Nearing Home - Billy Graham [0]
Life, Faith, and Finishing Well
Billy Graham
© 2011 William F. Graham, Jr.
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Graham, Billy, 1918–
Nearing home : life, faith, and finishing well / Billy Graham.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references (NOTES).
ISBN 978-0-8499-4832-9 (hardcover)
1. Aging—Religious aspects—Christianity. 2. Older Christians—Religious life. 3. Graham, Billy, 1918– I. Title.
BV4580.G725 2011
248.8'5—dc23
2011031734
Printed in the United States of America
11 12 13 14 15 QG 5 4 3 2 1
CONTENTS
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: Running Toward Home
Chapter 2: Don’t Retire from Life
Chapter 3: The Impact of Hope
Chapter 4: Consider the Golden Years
Chapter 5: Fading Strength but Standing Strong
Chapter 6: Death’s Destination
Chapter 7: Influencing the Impressionable
Chapter 8: A Foundation That Lasts
Chapter 9: Roots Strengthen in Time
Chapter 10: Then and Now
Notes
About the Author
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I am deeply grateful to all those who have encouraged me to write this book, especially my son Franklin and my editors at Thomas Nelson, David Moberg and Matt Baugher. My longtime associate, Dr. John N. Akers, worked with me to develop the manuscript for publication; without his assistance it would not have been completed. I am thankful also for the contributions of Dr. David Bruce, Stephanie Wills, and Patricia Lynn of my staff, and of Donna Lee Toney.
INTRODUCTION
I never thought I would live to be this old.
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.
Whoever first said it was right: old age is not for sissies. Get any group of older people together, and I can almost guarantee what their favorite topic of conversation will be: their latest aches and pains.
I will soon celebrate my ninety-third birthday, and I know it won’t be long before God calls me home to Heaven. More than ever I look forward to that day—not just because of the wonders I know Heaven holds in store for me and for every believer but because I know that finally all the burdens and sorrows that press down upon me at this stage of my life will be over. During the last year the physical ailments common to old age