by grace, even more.

Havah, the Story of Eve by Tosca Lee

"This was a fictionalized story of the Biblical character, Eve. In favour of the book, I found it gave you a good idea of what life could have been like for Adam and Eve, both before and after the fall, in particular with the effects of sin and the drastic change in their relationship with God and with each other. It also showed the gradual introduction of idolatry with the descendants of Cain. It was told beautifully, from the first person point of view of Eve, with colourful writing imagery. I also liked that she didn’t present the fruit as an apple, which is incorrect. Sunday School 101, it was a tree unlike any other tree in the garden and it is not accessible to us now, nor is the tree of life. Artist’s rendering of a red fruit are not in line with the basic description of the fruit, which only says it was “good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom.” Gen. 3:6
I did find several things I took issue with. Writing historical fiction is challenging in itself, if you want to stay true to history for the most part. The standard for writing Biblical historical fiction, I think, is higher. While there’s enough to speculate about with the things that aren’t told to us, I don’t think it’s wise or safe to stray on things that are told to us, like the creation account, or the content of actual conversations. When the Bible says that in the pre-flood world it didn’t rain, or they didn’t eat meat, it can be believed. If God told Adam and Eve about creation, it’s not necessary for Eve to have dreams about what it was like, especially if it differs from the Biblical record. I feel the author catered to theistic evolutionists by including the idea of creation exploding into existence, instead of being spoken into being, in an orderly manner, as God said, and she even included a dream of a primordial mud pit with a creature arising out of it and taking form. Very disappointing. Also, the ‘no rain before the flood ‘was important because the “waters above the earth” formed a canopy that kept the whole world tropical, and the dew watered the earth. It was also one of the sources of the water for the Deluge and one of the reasons people lived longer.
Another disagreement I have with it relates to the punishment for the woman. When she is cursed, God increases her pain in childbearing, and then He says, “Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” Gen 3:16 I think when English speakers hear the word, ‘desire’ they automatically think ‘sexual desire’. But that isn’t a curse. It also doesn’t make any sense with the rest of the sentence. However, the word translated, ‘desire’ is the same one used by God in Gen. 4:7 when God addresses Cain. He says, “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” The desire is for control. Since Eve made the decision to eat the forbidden fruit, she would lose the harmony they once had in their marriage, and her desire to control would be fought against by her husband who would rule over her. The battle of the sexes is the curse and it began in the garden. The author did a good job of showing that throughout the book, but missed the cause of it at the beginning.
I think she was too sympathetic with Cain. Although I’m sure that Eve’s heart would ache for him as any mother would, the author made it seem like Cain didn’t mean to kill Abel. In Scripture, it shows that he lured him to the field to kill him. Gen. 4:8 Then she has Cain apologizing for the murder, while Scripture shows him only being upset about his punishment. And later on, they have a reunion, while Scripture doesn’t record that. She also seems to think that Cain would be in heaven, along with all her children, even though many worshipped false gods.
There were many other things that made me scratch my head, or shake it. I guess this book made me realize that I know what I believe. It does matter whether it was a real garden, with a real couple named Adam and Eve, who lived in a real Paradise, until they disobeyed. If there was no real sin, we have no need of a real Saviour. But it was real, and we do need a Saviour. The effects of the fall are in evidence all around us."

The Art of Romance Writing

The Art of Romance Writing: Practical Advice from an International Bestselling Romance Writer
By Valerie Parv

This book has much practical advice about writing a romance novel, from choosing a name for your character, to making sure you keep your characters behaving according to the nature you've given them, to creating conflict, to choosing the right viewpoint.
It explains what sets romance apart from other genres: the required happy ending; characters that aren't perfect, but are perfect for each other; conflict arising from within the relationship itself, or the hero or heroine, rather than from an outside factor, like "the other woman".
The main task is to reinforce the message that love is possible at any age, in any circumstance. Apart from how to craft the story itself, Parv gives practical advice about waiting a few weeks after finishing your manuscript before sending it to a publisher; how to write a synopsis and a query letter; and how to find the right publisher for your sub-genre, inspirational, chick-lit, paranormal, single-title, etc.
She reminds writers to complete the manuscript at hand, as there is "nothing quite as seductive as the next idea. Jot it down and file it away. Return to the work at hand. There is nothing so vital to a new writer as finishing what you start."

Exciting Church History

Latimer
By Clara H. Stuart

While I disagreed with the title of the book, since the last Apostle was John, I loved this book. It is historical fiction, about a Protestant who was martyred by Bloody Mary.
Contrary to the new meaning some try to give to the word, a martyr is still, and only someone who is killed for their faith, not someone who kills themselves for their faith.
Anyway, I had heard bits and pieces of Hugh Latimer's life in sermons, so I read this book to learn more. Stuart just brought this whole time period to life for me.
It follows Latimer's early days as a very self-disciplined priest in the Roman Catholic church. As a bishop, he goes to hear the confessions of other priests in his diocese. One, Thomas Bilney, known as Little Bilney for his stature, witnesses to Latimer through his confession by admitting that he had doubts about certain doctrines as they were contrary to Scripture. This made Latimer begin to question things as well and search out the truth.
As it was a difficult time of turmoil politicially and religiously, there was much persecution on both sides. Each side, Catholic and Protestant would imprision, torture or execute their enemies as soon as they would get into power. I didn't like that.
Latimer eventually became King Henry VIII's personal preacher. Once, when Latimer preached something that Henry did not like, Henry told him to return the following week to recant. When Latimer again stood before him, he first spoke in soliloquy:
"Hugh Latimer, consider before whom you stand; the King of England , who has power over your life, and so, Hugh Latimer, consider well your words." Then he added,
"Consider, also, Hugh Latimer, before whom you will one day stand; the King of Heaven and Earth, who has power not only to take your life, but to cast you into hell, and therefore, Hugh Latimer, consider well your words." And he preached the same sermon!
Other characters who you learn about are Thomas Cranmer and Nicholas Ridley, who were martyred as well. Cranmer was convinced to recant and signed the document. But when the time came to publicly read it , he proclaimed the opposite. He was so remorseful over his original recanting that as he was being burned at the stake, he thrust his hand into the fire first, saying, "Thou unworthy hand."
Latimer was burned at the stake with Ridley. Latimer's famous last words were, "Play the man, Master Ridley. For we shall this day light such a candle in England , I trust, as shall never be put out."

Wife or Author?

Just Jane: A Novel of Jane Austen's Life
By Nancy Moser

I loved this fictional account of the life of Jane Austen, told as if by Jane, herself. The author does a great job with the language and manners of the times, as well as in bringing out the wit and sarcasm of Austen.
It shows the various stages of her life and loves. Although she never married, she was surely in love, and was proposed to at least twice. She chose not to marry, as she was a romantic, and did not wish to marry someone she did not love. (What a concept!)
Most of the books' scenes are taken from biographies of her life, as well as any letters that may have remained. Her sister, Cassandra, destroyed the most personal letters after Jane's death at age 41.
I especially liked how the author described Austen's feelings about writing, her characters, and ultimately her books. She describes her books as her children, and when she first received them, she counted their fingers and toes.
Once, her chest filled with her completed manuscripts and current writing projects was inadvertantly placed on a coach heading to the coast and then to the West Indies. She was frantic. They represented years of work. They were her children. Her mother didn't understand why she was so upset. She was able to retrieve them and was sure never to be without them nearby.
She didn't seek fame, This was evident by the fact that originally her books did not even bear her name, but were published anonymously. Also, she refused to have her brother negotiate a better contract for Pride and Prejudice, as his wife had just died. She saw that publication was vindication that her work had merit. One man remarked that the writing was so clever that he couldn't believe it had been written by a woman. She was thrilled with the independence that came with earning an income, especially as her family was in a difficult financial situation at the time. She loved praise and was bothered by criticism, but more than anything she just wanted to write, to be free to be who she was, to use her gifts, and to create her own Mr. Darcy, since she was unable to find him for herself.
Undoubtedly, if she had married, she would have had a very different life and would probably not been free to pursue her writing career and the world would not be reading her works two hundred years later.
By letting the mating game go on without her, she was free to write and be, Just Jane.

Different Perspective

Pontius Pilate
by Paul L. Maier

This was historical fiction based on the life of Pontius Pilate. Although I've read about the trial of Jesus Christ many times, this story, based on a Roman perspective, was refreshing and unique.
It helped me understand Pilate's strong political motivation to crucify Christ even though he knew Him to be innocent. While not excusing Pilate, because ultimately, he did what he wanted to do, it showed that when faced with the choice of doing what was right or saving his political skin, he chose self-preservation.
It gives great background into many other historical figures and events of the time. I highly recommend this book.

Not So Meek and Mild

The Jesus You Can't Ignore:
What You Must Learn From the Bold Confrontations of Christ
By John MacArthur Jr.

In an age of political correctness and "dialogue" between people of differing religious views, John MacArthur demonstrates from Scripture that Jesus' dealings with false teachers and hypocrites was anything but meek and mild. His first appearance in public after His baptism is the clearing of the Temple. He bursts onto the scene with authority. His teaching is unique. Although He is gentle with individuals, He doesn't tolerate those who would lead others astray. MacArthur demonstrates that if Jesus were preaching today, it would probably be the religious leaders, again, who would be plotting for a way to get rid of Him. Christ speaks the Truth, not feel-good messages that keep people in a stupor as they continue on to Hell.
Jesus Christ is someone you can't ignore. If you read through the gospels, you'll get a truer picture of the real Christ than you'll get with Christmas images of a helpless baby or a dead man on a crucifix. We serve a Risen Saviour and He continues to challenge the world with His words.

Unexpected Depth

The Yada Yada Prayer Group
By Neta Jackson

This was my first time reading Christian chick-lit. I wasn't sure what to expect, and I wouldn't have even bought it, except for the recommendations of friends.
At first, it didn't seem to be 'about' anything, just a bunch of seemingly mismatched women, who are thrown together at a Christian woman's conference. So I expected it to be about the characters; an ex-con, a former drug addict, a real estate broker, a college student, a married mom of two, and several others. But it was also about the group growing together as a prayer group, in spite of their differences, to become close friends. The problems in their lives were real, but they all learned what it meant to be "just a sinner, saved by grace."
I found the race issues to be very typically an American thing, though, with worshipping in either "white churches" or "black churches" and never having anyone from another race into your home. I couldn't relate to that. The author brings those issues up in the discussion questions at the end of the book, as well.
This book blind-sided me with a depth of emotion I didn't expect from the whimsical cover and title. It was a great introduction to a series that I didn't think I would be interested in, until now.

The Love Dare

Fireproof
By Eric Wilson

I've heard of screenplays based on novels, but this is the novelization of a screenplay by Alex and Stephen Kendrick. I had heard about this movie being shown in churches, but hadn't yet had the opportunity to see it. It stars Kirk Cameron.
The story came highly recommended as an encouragement for married couples to hang on through the tough times and work to improve their marriage.
It's about a firefighter who, at work, lives by the adage, "Never leave your partner," but at home, as he and his wife make plans to divorce, he does what he wants. Unfortunately, people assume that if you have problems in a marriage, (and who doesn't?) that you have only two options: stay in an intolerable situation, or leave. There is a third option; make it better.
His father challenges him to "the love dare" a forty day experiment.
The story was realistic, heart-breaking, funny and heart-warming at the same time. It made me cry a few times.
The idea of a marriage being fireproof is not that it won't experience fires, but that when the fires come, they'll be ready for them.
It doesn't just assume that a few gifts or romantic gestures will improve a marriage, but that big sacrifices and small kindnesses every day, with God at the centre of a marriage, are the true secrets to a happy and lasting marriage.

He Chose the Nails--What God Did to Win Your Heart

By Max Lucado

I bought this book from the bookstore in Max Lucado's church in San Antonio, Texas when I was there recently. (I would have liked if it was autographed, but I digress). I had never read his books before. He is an engaging communicator and I found this to be very devotional and touching. It's the type of book that has so many fresh insights that you just have to share.
He takes you to the Crucifixion of Christ and draws your attention to things you may overlook--the soldiers' spit, the crown of thorns, the nails, the sign over Jesus' head, the two crosses on either side, the path, the garment, the torn flesh, the wine-soaked sponge, the blood and water, the cross itself, the burial clothing, and the empty tomb--and looks at them in a new way. I thought I had seen the Cross from most angles, but I was blown away by the beauty and depth I found in this book. It shows the depths God went to win your heart. To win my heart.
A study guide follows the book. The only chapter I didn't agree with was called, "I will let you choose". But then, I'm a Calvinist, and he's a confused Calvinist, I mean, an Arminian. :)

Jesus On Trial

By Phillip Ryken/James Montgomery Boice

There aren't too many books out there that focus on the trial of Jesus Christ. This is a fascinating and devotional look at the 24 hour whirlwind kangaroo court that sentenced Jesus to die.
Boice and Ryken explain some of the miscarriages of justice, like the unlawful cross-examination of Christ by the High Priest, and the wickedness of Pilate in sentencing Christ to death even though he admitted He was an innocent man.
They also compare the legal system to ours, and bring out the truth that Jesus allowed this to happen. He was innocent yes, but not a victim. He was in control, and went to His arrest, trial and execution willingly, because He knew, if He had saved Himself, He could not save others.
The book makes you make a decision about who Christ is and what He came to do. It was a beautiful look at the most important day in human history; the day when history was split in two.

The Longing Season

The Longing Season: The Amazing Story Of 'Amazing Grace'
By Christine Schaub

This is the love story of John Newton and Mary Catlett. John Newton was an infamous slave trader who was converted to Christianity during a storm at sea and then laboured to end slavery in England. John and Mary were separated for three years and alternated between longing and despair.
It has a mixture of fictional and non-fictional characters. I don't like when a book introduces a second love interest, especially when he's more charming than the one she really loves. I would have chosen the other guy, but then, maybe I'm just shallow.
Reading the life story of John Newton makes the words to the hymn he wrote more poignant. He really was a wretch.
This is the second book in the Music of the Heart series, which pressents the background stories of famous hymns and writers, in this case John Newton's Amazing Grace.

You Only Thought You Knew The Story

The Murder of Jesus
By John MacArthur

MacArthur takes the narrative of the suffering and crucifixion of Christ, from the Upper Room to Golgotha itself. He basically tells the story chronologically, by producing a harmony of the gospels, with commentary, background and application. They are essentially his sermons on the arrest, trial and crucifixion of Christ. It gives a more complete picture than you would get from reading each gospel separately.
But it's not what you'd expect.
While you get a feel for the INJUSTICE of the arrest, the mockery of the kangaroo court, and the cruelty of the scourging and crucifixion, MacArthur also shows the other side: that the JUSTICE of God was satisfied in the death of the Lamb of God. The Cross didn't just "happen" to Jesus; He came to die.
While it is the worst crime ever committed, because of the infinite value of the victim, it was also the best thing to ever happen. It was a "Good Friday" for us, because if Christ had not died, we would have no way to approach God.
The crucifixion of Christ is at once both the nadir and the climax of history.

Romance in the Bible?

Faithful God: An Exposition Of The Book Of Ruth
By Sinclair Ferguson

This book is based on a series of sermons preached by Sinclair Ferguson. The story of Ruth is a beautiful story on its' own, and I've heard preaching on it many times. But it always amazes me to hear (or read) it again and see things that I never noticed before. That's one of the things that sets the Bible apart from other literature; it's inexhaustible nature.
The book of Ruth is short, only four chapters, but there is much in little. On the surface, it is a love story of an unlikely woman, a poor widow from Moab, with a wealthy, honorable Israelite, named Boaz.
Ferguson describes how a personal ad would have appeared in the Bethlehem Star:
"Single Moabite woman, widowed, childless, with mother-in-law, seeks well-to-do Bethlehem businessman with view to marriage; must love mother-in-law."
The story is about the themes of returning/conversion, loving-kindnesss, loyalty and faithfulness. It shows how Ruth and her meddling mother-in-law, Naomi are saved by their Kinsman-Redeemer. It has an overarching theme of the providence of God in difficult circumstances to advance his kingdom. It was written a few generations after the fact to show how God used an unlikely foreign woman to be the great-grandmother of King David. Ruth is also listed in the gospel genealogy in Matthew to show that she is also in the family line of Christ. It shows the inclusion of the Gentiles (non-Jews) in the great plan of Redemption.
Ferguson also contrasts Boaz with Adam. They both seemed to have it all, but they were both alone, and that was "not good". They both went to sleep, and when they woke up, the woman of their dreams was there.
Ruth is always used as an example of loyalty and faithfulness. Her famous words (spoken to her mother-in-law) are often quoted at wedding ceremonies to show devotion.
It's a good book to add depth and insight to an already beautiful love story.

Mary; A Real Woman

Three Days: A Mother's Story
by Melody Carlson

This was historical fiction on the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. I find as a Protestant, we tend to steer away from studies on the life of Mary, due to the Roman Catholic tendency to make too much of her, which changes her from being a simple servant of God, to the "co-Redemptrix" or "Queen of Heaven".
Other than the fact that the book stayed true to Scripture, I appreciated that through the fictional writing, Ms. Carlson was able to present Mary as a real woman, dealing with life as a widow, who sees her son arrested and executed, and who has other children who are unbelievers.
Mary was an amazing woman, but she was also just a sinner, in need of a Saviour. "I rejoice in God, my Saviour."
The story begins right after the crucifixion and follows Mary's thoughts as she remembers key events in her life and in the ministry of Jesus. It goes through to the forty days after the Resurrection, to the Ascension of Jesus.

The Reasonableness of Faith

Reason to Believe by R.C. Sproul

Subtitled, A Response to Common Objections to Christianity, R.C. Sproul once again shows himself to be a master teacher and apologist (defender of the faith).
He takes difficult concepts and explains the issues in an understandable way. He doesn't explain away hard questions like the existence of evil or the problem of suffering in a trite, one sentence answer. That would be unfeeling. He's not afraid to admit that some things are unknowable, but they are unknowable to the atheist as well. The difference is that underlying the big questions of life, the believer has hope that the atheist knows nothing of. Suffering has no meaning to an existentialist who has only this life.
Sproul deals with objections to the Bible itself, the fallacy of thinking all religions are the same, what happens to those who have never heard, charges that the church is full of hypocrites or is only for weak people, the idea that we only have to try hard to do the right thing, the existence of God, the case for life after death, and the problem of evil and suffering.
He does an excellent job of demonstrating the reasonableness of faith, while showing the futility and illogical conclusions of Christianity's detractors.
Sproul explains these things in a way that we can retain, so we can "give a reason for the hope that lies within us." (1 Peter 3:15)

Church-Hopping

Flabbergasted
By Ray Blackston

This was Christian chick-lit, written by a man. It gives the male perspective on dating and relationships. I expected this genre to be like a Seinfeld episode, "about nothing", but it was witty and insightful. When you finish it, you've come to some of your own conclusions about life.
In this book, Jay, a non-Christian stock broker, begins to attend church in a new town because he had heard it was a good place to meet women. What he ends up finding out is that most of the other singles in this South Carolina town already figured that out, and have all the churches rated, as to the best place to meet someone.
Now, on one level, I don't disagree with the practice. It's not unreasonable for Christian young people to go to places where they'll find other Christian young people, like churches retreats and conferences. Where else would they go? Bars?
However, I don't think church-hopping to find a mate is the best thing to do. The patterns you set as a young adult carry through into adulthood, and you could end up thinking the grass is greener elsewhere. It's better to find a church to get committed to and settle in. God can bring the person to you.
Otherwise you may both be doing "the circuit" and keep missing each other.
Jay meets a female missionary who is serving in Ecuador. He takes a trip to visit her and is flabbergasted by the depth that comes from simplicity. He must decide whether to stay there or take a new job in New York City.
I was also encouraged to learn that the author started his writing career because his "second grade teacher liked his stories and poems. He simply walked away from the corporate cubicle, bought a laptop, said a prayer, and began typing the first words of 'flabbergasted'. He does not recommend this method for the faint of heart."

The Good Thing About Cancer

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

I had heard good things about this book. As an oncology nurse, I am a realist. As the wife of a cancer survivor, I’m an optimist. But I also know the reality of how this disease can affect every part of a person’s life.
I was afraid this book was going to be morose and melancholy. But it was surprisingly upbeat and funny.
Randy Pausch gives a lecture, which is basically his memoirs. He knows he has terminal Pancreatic cancer and takes this opportunity to say good bye. He says it was about Achieving Your Childhood Dreams, but it was really about him reliving his life in a form that could be passed on to his young children, who would have very few memories of him. I can relate to that as well, since my father died when I was three. I would love to have had something that he had written, or more pictures, or even videotape so I could hear his voice and see how he carried himself.
Cancer is a horrible illness, but it has one thing over sudden death. It usually gives you time to say what you need to say. That’s the only good thing about cancer. Some people don’t take the opportunity, but it’s there nonetheless.
I’ve seen people die who are still in denial about the severity of their illness. For all their denial, they still die, but with unfinished business. I’ve also seen “good” deaths. Those where they’ve said their goodbyes, given their advice, gotten their affairs in order, left a legacy, and asked their family members to let them go. A good death is as much a blessing as a good life.
This book has made me laugh and cry, and look again at the big picture. I’ve liked working with oncology patients because I’ve always found them to be “real”. They’ve dealt with, or are working through the big issues of life, and what’s bigger than facing your mortality and considering eternity?
In all my years of nursing, I’ve only cried at three deaths, all of them young men. I only now make the connection with my father, who died when he was 28. But I digress.
This book is not so much about dying, although he does talk about it, as it is about living, and appreciating the time you’re given. To use a cliché, “Every day is a gift. That’s why it’s called the Present.”