Voices of Aging: Adult Children and Aging Parents Talk with God

by Missy Buchanan

Voice of the "I wish my mother understood that there are only 24 hours in my day." Voice of the "I don't want to be a burden to my family." Missy Buchanan offers a compassionate look at adult children and their parents as they face the fears and frustrations of aging. She invites both generations to stand in each other's shoes in a series of 20 scenarios presented as paired conversations with God. Each reading includes a scenario, scripture passage, suggestions for dealing with difficult circumstances, and a prayer. Topics addressed

90 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2015

About the author

Missy Buchanan is the author several books, all relating to aging and faith: Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body, Talking with God in Old Age, Don't Write my Obituary Just Yet, and Aging Faithfully (all published by Upper Room Books.) She is also the co-author of My Story, My Song: Mother-Daughter Reflections on Life and Faith along with 87 year-old Lucimarian Roberts and her daughter, Robin Roberts, co-anchor of Good Morning America. Her newest book is Joy Boosters: 120 Ways to Encourage Older Adults. Missy also writes a monthly column, "Aging Well," for The United Methodist Reporter and another for MinistryMatters.com. She writes for many publications, including Mature Living, Mature Years and Presbyterians Today.

Missy is a popular speaker and conference leader for older adult ministries and retirement communities. She has appeared on many Christian TV and radio shows. She has also appeared on Good Morning America for a segment about aging and faith with Robin Roberts and Robin's mother.

Reviews

[Joanna Chan · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Time has a way of surprising me.

Just yesterday I was enjoying a delightful autumn— the trees shone in hues of crimson and gold in the afternoon sun.

But when I lifted my head to enjoy the sun’s warmth, autumn disappeared and winter arrived.

Now leafless branches cast long shadows onto a frozen landscape, creating a scene both solitary and sacred.

I move more slowly now, trudging along, straining to lean into life.

O Lord, I have traveled many miles to reach this season.

In the winter of my life, give me eyes to see the intricate beauty of a bare tree silhouetted against a steel-blue sky.

Or the wisdom in wrinkled lines etched upon an aging face.

May I find peace knowing every season contains a rhythm and a purpose.

For this day is a gift that I will never have again.

When I start to worry about the winter landscape, remind me that underneath the icy ground, new life awaits.”

[Loretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book of perspectives! The young and the old. The mother-daughter. The father-son. Very well written beginning with one or two Bible verses. Perspective of the voice of the adult child as well as the perspective of aging parent. A paragraph or two of moving forward together ending with a prayer.
I plan to reread it from time to time.