Rich in Years: Finding Peace and Purpose in a Long Life

by Johann Christoph Arnold Narrated by Rolland G. Smith

Overview

People will see themselves in these stories about real men and women overcoming adversity with prayer.

Cries from the Heart answers a specific spiritual hunger millions share - a longing for a personal connection to the divine. In times of crisis, all of us reach for someone, or something, greater than ourselves. Some call it prayer. Others just do it. For many, it's often like talking to a wall.

People are looking for assurance that someone hears them when they cry out in their despair, loneliness, or frustration. The last thing they need is another book telling them how to pray or what to say, holding out religion like a good-luck charm. So instead of theorizing or preaching, Johann Christoph Arnold tells stories about real men and women dealing with adversity. Their difficulties - which range from extreme to quite ordinary and universal - resonate with readers, offering a challenge, but also comfort and encouragement. People will see themselves in these glimpses of anguish, triumph, and peace.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

10/14/2013
In this gentle book, Christian elders are offered comfort, guidance, and hope for their last decades. Arnold, a noted Bruderhof pastor, peace activist, and author (Why Children Matter) in his eighth decade, addresses the unique challenges faced at this stage of life. “Growing old doesn’t have to be a prison of hopelessness and despair,” he writes. “All of us can find... meaning in our lives.” With faith in God, he argues, peace, joy, and new purpose are indeed possible, even in the face of devastating losses, mental decline, regrets, and loss of independence. Keen insights from friends, family, and others demonstrate that the passage of time can bring true wisdom to all, not only to famous spiritual leaders. Arnold emphasizes that cultivating love for others and generosity of spirit are essential to making one’s later years fulfilling. A welcome change from the flood of media attention on baby boomers uncomfortably hitting their mid-60s, this graceful field guide to life’s last journeys is deeply rooted in a love for Jesus and the Bible’s “good news.” (Nov.)

Cardinal Sean O Malley

In this book, Johann Christoph Arnold has once again offered us a translation of the meaning of God's love for us through all the days of our lives.

J.I. Packer

Unassuming yet outstanding, this is the best book I know on the godly ripeness that aging can bring in a Christian's life. Elderly folk will find the warmth that it radiates wonderfully invigorating.

Jean Vanier

“Rich In Years is a beautiful book full of personal narratives and illuminating facts, written by a man imbued with great human wisdom, deeply anchored in Jesus, and rich in years, having known and counseled many people in their journey through life. Not just old folks should read it, but everyone.

Pete Seeger

On these pages are wonderful words of hope. Savor them. As I sing in a recent song, What we do now, you and me, will affect eternity - God's counting on me, God's counting on you.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940178782118
Publisher:	Plough Publishing House, The
Publication date:	05/25/2014
Edition description:	Unabridged

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