Here are two books by Joni Eareckson Tada about time, aging, death,
grieving and heaven that will give you new perspectives about what living and
dying is all about. These books will grow your faith, help you live with
purpose and guide you through grief.
When is it Right to Die? Suicide, Euthanasia,
Suffering, Mercy
By Joni Eareckson Tada
This book can be especially
helpful to parents with a handicapped child. Joni Eareckson Tada, well known
author and speaker, suffered a permanent spinal injury in a diving accident
when she was in her teens. This book, written more than two decades later,
addresses the difficult topics of suicide and euthanasia, suffering and mercy.
The book is divided into three sections. Part 1. A Time to Live, Part 2. A Time to Choose, and Part 3. A Time to Die. Joni’s story and experiences run through out the book along with stories about others who are handicapped or dying. She offers practical and specific information and help for those who are depressed, considering suicide; those who want to die.
The book is divided into three sections. Part 1. A Time to Live, Part 2. A Time to Choose, and Part 3. A Time to Die. Joni’s story and experiences run through out the book along with stories about others who are handicapped or dying. She offers practical and specific information and help for those who are depressed, considering suicide; those who want to die.
She speaks from her
Christian faith with a strong belief in God and notes that Judiasm,
Christianity, Islam and Buddhism all “recognize an intelligence behind moral
evil.” He’s the devil. He was called the tempter by Jesus. There is no truth in
him and his goal is death. Pg.97. The devil tells us all
kinds of lies – “No one cares.” “There’s nothing more to expect from life.” “I
can’t live with this depression.” And the biggest lie of all, “Nothing awaits
me after death.”
This book published in 1992
continues to help people with handicaps, people with depression and those who
are nearing death. There is excellent information in here from a Christian
perspective. Joni’s life is a testimony in itself to the fact that every life
has a God given purpose.
Heaven
By Joni Eareckson Tada
This is a beautiful,
thoughtful, well written, and well researched book about Heaven as described in
Scripture. The author, Joni Eareckson Tada, is a remarkable person. She is a
quadriplegic in a wheelchair, has written a number of excellent books, is a
national speaker, and has a ministry to disabled individuals. She pictures
heaven in vivid, insightful and glorious images.
The book is divided into
three parts.
1. What Will Heaven by Like?
2. Will Heaven be Home?
3. The Journey Home.
Throughout the book Joni
gives illustrations from her own experiences and from the experiences of
others, especially those with major handicaps. Chapter 5 Why Don’t We Fit on Earth? resonates with my
own experiences. Our culture’s materialism, tasteless entertainment and corrupt
morality cause me to feel this world is not my home. Joni writes “I’m a little
like a refugee who is longing for a better country called heaven.” Pg. 98
Throughout the book Joni
gives inspiring and thoughtful insights. For example “We are not only to ‘set
our hearts on things above’ where Christ is seated, but set our minds on things
above as well. That’s hard.” Pg. 127 She explains in detail
why that’s hard and promises “we will have ‘the mind of Christ’ when we lay
hold of Him and His ideas.” Pg.129 No book review can do
justice to this book!
This is not an easy read. It
must be read slowly and thoughtfully. It will challenge many Christians,
especially Chapter 9 Getting Ready for Heaven and the scriptures about
suffering. This book can be very helpful to anyone who is severely handicapped
or who takes care of a handicapped person and wants to understand God’s perfect
plan for their life.
It will give all readers a
glorious view of our future home and help us focus on HIm!
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow
of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff
they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
Blessings, Dottie
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