Persons of all ages struggle to survive losses and rewrite their life stories. Self-help books abound, yet seldom do we stop to consider living resources, the wise old persons who are among us. Gerontologists Janet L. Ramsey and Rosemary Blieszner have recorded narratives of spiritually resilient German and American women and offer here a rare combination of listening, personal story telling, and professional reflection. Avoiding simplistic answers and acknowledging the ambiguity of human experience, the authors give voice to a remarkably unheard group: strong old women. In this unique book you will find unforgettable stories of courage and faith but also provocative suggestions on how to enrich your clinical and academic work through an increased emphasis on spiritual coping. The authors also emphasize the importance of acknowledging emotions in spiritual experiences, and integrating faith and close human relationships.
Table of Content
PART ONE: INTRODUCTION TO SPIRITUAL RESILIENCY
An Invitation to Listen
Questions of Meaning, Stories of Faith
Overview of Study Methods
PART TWO: THE STORIES
The Gracious Encounters Begin
The American Women
The German Women
Resiliency and Community
Resiliency and Emotion
Resiliency and Personal Relationships
PART THREE: CONCLUSION
Implications for Thinking, Being and Telling
Implications for Gerontology
About the author
Dr. Janet Ramsey joined the Luther Seminary faculty as the associate professor of congregational care leadership in spring 2002. Her title, a new one at Luther Seminary, signals a philosophical and theological change in modern-day pastoral care. Today, the pastor is no longer seen as the sole caregiver in a congregation, but as the one who models care and leads congregations to be caring communities.
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