| Product Description: |
On a February day in 2008, Forrest Church sent a letter to the members of his congregation, informing them that he had terminal cancer; his life would now be measured in months, not years. In that remarkable letter, he wrote: In more than one respect, I feel very lucky.” He went on to promise that he would sum up his thoughts on the topics that had been so pervasive in his worklove and deathin a final book.
Church has been justly celebrated as a writer of American history, but his works of spiritual guidance have been especially valued for their insight and inspiration. As a minister, Church defined religion as our human response to the dual reality of being alive and having to die.” The goal of life, he tells us is to live in such a way that our lives will prove worth dying for.” This last book in his impressive oeuvre is imbued with ideas and exemplars for achieving that goal. The stories he offersdrawn from his own experiences and from the lives of his friends, family, and parishionersare both engrossing and enlightening. Forrest Church’s final work may be his most lasting gift to his readers.
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| by anonymous customer: |
A very easy-to-read Book about both Living and Dying
This is a very easy-to-read Book about both Living and Dying, about supporting others and helping yourself. Rev. Church shares with us his many lessons learned, insights, and experiences after being diagnosed with a terminal illness. He has put to words many feelings and thoughts which I have had, but was never able to verbalize. Because I have read his book, I am living a more focused live now. Special Thanks to Carla for organizing a class at church to read and discuss this amazing book. |
| by anonymous customer: |
took too long
the book was in fine condition but it took a long time to get to me. |
| by scottda@kpnwoa.mts.kpnw.org: |
dare to live - - - before you die
very thoughtful and deeply authentic book - - straight from the heart of a kind and caring man facing our shared great mystery of the eternal "what next"
This book feels like a gift from a wise man who wants to help as much as he can--if you hear :0) THANK YOU |
| by anonymous customer: |
The goal of life is to live in such a way that...
As with virtually anything in life, our focus and interests are based on our immediate experiences. At this point, taking a deeper look at my own life purpose has come to the forefront due to my father's recent transition from this life.
As I have explored various authors' works I find it most amazing the many philosophies and beliefs regarding what is most important to live a fulfilled life.
Out of the dozens of books and articles I have read, the following statement deeply resonates with me; "The goal of life is to live in such a way that our lives will prove worth dying for," writes Reverend Forrest Church.
One of the recommendations from Reverend Church is to want what you have, appreciate each and every moment we are alive and live without the regret of, "if only". If only I would have ..... If only I didn't .... In only....
He goes on to say that often we realize only after something is taken from us how valuable it is; whether it be our health, a loved one or a job.
Reverend Church speaks not only from the over three decades as a minister whose main message is love and death, but also from the perspective of a man who was diagnosed with incurable cancer being given only months to live. It was in the diagnosis he was able to understand fully if all he professed to be true really was.
In reading his book, Love and Death, My Journey -Through the Valley of the Shadow, Reverend Church shares a level of wisdom so intensely simple, yet immensely profound.
The further I delved into the wisdom in this short and very easy to read book, the more I fully recognize the greatest gift we can give to ourselves and others is to live with such a deep level of congruency with what we claim to be true, what we speak of as truth and what we know to be true.
It is one thing to say we believe something to be true and something else to live in such a way that our life is an example of this truth. As you look at your own beliefs, philosophies and faith do your words match your thoughts and your actions? If not, is now not the most important moment to begin to live your truth recognizing today may in fact be the only day left to do so? |
| by saysit: |
Touching and Profound
When I ordered this book I wasn't aware that the author was a Universalist minister, which means he doesn't take the evangelical stand on the Bible being the final word, and quotes other religious scriptures, such as Buddhism. He doesn't believe "God's pulling all the strings."
I disagree with him here, but there were wonderful insights in this book. The author is dealing with a cancer diagnosis that will ultimetly end his life. Thus, the book is about dying and death. "When a loved one dies, the greter the pain, the greater love's proof. Such grief is a sacrament. Sacraments bring us together. The measure of our grief testifies to the power of our love."
Two months ago I lost my niece and this statement was comforting to me.
He talks about the universal truth that everyone suffers, and that the shares are not allotted evenly.
In conclusion he didn't feel he could pray for himself for healing, nor did he feel for sure there was a heaven, which I thought rather sad for a minister who spent 30 years in the service of our Lord. But, I would totally recommend reading this book even if you have theology differences; there is still rich meaning in this author's book and something for everyone.
Want what you have
Do what you can
Be who you are |
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