Going Home: Facing Life's Final Moments Without Fear [Paperback]

Bill Kemp (Author), Diane Kerner Arnett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2005

This book of spiritual comfort and practical guidance answers the questions of Christians facing death about the security of their salvation and the reason for their suffering, feelings of guilt for craving relief, or concerns for those they will leave behind. (20060301)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Kemp, a Methodist pastor, and Arnett, a reporter and cancer survivor, offer this guide to help Christians who have been diagnosed with terminal illness. In ultra-short chapters (kept brief so they can be useful to those who are fatigued by illness), the authors deal with many of the relational issues that the dying may be struggling with: How can I know that I'll go to heaven? Should I be preparing for death or holding out hope for a miracle cure? Why do I feel so alone, even when there are loved ones around me? How do I cope with the physical pain? How can I forgive others and myself? Why have some friends deserted me? How can I best help my loved ones get through this? Kemp and Arnett also address practical concerns such as wills, estate planning, organ donation and funerals; these chapters are helpful in an introductory way, but readers will need additional sources beyond this guide, whose most important contribution is spiritual. The book's final section walks readers through the final stages of life's journey, teaching readers how to pray for forgiveness of sins and thank God for the gift of life. The authors close out the book by providing poetry, prayers and quotations about death and heaven.
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Review

"Although this book was written for the terminally ill, there is much that can be adapted by those who care for them. The first three of the book's four parts concern putting our thoughts and possessions in order, expressing our concerns for those closest to us, and committing ourselves to final things. The last section of the book is especially comforting. It includes simple prayers, thoughts on death from classic literature, andóperhaps most helpfulóways to express thanks for a rewarding Christian life. This reviewer thought the last chapter could be especially beneficial not only to those in their last days but also to the persons providing their care. Recommended for all senior citizens and care-givers." (Ruth Butler Church and Synagogue Library Association )

"This practical guide to spiritual comfort, written specifically for terminally ill Christians and their loved ones, provides helpful advice on dealing with doubts, meeting the needs of family, wrapping up relational conflicts, and preparing a will." (Roger Woodruff "Director of Palliative Care, Austin Health, Melbourne, Aust )

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Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Kregel Publications (February 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0825429846
• ISBN-13: 978-0825429842
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #411,073 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A guide especially for Christians who are confronting their own possible (or certain) death, August 13, 2005

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Going Home: Facing Life's Final Moments Without Fear (Paperback)

Going Home: Facing Life's Final Moments Without Fear is a guide especially for Christians who are confronting their own possible (or certain) death. At such moments, it is quite possible for doubts to arise in one's heart, as well as questions about salvation, guild concerning cravings for relief, the need to wrap up relationship conflicts, and practical matters such as preparing a will. Embracing both Christian truths and realities faced by dying individuals, Going Home turns to scripture, anecdotes, and time-tested wisdom to help the reader see the journey of life through to its final step. "The Book of Job reminds us of several important facts: A person can be angry at God and still be a person of faith. God doesn't blame us for the way that we feel. God is mysterious, and much of his plan is hidden from us. Even patient people like Job get frustrated because they cannot understand why God allows certain things to happen. God is still God, and one day we will understand." A reverent, respectful, and highly helpful guide.