We prepare for many things in life: careers, marriages, parenting. But what about death? In Preparing for Glory, Elizabeth Turnage answers many of those questions we have about aging, death, and eternity with biblical wisdom and encouragement. This gospel-laced book is both practical and hope-filled, equipping believers to prepare for the certain glory that awaits us in eternity.
Elizabeth Turnage has written a wonderful and helpful, passionate and personal, biblical and theological message that helps readers regardless of whether they are facing their final days, journeying with a dying loved one, or living life to its fullest. Preparing for Glory points us toward God’s glory and love for his people amidst the reality of suffering and sadness associated with death.
Preparing for Glory is a roadmap for navigating what can feel like a frightening journey, one for which we may be ill prepared, as each day takes us to our eternal destination. Elizabeth Turnage gently leads us through the minefield of hard questions, gently showing us what the Scriptures teach about grieving and lament and ultimately ending well. Each of the forty questions ends with options for digging deeper into Scripture. I suggest reading with your Bible and notebook close by! Preparing for Glory is a book I’ve been longing for as each day takes me closer to heaven. It is one I will return to again and again.
There are few quality resources to recommend on death and dying. Preparing for Glory is that resource. Turnage’s book serves as the pastor’s “go-to” handbook to accompany the Bible. In my almost two decades serving as chaplain to hospice patients and their families, I’ve witnessed folk’s reticence to talk about end-of-life issues. Illness and death, hell and glory, these topics often feel scary or embarrassing to discuss, perhaps even old-fashioned. Despite the Scripture’s clarity about our mortality and eventual death, many persist in magical thinking; “If we don’t talk about it, it won’t happen,” “If we do talk about it, it will happen sooner,” or “Talking about these things shows a lack of faith.” Turnage addresses all these human misgivings both compassionately and skillfully. And many who do want to explore these topics don’t know where to start. When was the last time you heard a sermon on God’s guidance about the losses of aging or how to grieve constructively? Preparing for Glory presents forty valuable devotional readings to help you to prayerfully navigate the difficult topics at end-of-life, connect with God, and learn from Scripture. These reflections can stand alone as a caregiver’s daily cup of encouragement or provide the explorer’s first step of prayer, Bible readings, further writings from God’s people, with questions for deeper contemplation.
Reverend Dr. Michael C. Hoppe
I love Elizabeth Turnage’s new “work of art” for several reasons. I call it a work of art, and not a mere book, because it truly captures the beauty, goodness, and truth of the eternal life Jesus has won for us by his victory over death. We are “preparing for glory”—not as a cliché or sentimental spin but because Christ in us is our hope of glory. Everything that is glorious about our God has been made our inheritance by Jesus. Failure to look toward the fullness of this glory is a failure to live life now as our Father intends. We should think about heaven more, not less, and we should think about it as God intends. Preparing for death isn’t morbid—it’s a joy for those who have already been raised to newness of life in Christ. And planning to die is to love well those we precede, because, as Elizabeth helps us understand, we’re not just picking hymns—we are giving big grace to those who will have major stuff to deal with after our passing. This book (work of art!) is theologically fresh, deeply encouraging, and so very practical.
Preparing for Glory is a roadmap for navigating what can feel like a frightening journey, one for which we might feel ill prepared as each day takes us to our eternal destination. Elizabeth Turnage gently leads us through the minefield of hard questions including “Why do people have to die?”, “What will dying be like?”, “How do we know which medical means to employ at the end of life?”, “How do we leave a spiritual and emotional legacy?”, and “Is there a way to intentionally prepare for the end of life by resolving conflicts, expressing gratitude and aging graciously?” Elizabeth gently shows us what scriptures teach about grieving and lament and ultimately how to end well. Each of the 40 questions ends with options for digging deeper into scripture. I suggest reading with your Bible and notebook close by as Elizabeth helps us probe hard questions with Scripture as our guide. Preparing for Glory is a book I’ve been longing for as each day takes me closer to heaven and one I will return to again and again.
Sharon W. Betters Executive Director MARKINC Ministries
