A Promise Kept [Hardcover]

Robertson McQuilkin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1998

A compelling true tale of love and devotion as a husband cares for his ill wife. He shares the story of their struggles and the remarkable lessons they have learned together about God's love.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (October 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0842350993
• ISBN-13: 978-0842350990
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #174,596 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #47 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Relationships > Love & Loss

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well done - a true example of agape love, August 8, 2001

By 

Erik Olson "Seeker Reviews" (Ridgefield, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Promise Kept (Hardcover)

For a young single it's easy to fantasize about the joys of having a lifelong love - often at the neglect of counting the true cost of actually having one. This small but powerful book shows that cost, and how one man remained faithful to his wife despite it.

Robertson, a distinguished man high in Christian academic circles, is shocked when his vivacious wife Muriel is diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Gradually, she begins to succumb to its ravages and is forced to abandon her popular radio show and speaking engagements. As the disease takes its toll on Muriel, Robertson devotes more and more time to watching over her. He leaves his work and other pursuits to care for her because without his presence, she becomes fearful and agitated. Only with him near is she happy and content. Eventually she becomes totally dependent upon him, unable to perform rudimentary tasks or even converse.

But the heart of the story is that he remains with her gratefully, and with a loving attitude. He is not an angry or resentful caretaker. Of course, he is not thrilled to watch his lovely, intelligent wife slide into helpless dementia. But he sees his caretaking as a holy task, one entrusted to him by God. Indeed, she "took care" of him for decades, so he finds it a priviledge to return the favor. However, he is careful to state that his is not the "ideal" way to care for a severely ailing loved one. But I would say that his attitude and actions are examples for anyone, regardless of whatever caretaking path is chosen.

Elisabeth Elliot once wrote that marriage is the abandonment of self. Robertson lovingly exemplifies that principle in the midst of a heart-breaking situation - all for the glory of God. Highly recommended.

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WILL HOLLYWOOD MAKE A MOVIE OF THIS?, June 28, 1999

By 

Thomas N. Headland (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Promise Kept (Hardcover)

This is an absolutely beautiful love story. An earlier version first appeared in Christianity Today magazine in 1990 and two years after that in a small booklet form. For years now my wife and I have given the booklet as a wedding gift to young couples. One young bride told me that her husband read it as they were sitting in a crowded plane flying to California, and he broke down as he read it. He was weeping for the right reasons. American young people today have watched thousands of "love" stories in movies and TV, almost all teaching the opposite of what love in marriage should be like. What kind of man do you want to marry your daughter? One like the latest hollywood movie star, or one like Robertson McQuilkin?

McQuilkin is a distinguished author, professor, and statesman who has influenced thousands of students. But in giving up his career to care for his senile wife he has done more to influence young people today, to be a role model for them as to what love in marriage is all about, than all his books, lectures, and chapel talks combined. It is sad to realize that there is no way that Hollywood will ever make a movie of this story.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Promise Kept, December 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Promise Kept (Hardcover)

it will renew your love in marriage, redefine the word "love" in ways that touch the core of you, a must book for lovers, anniv, weddings, widows, those who are suffering. more than principles, this book is a life msg....that reaches a life! buy it... a must!