By Elizabeth Reynolds Turnage
Preparing for Glory
Biblical Answers to 40 Questions on Living and Dying in Hope of Heaven
Will I become an angel when I die? What is life like in heaven? How do I leave a spiritual legacy? How can I cope with grief?
You don’t have to be dying to have questions about death, the afterlife, legacy planning, and more. Life and legacy coach Elizabeth Turnage presents bitesize biblical answers on theological and practical issues, accompanied by beautiful hymns, prayers, reflection questions, and additional resources. Rediscover hope as you meditate on the glory that lies ahead.
“This book is a wonderful tool not only for considering eternal truths but also for guiding meaningful dialogue with loved ones about the most essential things.”
—Karen Hodge, Coordinator of Women’s Ministries, Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)
“Planning to die isn’t morbid—it’s a joy for those who have already been raised to newness of life in Christ. This book (a work of art!) is theologically fresh, deeply encouraging, and so very practical.”
—Scotty Smith, Founding Pastor, Christ Community Church, Franklin, Tennessee
Author and Speaker
Elizabeth Reynolds Turnage
When her son was diagnosed with a brain tumor while her father was also dying of prostate cancer, Elizabeth Reynolds Turnage spent long spells in many different waiting rooms. As she waited, she began to wonder, “What if this space could make space for another, better kind of waiting?”
Elizabeth, author, speaker, and story coach, is the founder of Living Story ministries. She is passionate about helping people learn, live, and love in God’s story of grace. The author of three Bible studies published by P&R Publishing, she is a popular conference and retreat speaker. Elizabeth is married to orthopedic surgeon, Kip Turnage, and they have four adult children plus three added by marriage. They are also the devoted “parents” of their personal therapy dog, “Rosie.”
As a pastor for the past four decades, I have longed for a book just like this one—for my own benefit, but also to put into the hands of women and men like yourself. Whether you are currently in the “waiting room” for yourself, or with someone you love—no matter your faith story—past or present, open your heart and this little book.
This brilliant book is a tender gift of the presence of God for those caught in the deep woods of medical uncertainty. When we are in the hospital waiting for resolution, we don’t need a long chapter of admonitions or vague mumblings of comfort. Elizabeth Turnage offers a wisdom that has been hard won, meets the test of the gospel, and is beautifully and brilliantly written. I can’t recommend this book more highly than to say you need a copy for yourself and eventually for every friend or family member who is called to wait for redemption.
Elizabeth writes to anyone who finds themselves in the waiting room of God’s sovereign purposes. She meets us there as an empathetic friend reminding us what is true in His Word, urging us to listen to the refreshing lyrics of the gospel.
Scripture for Peace and Hope
Get Five Free Meditations from The Waiting Room
Select The Waiting Room Devotional on Signup
Praise for The Waiting Room
If you are ever in a hospital waiting room, submerged in anxiety, weariness, and possibly grief—and you will be—feel blessed if you have this book with you.
Daniel Taylor, Creating a Spiritual Legacy
Enjoy music listed in The Waiting Room on Elizabeth’s YouTube channel.
Enjoy music from The Waiting Room on Spotify
Enjoy Susan Calderazzo’s music from The Waiting Room on her Reverbnation channel.
My Writing Blog
Follow Along
A Prayer about Taking Our Fears to the One Who Created Us
Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. Isaiah 43:1 Creator and Lord, Over and over in Scripture, we read the words, “Do not fear.” Help us to hear you speaking them to us. Help us to know in our very bones that we can trust...
A Prayer about Letting Go of Resentment
Love…keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:5 Gracious God, This morning, a wise author* pointed out that we should read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 replacing the word love with God. Indeed, when I read “God keeps no record of wrongs,” your Spirit pricked my heart. ...
A Prayer about Looking to the Lord as He Looks at Us
The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and his ears toward their cry. Psalms 34:15 Precious Father, We confess, in the midst of affliction we tend to turn our eyes on the trials and tragedies piling up before us. As we finish praying through Psalm 34, help...