Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well

by Billy Graham

New York Times best-seller and 2012 ECPA Book of the Year.

Join Billy Graham as he reflects upon his life, recounts God's many gifts, and shares the challenges of fading bodily strength while still standing strong in his commitment to finish life well.

Nearing Home--written by Reverend Billy Graham in his nineties--is a deeply personal memoir that explores how our strength can continually be found in the foundational truths of Scripture and inexhaustible love of Christ, despite the many trials of aging and the approaching end of our earthly time.

Within these compassionate and restorative pages, you're invited to journey with Graham as


Considers the golden years and the impact of the Gospel hope on his life.
Encourages you to finish strong and keep the faith.
Recounts the Bible's foundational truths, including death's ultimate defeat.
Anticipates the hope of being reunited with loved ones in his heavenly home and finally seeing Christ face-to-face.
"Explore with me not only the realities of life as we grow older but also the hope and fulfillment and even joy that can be ours once we learn to look at these years from God's point of view and discover His strength to sustain us every day." - BILLY GRAHAM

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Biography, Christian Living, Faith, Religion, Memoir

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Billy Graham was an American evangelical Christian evangelist and an ordained Southern Baptist minister. Graham is best known for his evangelistic missions or “Crusades.” He believed God knew no borders or nationalities. Throughout his career, Graham preached to millions around the world. He met and prayed with every U. S. president from Dwight Eisenhower to Barack Obama.

Graham authored 34 books, including his memoir, Just As I Am. In 1983, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan. In 1996, Graham and his wife, Ruth, received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award Congress can bestow on a private citizen.

Graham married Wheaton College classmate Ruth Bell Graham in 1943. They had five children ( Ruth Graham, Gigi Graham Tchividjian, Anne Graham Lotz, Nelson, & Franklin Graham) and made their home in the mountains of North Carolina. They were married for 64 years before Ruth’s death in 2007. Graham died from natural causes on February 21, 2018, at his home in Montreat, North Carolina, at the age of 99.

Reviews

[robin friedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billy Graham -- RIP

A Non-Christian Reads Billy Graham

The evangelist Billy Graham (1918 -- 2018) is a person I have admired from a distance for many years for his passion, commitment to his religion, oratory, and integrity in tempting circumstances. He is a revered public figure who has offered counsel and spiritual guidance to twelve presidents, including President Obama. My own religious convictions are not those of Billy Graham. I am largely a secularist, but I have learned from Judaism, my birth religion, and from Buddhism which I have studied for many years, and from some Christian mystics, among other sources. I am not sure I could articulate a creed, and I doubt that Billy Graham would fully approve. I doubt that I would have selected Graham's new book, "Nearing Home" to read on my own, but when the book was offered through the Amazon Vine program, it struck a chord. I wanted to revisit Graham. It is also valuable to hear a perspective on important matters that is not necessarily one's own.

The book interested me because it addresses themes of aging, retirement, and death. I am 64, retired, and wanted to hear what Graham had to say. Graham brings personal knowledge as well as religious teaching to bear upon his subject. He retired in 2005 from the rigors of the evangelical ministry in which he had engaged for more than 50 years. In 2007 his wife of 63 years, Ruth, died. At the age of 92, Graham has become increasingly frail and his activities curtailed severely. He is candid about the resultant frustration and pain.

Graham's book, written in anticipation of his own death, is itself a example of how to live well with aging. His book offers much insight and advice which appears to come from Graham's life and to be sincerely felt. Graham has much to say about making the decision to retire and finding valuable, productive ways to use one's time. He discusses important, mundane matters such as the need for estate planning and making a will, to living with pain, to serving as an example to one's family and to young people. He stresses the possibility and need for continued spiritual growth throughout life. The book is eloquent with much common sense and a good degree of uncommon wisdom.

With his years of public speaking and impassioned oratory, Graham writes simply and well. Much of the book comes from his own experience, while he also makes good use of news stories, anecdotes, and popular culture. There is a great deal of Biblical quotation. It may be superfluous to say, but I am impressed with Graham's close knowledge of the Bible, both Old and New Testaments. He quotes with ease, and his Scriptural references invariably are on point and illuminate what he is trying to say.

Non-sectarian wisdom and Christian teaching are inextricably bound together in this book. Graham generally begins his discussions with observations that will appeal to readers irrespective of their religious beliefs. His advice then typically takes a distinctively evangelical Christian turn. Examples abound on every page, but here is a short paragraph that impressed me. Graham is discussing "Leaving a Legacy" by which he means acting in one's old age in a manner which will inspire younger people. Under the heading "Our Greatest Hope" Graham writes:

"What is your greatest hope for your children and grandchildren (and for others outside your family who are part of the next generation)? Is it that they will become men and women of compassion, honesty, morality, responsibility, selflessness, loyalty, discipline and sacrifice? Your hope should be that they will become men and women of faith, trusting Jesus Christ as their Savior and seeking to follow Him as the Master of their lives every day." (p. 120)

Here Graham poses an important question to which he provides an excellent answer in his second sentence. He then pivots to explain his answer in Christian terms. A reader could accept the second sentence from Graham while offering his or her own spiritual understanding in a third sentence, which might or might not agree with Graham's. A secularist, Jewish person, or Buddhist, for example might want to put spiritual beliefs in their own terms. As I read the book, I thought Graham said some very broad based valuable things that could teach people of diverse religious persuasions. I was uncomfortable with some of the explicitly evangelical portions of the teaching, which suggest that Graham's way to God might be the only way. The book becomes more theological in tone as it proceeds, with the final chapter devoted to a depiction of Heaven followed by a call to the reader to come forward and accept Jesus as one's Savior. This mirrors the great evangelist's procedures at his many religious crusades. Graham can be accepted, if not necessarily followed, in speaking in his own religious voice.

I was reminded in reading this book of many books by the Dalai Lama. Like Graham, the Dalai Lama has a worldwide following and is revered by many people who are not followers of the path of Tibetan Buddhism. And both these spiritual leaders offer insights that may prove valuable to those outside, respectively, Tibetan Buddhism or fundamentalist Christianity. A major difference is that the Dalai Lama does not ask his readers, many of whom are willing to do so, to become Buddhists. Rather, he asks them to follow seriously their own religious path. Graham cannot avoid the voice of proselytizing. His teachings are valuable but the teachings of the Dalai Lama are probably closer to me.

I enjoyed reading this book and learning Billy Graham's thoughts on aging and on living the latter parts of one's life with grace, dignity, and purpose. The book will appeal mostly to Graham's followers, but I am pleased I was given the opportunity to read it.

Robin Friedman

[AJourneyWithoutMap · Rating 5 out of 5]

"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."

As I read through the lines, I was almost overwhelmed with emotion. It is not easy to put pen to paper to describe the feelings that I had for him as I read Nearing Home: Life, Faith and Finishing Well by Billy Graham, twentieth century's most famous preacher, often called "God's Ambassador".

In a touching narrative of his life as well as his personal experience of growing older, Billy Graham moves the reader to a point beyond description. Now in his 90s, he writes, "Growing old has been the greatest surprise of my life. I would have never guessed what God had in store for me, and I know that as I am nearing home, He will not forsake me the last mile of the way."

Billy Graham is candid enough to admit that "old age is not for sissies" and he has made an effort to explore the challenges of aging from a personal and scriptural perspectives. The wisdoms and insights shared by Graham are likely to open the flood-gates to renewed interests in the subject of aging and care-giving.

Drawing lessons from the Bible and his own personal experiences, Graham says that old age may have its limitations and challenges, but in spite of them the sunset years can be some of the most rewarding and fulfilling period of a person's life.

Fully aware that many older folks are dragging their lives without any hope of a better tomorrow, Billy Graham calls on all to await with great expectations the greatest triumph that is to come: experiencing victory over death that will usher all believers into the eternal presence of Lord Jesus Christ.

Nearing Home is not only a personal memoir, but also a book that teaches believers how to deal and cope with life in the latter years. There is so much to learn from this book as Billy Graham continues to teach and preach through each and every page - which will be a bit of a disappointment for many who would love to read more about him and not the message. But you can't stop the man who has delivered the Gospel message to more people face-to-face than anyone in history, and who has ministered on every continent of the world in more than 185 countries, from preaching and teaching even in his sunset years.

[Poiema · Rating 4 out of 5]

It seems to me that people in their old age appear younger and have more vitality than their counterparts from generations past. In my own family photo album, ancestors who were 50ish in the early to mid 1900s appear OLD. Baby boomers today are benefitting from increased financial aid, medical specialists such as gerontologists, local gyms with personal trainers, and Botox treatments. Many retire comfortably, if not luxuriously. Previous generations would perhaps look on these blessings with envy---BUT, none of these things insure that the last chapter of life will be happy or carefree. Health problems, loss of purpose, and loneliness are a but a few of the challenges faced by those​ who are growing old. Billy Graham is very transparent about his own struggles​, very down-to-earth in his conversational style of addressing these issues. He notes that, although he knows how to die, no one ever taught him how to grow old. The wisdom he has gleaned is valuable, and as a man who is in his latter 90s, he has earned the respect of more than one generation. I found his writing encouraging, hopeful, and best of all--- Biblical. He spotlighted characters from the Bible who were considered "old" and yet were integral to God's work. BG has a way of combining these thoughts with his own experiences and adds a dash of humor. He covered the big issues: finances, waning strength, family relationships, grief, and leaving a legacy. A very uplifting treatment of a subject that many would rather avoid.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I admit that I was a little hesitant in picking up this book. However, Billy Graham reeled me in with his reflections on purpose, legacies, discipline and planning. He asks, “Why is aging a young person’s issue?” and the book talks about the importance of learning from others. It is full of wisdom and hope to readers of different ages. As a twenty-something year old adult, I find it a blessing to have read such reflections from a man who has lived life according to the Lord and now attempts to share his journey with us. He fills the pages with encouragement on growing older with grace and growing deeper in the faith and provides reflection as well as advice for the younger generation. The text flows smoothly and always brings us back to the Lord, the only true source of Grace and Hope!

His reflections are filled with forward-looking anticipation, hope and blessed assurance that it leaps from the pages and captivates the readers. He remains straight to the point and realistic, and includes common concerns that growing older may bring to the table. He challenges readers to prepare for life, but encourages us to surrender our lives and hearts to the Lord. He encourages proactive growth and good choices and encourages us to look more than the here and now, and inspires us to live a life worthy of the calling we receive from Christ, who has given us this life we live.

I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for a review. I was not asked to write a positive review in exchange for a copy, but choose to write a review that is constructive, honest and helpful to other consumers.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me great perspective. I think it's one of those books that I should read once a year and I will be able to gain fresh insight each time.

[Lovely Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not Graham's target audience for this book, and it was not the memoir that I thought it would be. It is a book about aging and being older, filled with sound advice about things like living wills and bearing the aches and pains of age. While these are things that I (a woman in my 30's) should be thinking about, they are not urgent for me. The thing I loved about this book was how Graham's dedication to and love for Jesus and other people shines through every chapter. While BG and I would have disagreed about some of the finer points of doctrine, his love for God and desire to serve others was admirable and worthy of imitation. So, while the book dragged in some places, it's worth the read.

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book that addresses a topic that many, like me do not want to discuss—the end of life. How we have our bodies will wither.

As someone with various ailments, including leukemia, I related to this book.

I recommend highly.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for those over fifty or those under fifty. The latter might actually benefit more.

Dr. Graham has sage wisdom about the last laps of the race for those who manage to survive all the stupid things they did when they were younger. He's who he is, so the reader should expect (and gets) an altar call along with admonitions for a Christian life, however much of what Graham writes is valuable to all.

A very good read.

[Brian Eshleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The earnest evangelist hitting his lifelong note comes through. Don't see nearly as much of the man behind the message as I might have hoped. Every point moves quickly to the simple Gospel message nearly every reader would know and offers little of Graham's life-seasoned counsel to would-be disciples who seek a foothold in following after him.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but I found it's contents practical and insightful. Graham covers a slew of perspectives that help grandkids and kids think about the life and value of their grandparents and aging parents. He also encourages the young to shape their lives now for the person you want to be because character - and more practical situations like finances, relationships, goals - does not change overnight. I think about this often - if I want to be the prayer-warrior Grandma who encourages everyone in her path with wisdom and truth, what am I doing now to cultivate that character? What a great challenge and reminder to use the future to shape our present.

Graham's honesty gave me compassion for the experience of growing older. It is not easy, and yet generations before us can significantly impact the generations that follow. If you are on this earth, God has a plan and purpose for you. There is dignity and value in all ages and generations, especially when we come together.

[Mathew · Rating 3 out of 5]

93 and Counting

Billy Graham is 93 years old writing a book. That in itself is noteworthy. 93 years. That’s a ripe old age. However, what Graham argues is that aging in itself is not enough one most finish well. He says,

The Bible is dotted with other examples of individuals whom God used in their latter years--men and women who refused to use old age as an excuse to ignore what God wanted them to do.

He also argues that people advanced in years should not dread this season of life but seek God’s purpose.

Preaching in Print

What Graham does well in this book is offer practical advise on you can near home well. Often what he says is balanced and he writes in a readable prose style. Nearing Home not a robust theological treatise on dying well. It’s written more like a memoir or a letter to a friend with practical wisdom. The topic of aging, finishing well, and death is such an important topic I wish some of the theological pipework was exposed more explicitly.



Reading it reminded me of the many sermons I’ve heard from country evangelist’s sermons (not preoperative at all) filled with anecdotes, Scripture’s woven throughout, and practical application. He talks at length about managing your finances well in old age, about learning from the younger generation and sharing your wisdom with them, and also covers topics like death of a spouse, retirement, forgiveness, and even technology. And what would you expect from a former evangelist but a clear presentation of the gospel (Kindle Location 1992 of 2637) and also an invitation to pray for salvation (2545).



He argues strongly for finding ministry opportunities in retirement. He says, “Retirement isn’t something that just happens if you live long enough, and it isn’t even a reward for your years of hard work; it is a gift from God. Once you understand this, you will approach your retirement differently” (700). I found this perspective refreshing. In one of the more moving paragraphs Graham says,

Christians are not to be preoccupied with death; God has put within each of us a will to survive. But neither are we to shrink from death or act as if we must fiercely resist it until the last breath. The time may well come, in fact, when life’s burdens and pains overwhelm us so much that we will welcome death as a friend--and that is as it should be. If we know Christ, we know that Heaven is our true home, and (like the saints of old) we are “longing for a better country--a heavenly one” (Hebrews 11:16) (1017 of 2637)

If you’re looking for a ground level book that’s approachable, devotional, & practical than Nearing Home would serve you well.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite being a Christian since preschool, I've never actually read any of Billy Graham's books, or even heard an entire sermon in full. So I was excited for his latest (written in 2012), and I wasn't disappointed.

Though this book is somewhat aimed at old people, I really enjoyed it and think anyone of any age could benefit. It's typical Graham, from what I've heard: simple, easy to understand, direct and conversational.

This man has a million admirable qualities, but his best, in my opinion, is this one: he still isn't content to sit back and let a chance to talk about his best friend go by. As Graham points out, God is keeping him alive for a reason.

Definitely recommended.

[BookOfCinz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been taught all my life how to die, but no one ever taught me how to grow old.


This book shook me. There is no other way to put it. It really brought to light how unprepared I am for dying (is anyone my age ever really is?) aging and retirement. I have absolutely no plans in place for my death or retirement. After finishing this book I immediately wrote out my will and how I want my funeral arrangements to be. I messaged my friend and she was totally freaked out, asking where all my questions were coming from... I told her I just finished reading "Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well" by Billy Graham.

Growing up, I always heard about Bill Graham, I cannot say I followed his ministry but I know Rick Warren, looked up to him a lot and was totally shaken when Graham died. Rick Warren spoke so highly of Graham, when I saw his book at a garage sale I had to get it and I am happy I did.

It is always great reading a book filled with wisdom from someone who lived a long full life. Graham wrote about topics we don't generally read about, death, retirement and aging. I love how real this book was, as Graham rightly said, "aging isn't for sissies" he spoke about how lonely it can be, how much aging persons suffer because of health issues and have anxiety or worries because of their lack of finances. There are a lot of things to consider and Billy Graham brought all of these to the forefront in this book.

This is a book for everyone, there is so much wisdom packed into this read. A must read for me.

[Kyle Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly hadn't watched or listened to much of Billy Graham before. I knew about his unparalleled evangelism work and the virtually unanimous respect he had earned over many decades of work. For whatever reason, I felt compelled to pick this one up when I saw it at the library. What goes through the mind of a man who is mostly unable to do what he did so well for so long? How does he face the end of his earthly journey? What can I learn from it? The fact is, he looks back fondly on his time on the road preaching and teaching, and of the friends he made along the way. He gives a relatable account of how things change for us as we age. And he looks off into life's horizon with dignity and an enthusiastic expectation of an unending life free from pain and sorrow and full of joy and activity. It was an instructive and inspirational journal that I am glad I picked up. I imagine I'll go back and watch some of his sermons now and learn more about "God's Ambassador."

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having just moved to Charlotte North Carolina, I couldn’t feel a part of the community without knowing Billy Graham. I recently toured his library and was fascinated and awed at the amazing things that he accomplished in his life. You have to respect a man who is dedicated to his cause and truly tries to live by what he believes! Great advice and encouragement in this book. If you’re going to read it make sure you read some of his other works as well.

[Bernice · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Old age is not for sissies." was a message in the opening of the book. Written when Billy Graham was reaching his 93rd birthday (as of writing this review, he is now 99 years old), he reflects on his life and lists his triumphs and regrets. He also gives advice to those growing old in many areas, financially, emotionally and most important of all, spiritually. He gives his testimony on God's goodness and to cling on to the hope of heaven, that growing old means they are closer to eternal glory. I listened to the audiobook, read by Robert Lake and he did a good job. Overall, this book is for all ages.

[Jeanne Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still love to hear his wisdom. Best interview I ever watched was with him on The Tonight Show. He and Johnny Carson, two men with polar opposite views and lifestyles having good conversation. We all could learn a lot from that.

[Angie Tomlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about retiring and what to do afterward. I did not finish. I’m getting old, but not retiring old. I’ll find another book of his to read. This one was good, just didn’t apply.

[Steve Hester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truth that will encourage

Good read full of insight on the glory of heaven. Dr. Graham gives words of encouragement to Christians as we approach the end of our life.

[Daniel Hackenjos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great for scriptural references, but very basic beyond that.

[Nikole Hahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There is so much the young can learn from those who have traveled the distance. Likewise, the elderly would be wise to consider the contribution the young make even to our own lives. They will see our mistakes, and they will see our triumphs. We will hopefully recognize their struggles and accomplishments and encourage them as they face the unknown future. The Bible says, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose…a time to gain, and a time to lose” (Ecclesiastes 3:1,6 NKJV). In times of loss there are lessons to be gained. Let’s not miss the purposes of God even in times of sorrow and disappointment, for He is always with us on our journey.” Pg. 20, Nearing Home by Billy Graham; Thomas Nelson publishers.

Billy Graham is a national icon. Even non-Christians know him. He’s a powerful force in our time, bold in his proclamations for Christ. Even at 93 years-old, Graham exudes the same spark that I have witnessed on video clips. Sadly, I have never read a Billy Graham book until now and I have never heard him speak.

The book talks about growing old, finishing well and bridging the gap between young and old. The quote above I highlighted. There were so many quotable items and good points that I wish so many young and old would read and take to heart. Perhaps if we followed Billy Graham’s example we could have a chance at bridging the generation gap. Our young people need to learn the lessons of our grandparents and our seniors need the young people for flexibility and youthfulness. Graham also spoke about preparing for death, and not just in the financial sense.

“Don’t give gifts you can’t afford. This often happens when grandparents try to buy the affection of children or grandchildren by showering them with overly generous gifts. Harsh as it may sound, some parents use money almost as a weapon, attempting to control their children with it or using it to try to bridge the gap between them and an alienated child. They have forgotten the Bible’s wise words: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). Guard against unwise financial decisions as you grow older.” – Pg. 62

Nearing Home is an excellent book for all adult ages. My husband said, “I don’t want to grow old.” He doesn’t want to feel helpless or dependent on someone else for survival, but like Billy Graham said in his book we have every day to prepare for old age. Our bodies are deteriorating. Psychologically, the people my age aren’t prepared. We’re too busy fighting old age, the inevitable, instead of aging gracefully. He also says that none of us were meant to retire.

A widow left behind has a purpose to do His work. She is not done yet because her husband is gone. Think of the widow who worshiped at the temple. At one time, seniors were honored, and now we think of them as useless. They shouldn’t drive and they can’t do anything, some say. With our attitudes we drive that point into their psyche until they believe it. No one is useless. And while there is nothing wrong with a senior who loves to travel or who is able to retire well, some seniors stop helping. Graham drives in his point that there is no retirement in this world or in the next.

One of his friends joked with Graham about heaven. His friend asked Graham what was he going to do in Heaven since he spent his earthly hours evangelizing? In heaven there will be no need for evangelists. Graham joked that God might appoint him as choir director. Graham also speaks about his enduring love for Ruth and how difficult it’s been for him since her passing. I enjoyed reading his words, and being that this is my first Billy Graham book, I am not disappointed. It exceeded my expectations and gently gave me insight into the older generation that at times have befuddled me. Young or old, everyone needs to read this. Like Billy Graham, I, too, want to finish well. We’re all nearing home because death is uncertain and none of us know the day or time when death will knock on our door. We can be assured that Christ has conquered death (those of us who believe). Graham spends most of the end of the book evangelizing and talking about having a relationship with Christ; not merely believing in Christ, but living it.

*Book given by publisher for review.

[Michael Boling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noted evangelist and author Billy Graham, in his latest and perhaps last book entitled “Nearing Home” provides insight into what it means to grow old. This book is a valuable discussion on the essence of aging from one who has most certainly fought the good fight of faith and is looking forward to the next chapter in his life, namely spending eternity with the God he has so faithfully served.

Graham makes no bones about the difficulties one faces in reaching the end of one’s life on earth. Physical pain, memory loss, wishing you had done things differently at various junctures in your life just to name a few are all subjects addressed by Graham in this very readable and practical book. Some may shy away from reading such a book thinking it only applicable to those nearing death’s doorstep. Nothing could be further from the truth. Just as one rightly needs to plan in the early years of their life for retirement, the insights provided in “Nearing Home” provide valuable guidance on how to invest for your waning physical years of life. Graham shares numerous strategies and salient truths that are of use for anyone at any stage in their life.

What perhaps may be the finale in book writing for Graham is yet another timeless work from a man who will most certainly hear the words “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Linda B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rev Billy Graham is one of the most well known and respected Christian pastors. I am so happy that he chose to write this book about how to live an honorable and useful life as we grow older. There is much useful information for those of any age, but especially those who are starting to feel the restrictions of age. Rev. Graham shows how God used men and women from the Bible when they were in their later years of life, and, of course, how He can still use us today.

Although he writes about failing strength, health issues, retirement, loss, and family decisions, this is never a depressing book. He also writes about the “Foundation that Lasts”, influencing those around us by our attitude and behavior, and our home in heaven, and I felt only his upbeat optimism for his heavenly future.

This is a wonderful book not only for seniors, but for every age. As a matter of fact, young adults will benefit from this book because Rev. Graham gives great insight into the need for preparing for the future. This is an easy book to read and I appreciated his message. Growing older is not easy and can easily be depressing if we focus on what we can’t do instead of what we can. Rev. Graham has accomplished so much for the cause of Christ, but he is always humble in his demeanor and writing.

I received this book for review from the Thomas Nelson Booksneeze program.

[Andy Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not just a book for the elderly.

This is a book for everyone.

I feel like I understand the value of old age, and the wisdom and experience which comes with a long life, better now than before I read this book.

Billy Graham, the famous evangelist, shares nuggets of wisdom about how to finish life well.

But he has plenty of insights for younger people to consider as well.

This is a personal, intimate book, and one which I found inspiring.

I have a better idea of how I’d like to relate with the rest of my family now than I did a couple of days ago when I started reading this book. As we all grow collectively older, it is wise to reflect upon what this means for each generation.

Of course, the book is filled with practical advice from the pages of the Bible. Not surprising from the most famous evangelist of our time.

If you’d like to know what’s on Billy Graham’s heart and mind today, then buy a copy of this book.

Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.

[Meggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billy Graham never thought he’d live to be old. Operating at a breakneck pace as likely the most well known evangelist in the world, he thought he’d die at a young age. Yet here he is, in his nineties, having outlived many friends and his wife. It’s hard to believe he wrote this, this last book in 2011, and he’s still alive today in 2016!
Graham uses this opportunity in his final book to reflect on life, old age, death and heaven with decades of experience behind him. One of his themes and best takeaways is that he was always prepared to die but never prepared to grow old, and therefore is seeking to help his readers with the latter. Parts of this book were certainly geared toward those in the older generation, leaving me bored or frustrated with a slightly condescending tone toward “those young kids.” But much of the book is very applicable to all stages and ages. His thoughtful mixture of preaching truth, scripture and anecdote was Graham at his best, and certainly drew me to a deeper understanding of the gospel and faith.

[Tanner Hawk · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good pep talk.

"No matter who we are, retirement presents us with two choices. Either we can use it to indulge ourselves, or we can use it to make an impact on the lives of others...every day--without exception--is a gift from God, entrusted to us to use for His glory. This is true for your working years, and it is equally true for your retirement" (42-3).

"See your money as a God-given responsibility, not as something you are free to use (or misuse) as you please...God is just as concerned about what you are going to do with your possessions after your death as He is with what you are doing with them right now" (60, 64).

"It is never a question of how much we have of the Holy Spirit but of how much He has of us" (156).

"prayer isn't just asking for things we want. Prayer is for every moment of our lives, not just for times of suffering or joy. Prayer is really a place, a place where you meet God in genuine conversation" (157).

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This book was a God send to me. I needed the common sense advice and the reminders of Heaven as I am reaching old age. Lots of good scripture quoted and commented on. Must read for anyone getting older.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

With my husband being retired, and I in a few years, we found this to be not only inspirational, but a road map of many considerations. Billy Graham keeps everything Biblically based, and even includes a chapter on finances. We'll be re-reading this through the years as we 'near home'!

[Clara Roberts · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a book mostly of bromides and platitudes. I did not find it particuly helpful or inspiring. Much of the book came off as the musings of a tired old man.