Sacred Texts: Finding Faith Among the Dying

"Chaplaincy is, ultimately, listening. There’s a lot of doing and saying and other things to be sure, but it has to start with listening. If I can listen to the person and hear her story, I may find that it resonates with my own. When I communicate to the person that I heard them – not just the words but the meaning and feeling in them – that affirms the other and encourages them to say more. As we continue to engage each other, the hermeneutical spiral continues, and we both are enriched by it." Samuel Blair

Sacred Texts: Faith and Life Among the Dying chronicles just a few of the stories of faith, loss and courage encountered in Samuel Blair’s over twenty-year career serving as a hospice Chaplain. The author weaves these accounts together with scripture to show how these individuals revealed the sacred more fully to him, in hopes that others can benefit from their stories of faith as well. May you be encouraged to see the sacred not only in the sacred texts you encounter in your devotional reading, but in the sacred texts you meet walking along the path with you.

Reviews from readers:

"I am a Stephen Minister at my church, and I do lay counseling with people who are grieving or in need. Your book will strengthen me as I do my Stephen Ministry duties (mostly active listening). I think it should be required reading for all Stephen Ministers across the nation." R.W.

"I am 64 3/4 of age [and] have carcinoma renal cell stage IV Cancer. Since 2018 I have been on the cancer roller coaster ride. But I feel I am doing well. Take the good days with the bad, move on. ... When my granddaughter came home from work, she said "Gram here is a book for you to read" ... So [I] said Thanks, took the book you wrote "Sacred Texts" I could not put it down. That book is WONDERFUL read, I am so touched and emotional and Blessed. That was the Best I have read in a long time." L.

"I'm in the midst of a mental battle of my own (although nothing as severe as the people you describe) and your voice shines through with a peace and gentleness that my spirit sorely needs right now." J. S.