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Aging with Grace: Flourishing in an Anti-Aging Culture
Aging with Grace by the Power of the Gospel Whatever season of life you’re in, God has equipped you to flourish―to live in the transforming power and beauty of his grace. As we age, we can easily lose sight of this message as cultural ideals glorifying youth take center stage. In this book, Sharon W. Betters and Susan Hunt offer present-day and biblical examples of women who rediscovered gospel-rooted joy later in their lives. Equipped with a biblical view of aging, Aging with Grace will help you encounter afresh the gospel that “is big enough, good enough, and powerful enough to make every season of life significant and glorious.”
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2021
177 people are currently reading
1303 people want to read
About the author
Sharon W. Betters
8 books3 followersSharon Betters is a mother of four and grandmother of nine. She is a nationally known conference and retreat speaker and has also spoken to women's groups in Africa and Japan. Author of Treasures of Encouragement and Treasures of Faith, she has also contributed articles to Today's Christian Woman, Virtue, and Christian Parenting Today.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
September 2, 2020
As a woman on the cusp of her 40’s, I’ve harbored a secret fear of aging. More than the changes of my physical appearance, I’ve feared becoming obsolete as I age. What kind of impact can I have on the kingdom of God when my body is worn down and I can’t run the race as quickly as I used to? I read Aging with Grace with a lot of tears and thankfulness as my fears were turned to praise. Sharon and Susan address the realities of aging with biblical encouragement to fix our gaze on our timeless God who will finish the work He started in us. Because God is faithful, our growth in Christ will continue as we age. This is a book I will return to over and over again.
August 4, 2022
8/1/22 * 4 - 4.5 Stars
Read for a church women's group. This book was a perfect choice for me at this point in life, with all the trials and grief we've gone through this last year.
Favorite quotes
P 102: A seed, or a tree, cannot plant itself. God sovereignly places us in the plot of dirt—the place on the planet and the time in history—where he intends for us to flourish.
P 103: The question is not, Is your church perfect? but rather, What is your perspective of your church? Do you love her because Jesus loves her? Do you serve her because she is the body of Christ?
P 124: Our anti-aging culture often pushes aside older people to make way for a new generation. This is not God’s way. Throughout Scripture, God not only explains the idea of mentoring, but he shows us the power of evergreen, older, wiser people investing in the lives of the next generation. And like Elizabeth and Mary, those relationships are not one-sided. Each generation learns from the other.
P 126: We are called to be involved in covenant community life. Even in old age we can do this by welcoming others and sharing our hope in Jesus with them, offering gospel encouragement and affirmation, and showing the love and kindness of Jesus.
P 127: Such hope and confidence in God’s promises fuels our faith and nourishes the spiritual fruit of peace, joy, contentment, and trust in our Father’s promise-keeping character, especially when disappointment crashes down.
P 136: Pastor George Grant writes: One of the hazards of the fall is forgetfulness. All of us need regular reminders of the truth of God’s Word and the fidelity of His character in order to persevere in our callings. . . . And that is why the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers is primarily to bring to our remembrance the Word of Truth (John 14:26). . . . He calls on us to reflect on all that He has done so that everything that we are now called to do and everything that we are now called to be takes the shape of His purposes and not merely ours.
P 141: A living hope fixed on Christ makes us missional even in old age.
P 148: J. I. Packer wrote, “Dying well is one of the good works to which Christians are called, and Christ will enable us who serve him to die well, however gruesome the physical process itself. And dying thus, in Christ, through Christ, and with Christ, will be a spiritual blossoming.”
P 151: Whatever situations we find ourselves in as we age, there are nuggets of gold in our past that we can pass on to others. God never wastes a trial, a grief, or a wilderness wandering. We flourish when we give to others the lessons God has taught us.
P 159: Hesed is not just an Old Testament concept. In the New Testament we see God’s loyal love to faithless and undeserving people on full display through the sacrifice of his only Son, Jesus. His love relentlessly pursues his children. His love never quits. We see God’s ultimate hesed in the cross.
P 163: Are you fearful because God does not seem near? I think Naomi would urge you not to languish in the far place; instead, pray. Return home by acknowledging and repenting of your sin. Ask Jesus to empty you of yourself and fill you with his lovingkindness.
P 163: Naomi acted covenantally, discipling Ruth and seeking a kinsman-redeemer to redeem her inheritance. God filled Naomi’s emptiness with his gladness through the birth of a child.
Read for a church women's group. This book was a perfect choice for me at this point in life, with all the trials and grief we've gone through this last year.
Favorite quotes
P 102: A seed, or a tree, cannot plant itself. God sovereignly places us in the plot of dirt—the place on the planet and the time in history—where he intends for us to flourish.
P 103: The question is not, Is your church perfect? but rather, What is your perspective of your church? Do you love her because Jesus loves her? Do you serve her because she is the body of Christ?
P 124: Our anti-aging culture often pushes aside older people to make way for a new generation. This is not God’s way. Throughout Scripture, God not only explains the idea of mentoring, but he shows us the power of evergreen, older, wiser people investing in the lives of the next generation. And like Elizabeth and Mary, those relationships are not one-sided. Each generation learns from the other.
P 126: We are called to be involved in covenant community life. Even in old age we can do this by welcoming others and sharing our hope in Jesus with them, offering gospel encouragement and affirmation, and showing the love and kindness of Jesus.
P 127: Such hope and confidence in God’s promises fuels our faith and nourishes the spiritual fruit of peace, joy, contentment, and trust in our Father’s promise-keeping character, especially when disappointment crashes down.
P 136: Pastor George Grant writes: One of the hazards of the fall is forgetfulness. All of us need regular reminders of the truth of God’s Word and the fidelity of His character in order to persevere in our callings. . . . And that is why the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers is primarily to bring to our remembrance the Word of Truth (John 14:26). . . . He calls on us to reflect on all that He has done so that everything that we are now called to do and everything that we are now called to be takes the shape of His purposes and not merely ours.
P 141: A living hope fixed on Christ makes us missional even in old age.
P 148: J. I. Packer wrote, “Dying well is one of the good works to which Christians are called, and Christ will enable us who serve him to die well, however gruesome the physical process itself. And dying thus, in Christ, through Christ, and with Christ, will be a spiritual blossoming.”
P 151: Whatever situations we find ourselves in as we age, there are nuggets of gold in our past that we can pass on to others. God never wastes a trial, a grief, or a wilderness wandering. We flourish when we give to others the lessons God has taught us.
P 159: Hesed is not just an Old Testament concept. In the New Testament we see God’s loyal love to faithless and undeserving people on full display through the sacrifice of his only Son, Jesus. His love relentlessly pursues his children. His love never quits. We see God’s ultimate hesed in the cross.
P 163: Are you fearful because God does not seem near? I think Naomi would urge you not to languish in the far place; instead, pray. Return home by acknowledging and repenting of your sin. Ask Jesus to empty you of yourself and fill you with his lovingkindness.
P 163: Naomi acted covenantally, discipling Ruth and seeking a kinsman-redeemer to redeem her inheritance. God filled Naomi’s emptiness with his gladness through the birth of a child.
September 1, 2023
I enjoyed this book about flourishing into our old age. As we physically slow down and face limitations, we can see God's faithfulness, serve Him, and pour into the lives of others.
Betters and Hunt share the testimonies of many faithful women as well as look at the examples of matriarchs in the Bible.
Some quotes:
God’s grace is sufficient, and his grace is specific. When it’s time to suffer, he gives suffering grace. When it was Gene’s time to die, the Lord gave dying grace. And now he is giving me grieving grace.
We are all products of our theology. What we believe, or don’t believe, about God shows up every day. Sound theology produces sound thinking and living.
Sometimes people say, “I don’t like the worship at that church.” What does that even mean? Worship is not something we observe and critique; it is something we do. In fact, it is what we were created to do. And in doing it, the psalmist found great joy.
We are made to know God. Jesus said, “This is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3). What an astonishing idea-I can know God! Even more astonishing, he knows me and has a plan for me.
Old age, when life becomes quieter and slower, is prime time to reflect on the power of the gospel to change us. It is also a time when we are tempted to think small-to think about our aches and pains, our disappointments and unrealized expectations. Will we be good stewards of our old age? Even as physical strength diminishes, will we pursue our destiny-knowing God?
Our justification is an act of God’s free grace. The physical and mental decline of aging does not decrease the power of his grace to reverse the effects of the fall and to make us flourish spiritually. God has spoken, and he will do it.
The righteous woman loves the church universal and the church triumphant, and she loves the local church where God plants her at any given time. Sometimes a church is hard to love. The question is not, Is your church perfect? but rather, What is your perspective of your church? Do you love her because Jesus loves her? Do you serve her because she is the body of Christ?
"So don't fight or deny your weakness. Instead, let it bring a childlike dependence upon our Fahter, who tells us:
Listen to me, O house of Jacob...
who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb;
even to your old age, I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. Isaiah 46:3-4
This lovely imagery expresses how I feel about being an old lady. I feel like a tired, dependent, glad, and grateful little girl being carried in the arms of her Father, calling to her friends, "Look how good and strong my daddy is!" And she knows that when she falls asleep in his arms, she'll wake up at home and will "dwell in the house of the Lord forever" Psalm 23:6.
Betters and Hunt share the testimonies of many faithful women as well as look at the examples of matriarchs in the Bible.
Some quotes:
God’s grace is sufficient, and his grace is specific. When it’s time to suffer, he gives suffering grace. When it was Gene’s time to die, the Lord gave dying grace. And now he is giving me grieving grace.
We are all products of our theology. What we believe, or don’t believe, about God shows up every day. Sound theology produces sound thinking and living.
Sometimes people say, “I don’t like the worship at that church.” What does that even mean? Worship is not something we observe and critique; it is something we do. In fact, it is what we were created to do. And in doing it, the psalmist found great joy.
We are made to know God. Jesus said, “This is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3). What an astonishing idea-I can know God! Even more astonishing, he knows me and has a plan for me.
Old age, when life becomes quieter and slower, is prime time to reflect on the power of the gospel to change us. It is also a time when we are tempted to think small-to think about our aches and pains, our disappointments and unrealized expectations. Will we be good stewards of our old age? Even as physical strength diminishes, will we pursue our destiny-knowing God?
Our justification is an act of God’s free grace. The physical and mental decline of aging does not decrease the power of his grace to reverse the effects of the fall and to make us flourish spiritually. God has spoken, and he will do it.
The righteous woman loves the church universal and the church triumphant, and she loves the local church where God plants her at any given time. Sometimes a church is hard to love. The question is not, Is your church perfect? but rather, What is your perspective of your church? Do you love her because Jesus loves her? Do you serve her because she is the body of Christ?
"So don't fight or deny your weakness. Instead, let it bring a childlike dependence upon our Fahter, who tells us:
Listen to me, O house of Jacob...
who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb;
even to your old age, I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. Isaiah 46:3-4
This lovely imagery expresses how I feel about being an old lady. I feel like a tired, dependent, glad, and grateful little girl being carried in the arms of her Father, calling to her friends, "Look how good and strong my daddy is!" And she knows that when she falls asleep in his arms, she'll wake up at home and will "dwell in the house of the Lord forever" Psalm 23:6.
January 9, 2021
As I closed this book, I’m not sure if the tears streaming down were because of all the stories of faithful women who have finished well or the hope that it is possible to finish well or seeing God’s kindness even in suffering. My faith was strengthened reading about a God who sees us even as we grow old, weak, and others stop seeing us. I may still be in my mid-thirties, but I encourage women of every age to pick up this book and read it, then reread it as you grow older. Hunt and Betters did a great job of making it an easy read with lots of real-life stories of those who have gone before us as well as Biblical models of older women who loved the Lord. It is actually doable to not become a bitter old lady!
The book has study questions at the end of each chapter, so great to read with other women. Super easy to read, helpful, and challenging. I'm thankful for having older women to write a book like this.
The book has study questions at the end of each chapter, so great to read with other women. Super easy to read, helpful, and challenging. I'm thankful for having older women to write a book like this.
April 12, 2021
A wonderful book full of truth and encouragement. I appreciate the wisdom that comes from women a generation older than I. Their transparency is a call to move forward in freedom. I liked the juxtaposition of scripture with stories from women who have and are walking ahead of me.
Another thought...I really appreciate learning from women who have been faithful for a long time.
Another thought...I really appreciate learning from women who have been faithful for a long time.
April 17, 2021
If you fear the trials and sorrows that come with aging (loneliness, a loss of family, feelings of having no purpose), this book is a great encouragement to continue to seek and trust the Lord. It is scriptural and full of nuggets of wisdom learned from seasoned women of faith. I feel like this book was written to an audience older than me (46) but so much is applicable to any age.
June 7, 2021
Definitely better than what I was expecting. Really good.
November 2, 2024
I love the heart behind this book, but reading it was a bit of a struggle for me.
For starters, I was turned off by the frequent returning to the subject of “bitterness” which I think is a misunderstanding of Hebrews. Folks reading this book would do well to read Rebecca Davis’s first “Untwisting Scriptures” book and/or the archived posts online via Wayback clarifying what “root of bitterness” means in context. Davis examines all of the ways the Bible addresses “bitterness” and shows that Christians often misunderstand this subject. (To be clear, I don’t think the authors intentionally “twist Scriptures” for their own gain, but they have unwittingly absorbed popular Christian teaching which I think is less faithful to the text than it could be.)
I was also distracted by their affinity for referencing the Hebrew in an attempt to understand the “deeper meaning” of the text. None of these seemed necessary, and at least half of the time, the connections they made were inaccurate demonstrating that they haven’t been well taught and/or resourced in this area. D A Carson’s book, “Exegetical Fallacies” is a good introduction to this subject but perhaps a bit much for the target audience of this particular work. At the very least, folks reading this book should be aware of word root fallacies and illegitimate totality transfer since those are the two mistakes made in this work.
Perhaps I’ll try to re-visit it in another season of life, but for now, I’m inclined to look elsewhere. Other books I’ve read that seem like they would be more helpful are books on God’s character and work (particularly his goodness and sovereignty) like “Trusting God” by Jerry Bridges, as well as, books on suffering well to the glory of God like “Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy” by Mark Vroegop and “Hope When It Hurts” by Kristen Wetherell and Sarah Walton.
For starters, I was turned off by the frequent returning to the subject of “bitterness” which I think is a misunderstanding of Hebrews. Folks reading this book would do well to read Rebecca Davis’s first “Untwisting Scriptures” book and/or the archived posts online via Wayback clarifying what “root of bitterness” means in context. Davis examines all of the ways the Bible addresses “bitterness” and shows that Christians often misunderstand this subject. (To be clear, I don’t think the authors intentionally “twist Scriptures” for their own gain, but they have unwittingly absorbed popular Christian teaching which I think is less faithful to the text than it could be.)
I was also distracted by their affinity for referencing the Hebrew in an attempt to understand the “deeper meaning” of the text. None of these seemed necessary, and at least half of the time, the connections they made were inaccurate demonstrating that they haven’t been well taught and/or resourced in this area. D A Carson’s book, “Exegetical Fallacies” is a good introduction to this subject but perhaps a bit much for the target audience of this particular work. At the very least, folks reading this book should be aware of word root fallacies and illegitimate totality transfer since those are the two mistakes made in this work.
Perhaps I’ll try to re-visit it in another season of life, but for now, I’m inclined to look elsewhere. Other books I’ve read that seem like they would be more helpful are books on God’s character and work (particularly his goodness and sovereignty) like “Trusting God” by Jerry Bridges, as well as, books on suffering well to the glory of God like “Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy” by Mark Vroegop and “Hope When It Hurts” by Kristen Wetherell and Sarah Walton.
January 4, 2021
Tue worship puts character into our lives, humility into our bearing, strength and confidence into our witness... Let us learn to worship God, with the faithfulness and joy.
This text is so gospel saturated that reading would bless anyone. That is the high bar of Christian books for me. Especially if they are designated for a special group as this one. Young women, married women, single women can gleam from this text along with any man.
The purpose is outlined in the beginning that life doesn't not end when we are on the 2nd half of living. When our bodies and minds start to breakdown, we can still be used by God by living in his grace. Each chapter brings a story of such women that have left legacy and with overwhelming circumstances continue looking to Christ. God has created us to flourish with joy and in His grace.
This text will bless you and keep you in His loving care. Highly recommend.
A special thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
This text is so gospel saturated that reading would bless anyone. That is the high bar of Christian books for me. Especially if they are designated for a special group as this one. Young women, married women, single women can gleam from this text along with any man.
The purpose is outlined in the beginning that life doesn't not end when we are on the 2nd half of living. When our bodies and minds start to breakdown, we can still be used by God by living in his grace. Each chapter brings a story of such women that have left legacy and with overwhelming circumstances continue looking to Christ. God has created us to flourish with joy and in His grace.
This text will bless you and keep you in His loving care. Highly recommend.
A special thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
July 10, 2023
Aging with Grace encourages women to flourish and be fruitful, even into old age, by gazing on the glory of the gospel. Seasoned with wisdom, this book offers us the Biblical recipe for a life marked by hoping in Christ. Through examples of women in the Bible as well as women in the Church today, Susan Hunt and Sharon Betters guide us to reflect on God’s faithfulness to his people throughout all of redemptive history, reminding us that it never too late to sink our roots in the soil of God’s Word for his glory and our good.
March 23, 2021
When I requested this book, the description didn't make it clear that it was a gospel-based book on how to please God in your later years. That, along with the run-on dialog style of the book, made it a book that I didn't really enjoy. It is written by two older women who take turns telling their stories and other women's stories along with a sort of Q&A between each other at times. Most of the stories are of tragedies and there's this sort of continual theme of "this bad thing happened and I'm in terrible pain all the time but I trust in God" that might be comforting for some but was not actually what I was hoping for in a book about "aging with grace." I realize now that the title is in the spiritual meaning for grace, as in God's grace. I would recommend it for bible-study group reads, but I didn't find it very comforting or helpful for myself in terms of the issues I would have liked to see addressed. As another reviewer commented, I actually felt more depressed reading it. I'm sure it will be comforting for some others though.
I read a digital ARC of this book via NetGalley.
I read a digital ARC of this book via NetGalley.
January 28, 2025
This was not what I expected. It is clearly written to an audience of ages 60+. I still gleaned much though as I think about the future. I will re read this as I get older. It is also a good book to gift to an older woman in your life.
February 13, 2025
Wow. Just tremendously wise. While I am only 30 years old, I am so glad I read this during the season I am in! The Bible tells us to “consider our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom” and with three little boys under 6, I can tend to spend my days considering the yogurt’s expiration date or how the forty-seven thousand pairs of mini pants in this house ALL have holes. Pausing to hear the wisdom and perspective of these older, godly women was pure gold.
Seriously, just read it.
Seriously, just read it.
March 10, 2021
This one is going to stay on the shelf over my desk where I can put my hands on it easily on any given day. Susan Hunt is a sweet friend of mine and her words are trustworthy. Her life, her words, and her work tell me: God is faithful. So you and I can be, too. IT IS POSSIBLE. This is my hope and this is my comfort as I age. This book said everything I needed to hear. I’m so grateful to have it in my hands!
April 7, 2022
Great message, for all ages. We are all getting older, how can we serve God in our season to keep running the race strong until the end. The lack of Titus 2 women is hurting the church at large. I have felt first hand this tragedy. It’s not too late for me on the receiving end, but I can order my life now to make sure I am on the giving end when my time comes. I would recommend every women read this.
June 11, 2022
Loved this book…just excellent!
August 27, 2025
This book was so timely and FULL of truth and hope and encouragement to age gracefully. Honestly 5 stars is not enough. Life changing for me.
December 1, 2022
Such a sweet and inspiring read. It felt like I was sitting at the feet of women who have walked faithfully with the Lord for many years, women who are finishing the race well. The book was saturated with Scriptural examples, encouragement, and commands to be content under the Lord's hand and flourish into old age. I truly believe that the ability to flourish and find joy in the Lord in the midst of the hardship of aging is one of the greatest testaments of the Lord's goodness and faithfulness to His people. The personal stories from women in diverse situations and the examples of faithful elderly women in Scripture were so encouraging to me. The world teaches us to fear old age and suppress it by whatever means necessary, but Christians are commanded to thrive into old age, knowing that the older we become, the more prepared for our Heavenly home we are.
January 7, 2021
To help guide our perspective on aging, Sharon Betters and Susan Hunt write, “Aging with Grace: Flourishing in an Angi-Aging Culture.”
In 8 chapters, they share their own stories with vulnerability, along with those of other women, and women of the Bible, teaching us to think through what Scripture teaches about aging. They tell us that, “aging with grace, or what the Bible calls growing in grace, is impossible apart from God’s grace.”
This book is “not a list of ideas to become a gracious older woman. It’s about the life-long adventure of God giving his children the desire and ability to do all things – even aging with grace – through him who strengthens us.”
When we face illness, the new role of caregiving, and shifts in how we serve the Lord, we learn that just as before, the gospel is before us, inviting us to traverse the depths of scripture to discover our purpose and identity, for “there are many things we can no longer do as we age, but age does not keep us from fulfilling our purpose to glorify and enjoy God.” This is no skin deep issue, it's a matter of the heart.
They encourage us that, “this is not wasted time. It is growing time, because my physical weakness and pain push me to trust Jesus more.” Our resolve and trust in the Lord can grow as we face weakness and change. We may feel like our suffering doesn't have a purpose, but it puts us closer to the feet of Jesus.
“Old age, when life becomes quieter and slower, is prime time to reflect on the power of the gospel to change us. It is also a time when we are tempted to think small – to think about our aches and pains, our disappointments and unrealized expectations. Will we be good stewards of our old age? Even as physical strength diminishes, will we pursue our destiny – knowing God? We are never too old to look up and be transformed from beast to beauty, without Botox or anti-aging cream.”
I love that! We are never too old to be transformed, never too old to pursue our destiny of knowing him more, never too old to grow in the beauty of our Savior!
This is an important book for Christian women, to help us assess what we believe about age, beauty and purpose in a world that gives us all manner of other definitions; rooting ourselves in the Word is the place we can find the answer. This book helps us to do that.
In the same way, after you've put your pickles through the canner, you don’t eat them the next day, you leave them in the pantry to sit for a few months, because they taste better after time. We get older each day, but every one is filled with new mercies from the Lord, new steps of obedience to take, and new ways to grow, by grace, in love and faithfulness.
If you are a woman curious about what it means to flourish with age, this one is for you! I give it 5 stars!
“It is at the end of life, not only at the beginning, that Christians are most different from the rest of the world. Then the true beauty of a woman, the true character of a man, is seen for what it really is.”
May the Lord give us courage as we age, to continue becoming women who glorify and enjoy him.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Crossway for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
In 8 chapters, they share their own stories with vulnerability, along with those of other women, and women of the Bible, teaching us to think through what Scripture teaches about aging. They tell us that, “aging with grace, or what the Bible calls growing in grace, is impossible apart from God’s grace.”
This book is “not a list of ideas to become a gracious older woman. It’s about the life-long adventure of God giving his children the desire and ability to do all things – even aging with grace – through him who strengthens us.”
When we face illness, the new role of caregiving, and shifts in how we serve the Lord, we learn that just as before, the gospel is before us, inviting us to traverse the depths of scripture to discover our purpose and identity, for “there are many things we can no longer do as we age, but age does not keep us from fulfilling our purpose to glorify and enjoy God.” This is no skin deep issue, it's a matter of the heart.
They encourage us that, “this is not wasted time. It is growing time, because my physical weakness and pain push me to trust Jesus more.” Our resolve and trust in the Lord can grow as we face weakness and change. We may feel like our suffering doesn't have a purpose, but it puts us closer to the feet of Jesus.
“Old age, when life becomes quieter and slower, is prime time to reflect on the power of the gospel to change us. It is also a time when we are tempted to think small – to think about our aches and pains, our disappointments and unrealized expectations. Will we be good stewards of our old age? Even as physical strength diminishes, will we pursue our destiny – knowing God? We are never too old to look up and be transformed from beast to beauty, without Botox or anti-aging cream.”
I love that! We are never too old to be transformed, never too old to pursue our destiny of knowing him more, never too old to grow in the beauty of our Savior!
This is an important book for Christian women, to help us assess what we believe about age, beauty and purpose in a world that gives us all manner of other definitions; rooting ourselves in the Word is the place we can find the answer. This book helps us to do that.
In the same way, after you've put your pickles through the canner, you don’t eat them the next day, you leave them in the pantry to sit for a few months, because they taste better after time. We get older each day, but every one is filled with new mercies from the Lord, new steps of obedience to take, and new ways to grow, by grace, in love and faithfulness.
If you are a woman curious about what it means to flourish with age, this one is for you! I give it 5 stars!
“It is at the end of life, not only at the beginning, that Christians are most different from the rest of the world. Then the true beauty of a woman, the true character of a man, is seen for what it really is.”
May the Lord give us courage as we age, to continue becoming women who glorify and enjoy him.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Crossway for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
March 25, 2021
Occasionally, I get a glimpse of myself through the eyes of a grandchild or a student, a second-grader who sees my gray hair and the lines around my eyes above my mask and behind my glasses. I wonder about their perception of me and the conclusions they might be drawing about women “of a certain age” based on the data I am furnishing. Are those smile lines or frown lines? Can I still sympathize with their child sized view of the world? Am I still learning, too?
Sharon Betters and Susan Hunt have invited me into a deep pondering of what it means to age and how to flourish in a culture that worships youthfulness. Gleaning from the stories of biblical women, women in ministry, and the authors’ experiences of beauty and brokenness, Aging with Grace has introduced me to two new book mentors who overflow with wisdom. Their message is both personal and strategic: biblical thinking about aging will defeat fear, dread, and denial, and it also equips the church with a counter-cultural message of hope and the power of the gospel to enable flourishing in old age.
A leader’s guide with lesson plans is available, and with deep roots in scripture, the book is an on ramp to worship as well as a handbook for growing in grace. Aging with grace begins with a decision to know the Lord and to live in congruence with one’s identity as his child. The radiance of a Spirit-filled life can transform the aging process into one more stop in a life devoted to the primary calling of glorifying God. Are you ready to join me on this journey?
Many thanks to Crossway for providing access to this book to facilitate my review which is, of course, offered freely and with honesty.
Sharon Betters and Susan Hunt have invited me into a deep pondering of what it means to age and how to flourish in a culture that worships youthfulness. Gleaning from the stories of biblical women, women in ministry, and the authors’ experiences of beauty and brokenness, Aging with Grace has introduced me to two new book mentors who overflow with wisdom. Their message is both personal and strategic: biblical thinking about aging will defeat fear, dread, and denial, and it also equips the church with a counter-cultural message of hope and the power of the gospel to enable flourishing in old age.
A leader’s guide with lesson plans is available, and with deep roots in scripture, the book is an on ramp to worship as well as a handbook for growing in grace. Aging with grace begins with a decision to know the Lord and to live in congruence with one’s identity as his child. The radiance of a Spirit-filled life can transform the aging process into one more stop in a life devoted to the primary calling of glorifying God. Are you ready to join me on this journey?
Many thanks to Crossway for providing access to this book to facilitate my review which is, of course, offered freely and with honesty.
May 12, 2021
I love learning from and sharing with those both younger and older than I. The thing is, I’m now 68 years old and have far more opportunities to be around younger women. What a refreshment when a friend and women’s ministry director recommended this book to our Women’s Bible Study written by two older sisters in their seventies and eighties. I don’t get too many “spiritual mothers” these days. Reading this book was like sitting down personally and enjoying a cup of tea together while they shared their stories, advice, biblical knowledge, and wisdom with me. The book was powerful, challenging, theologically sound, and filled with simple, heartfelt faith forged in the difficulties of life. It was such an encouragement to my soul as I experience the joys (and sorrows) of aging.
Aging with Grace is about flourishing in an anti-aging culture like our own. Don’t wait to read it until you are in your sixties. No matter where you are on the age spectrum: read this book now. It will encourage you, challenge you and bless you as you move through life. One of the concluding thoughts particularly struck me and I hope it is stuck to me. “Rest in His provision. Trust in His providence. Walk in His mercy. Remain in His love. Rely on His strength. Stand fast.” Good advice for any age!
Aging with Grace is about flourishing in an anti-aging culture like our own. Don’t wait to read it until you are in your sixties. No matter where you are on the age spectrum: read this book now. It will encourage you, challenge you and bless you as you move through life. One of the concluding thoughts particularly struck me and I hope it is stuck to me. “Rest in His provision. Trust in His providence. Walk in His mercy. Remain in His love. Rely on His strength. Stand fast.” Good advice for any age!
August 3, 2022
If it hadn't been for one woman in particular, who wanted to talk about everything and anything but the book itself (and so long as the everything and anything was about her alone), I think my experience with this book would have been a lot better.
As it is, my motivation to keep reading dwindled. In the beginning, I looked forward to reading the chapter in anticipation of the following group meeting. The writing flowed very nicely, and there are quite a handful of quotes I like from the book. The parts about grief resonated with me deeply as I've been dealing with my own grief these past months.
But as time went on, that anticipation shriveled and died as it became abundantly clear that discussions were not being sorely focused on the material because of that one woman. In fact, the few times she missed, I was relieved. Those were the times I enjoyed most as the other older women shared their testimonies and experiences with the rest of us.
As it is, my motivation to keep reading dwindled. In the beginning, I looked forward to reading the chapter in anticipation of the following group meeting. The writing flowed very nicely, and there are quite a handful of quotes I like from the book. The parts about grief resonated with me deeply as I've been dealing with my own grief these past months.
But as time went on, that anticipation shriveled and died as it became abundantly clear that discussions were not being sorely focused on the material because of that one woman. In fact, the few times she missed, I was relieved. Those were the times I enjoyed most as the other older women shared their testimonies and experiences with the rest of us.
February 19, 2024
Wonderful source of encouragement and renewed perspective on how we can be used by God in our older years and how to look for ways to be productive in this season of life. Very inspiring writing by both authors as they share out of the trials God has allowed in these years to refine them and still rejoice in His care for them. Loved the idea of being a life-giver not a life-taker. Highly recommend reading it through with another woman or group and discussing each chapter together.
May 24, 2022
I especially loved the sub-title of this book: Flourishing in an anti-aging culture. I enjoyed reading through this book with my sisters at Christ Community Church. We enjoyed good discussions and I am strengthened and encouraged to spiritually thrive and to continue steadfastly in prayer “not wishing that any should perish, but all would come to repentance.”
December 2, 2021
I loved and appreciated this book so very much! Our women’s Bible study group read and discussed it these last few months. It’s full of scriptural reminders and testimonies. I plan to reread it as I age with grace!
July 30, 2025
I know I'm not quite the target audience for this book, but this was a lovely, encouraging read - full of truth and the inspiration of godly women further down the road of faithfulness. Probably need to purchase and read again in 10, 20, and 30 years.
April 1, 2022
What a lovely, encouraging book! It’s never too early to start thinking about finishing the race well. The writers are older women (70-80 years old) and talk about the various trials they’ve experienced throughout their lives, particularly as they approach the end. I think this book would also be encouraging to women suffering from chronic illness.
October 17, 2022
Very helpful , to be a life giver as i age .
March 28, 2023
Great book! A book to be read alone or in a group, over and over again. The truths shared are timeless.
March 21, 2021
There were some real gems in this book,l and I’m glad I read it even though it wasn’t exactly what I thought it was going to be.
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