Now, this message today is for those of us who are ‘getting on’ in age. (You decide if this includes you.) I watch timeless messages spoken by Billy Graham. Some go back to the 60s, but it seems they could have been given today. That’s what happens when one presents messages from a 2,000-year-old ‘living’ Book. It’s amazing! Here goes, with my paraphrasing: Why are we still living after 60, 70, 80, and even older? It’s because our voices, (whether by visits, phone calls, or written--in letters, or like this weekly column) can be answers to someone’s prayers. Our assignment continues because our stories of our testimonies are to be used. Our faith renews our strength to keep obeying Him (God).

We don’t realize how our strength affects other’s lives until we get feedback from our listeners or readers.

Dr. Graham also said that those over 60 are learning to show strength just by how we live our lives. Our voices should not be opinionated, but be from words taken from that ‘living’ Book. That’s what Jesus did when he was being tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1-11.) We can be more effective when praying for our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and friends, etc., by using words of healing and encouragement from the Bible. We are living still to make a difference.

We sometimes find it difficult to realize that our losses expand our compassions. (Read that statement again.) We older ones are not back-up plans. We have nothing to prove. We live over 60 years because our souls have been tempered by our challenges. We are enemies to satan because we don’t believe his lies that we’re too old now to matter. We need to pray to turn hearts to God as long as we have voices.

Graham says our fires burn to lead with love. Our age is a platform. Our gray hair is a crown. Our wrinkles show evidence of living. Our bodies will be renewed in the next phase of life, so we shouldn’t be so concerned of showing age in this short time here on earth. Let’s concentrate less on our aging bodies, but more on our purpose.

Our voices sound of survival because the Gospel will not retire--so neither should we.

Our voices are softened by grace that God gives us. There’s no room for negativity. Our generation is of endurance--that’s why we’re still here. Our writings will not be diluted for popularity but should intend to stay with His Word. God wants us to use wisdom and use voices of kindness and humility. Our surrendered lives are His.

Our best days are still ahead. We refuse to give up but to desire to keep working for Him. Our calling is bound by obedience. Graham reminds us that as long as we have breath, we should desire to be used. Our added years is a holy time to rebuild what or who has been broken.

The devil hates older people who aren’t manipulated by emotions, pain, or by slowing down. God stays with us, giving us dignity through all of these challenges. We still have God’s promises, and we are to use God’s Word to heal hearts. Our victorious spirits still rise through His Covenant: ‘I will never leave you’ (Hebrews 13:5).

We don’t have the same energy, but we have authority using the Word like Jesus did, Our voices are to fight ‘till our last breath. We’re vessels and warriors for Him until He calls us home.

Now a note from me: After getting over yet another surgery, I’m again able to climb the steps of the PO to get my mail. Inevitably, i bump into people who say they read my column faithfully and encourage me to keep writing! Usually, these comments come at times when I’ve about to decide to end my column because, after 10 years, I feel like there’s no more in me to share. Those words ‘pick me up’ and, feeling refreshed, I decide God must not be through with me yet, so I persevere. And, these words from Dr. Graham confirm it!