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
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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 Our Hope in Broken Stories
They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. Isaiah 61:4 Restoring God, Today we lift up all who are in the middle of a story that feels like it has been...
A Prayer about Boasting in Our Weakness
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Cor. 12:10 All-Powerful God, We confess, we in Western culture crave power, control, and independence. The last thing we want is to seem weak. And yet,...
A Prayer about Leaning into Brand New Things
Behold, I am doing a new thing; Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:19 Creator King, Isaiah shared your hope with the Israelites in a desperate season. May we hear his call to “remember not the former things”— old ways of entrenched sin, deeply...