The Bottom Line, Ministries Christian News, Articles, & Poetry 
On June 9, 2023, I turned 74. This article is a reflection on my life, as well as my senior years. It is also a testament to God’s grace. I have been through financial hardship, living from paycheck to paycheck, stood in unemployment lines, and gone from job to job. I have had to deal with anger issues, low self-esteem, and depression. There were broken dreams and unfulfilled goals. I drifted along in life, not going anywhere, allowing circumstances and relationships to control me. This describes the first 50 years of my life. Through all of this I was a Christian, but my life had no purpose, and things really started crashing down. Even my chosen profession of music (in which I have a degree) was not going anywhere.
It was at the age of 50 that I decided things needed to change. I went to Christian counseling, read tons of books, and realized what needed to change was my thinking. After dealing with the many issues of my past, I wanted to start making a difference in the lives of people, and to live with purpose and intention.
Something I had always been good at was writing, with a desire to become a published author. So, I decided to put my life experiences into a book. My first book, “God’s Healing Hope: Breaking the Strongholds of Wrong Thinking,” was published at the age of 59. A few years later I started posting articles on Faithwriters, with positive feedback from people all over the world. At last, I saw a purpose for my life. It was writing! And God was using it to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
Over the last 15 years, I have published another book and 3 poems. I have done freelance for local papers and various websites. For five years I shared my life experiences and shared the gospel with the homeless, hurting, and helpless, at my local rescue mission. God has blessed my writing ministry with over 1.3 million views from people on six continents! The point of all this is that you are never too old to see God’s purpose unfold.
As a semi-retired person, I have a wonderful part-time job at a major retailer, and am still involved in music, singing in a choir and solos at church, but God has been most gracious by bestowing upon me the gift of teaching through writing. I will continue to write until I can no longer hold a pen or type on a computer. My mission is expressed in Psalm 71:17-18. “O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.”
What are you doing to leave a legacy and make a difference? What is your purpose and mission in life? Will you finish strong in your faith and in seeing your mission unfold?
John,
Thank you for sharing your life with us. As a senior citizen I often reflect on what God pulled me through, whether it was the tragic death of my dad, due to a doctor’s unexpected error in the operating room. And so many other trials and situations that have occurred in my life and family circle. Through it all God was there. And I got that from your story, you never lost your faith, and the LORD gave you an amazing gift with writing. You are reaching so many others through this platform.
Your articles are informative, bring a great message of hope, and quite inspirational.
I feel beyond blessed to be in this community of faithful followers/writers, and Joel is prolific in his faith as evidenced by this great web ministry and encouragement to others.
The segue to the final message of “it’s never too late” is filled with truth. I pray you will continue to write for many years to come.
God Bless You~
John has been with us since the beginning back in 2014 and is quite the writer.
Your testimony is clear and genuine showing others there is an answer to their questions, troubles, doubts, and discouragement the comes with living. No one is exempt from the difficulties that comes our way. There is only one correct way to find true peace which is inward no matter the circumstances. There is only one way to experience real joy that lifts our spirit up with gratitude that satisfies our hearts. And then comes hope that is magnified through the promises which can only be found in the person of Christ in us. He is the Prince of Peace.
No one else can offer you that. No material things can make the heart sing with gladness and praise. Nothing in this world will satisfy our soul. It’s not in things but in the person and presence of Him.
He is the One who brings clarity, vision, purpose, and fulfillment. He gives us creative ways to make life purposeful.
You demonstrated this pattern of how life is when we try on our own to get ahead. God steps in as you yielded to Him and used you how to tell others how to see. May people seek out the Savior through the writers on this website. Those that know the Savior; may they be inspired, encouraged, and find guidance to walk faithfully with the Master.
Hi Cora,
This is a beautiful response to John’s message. Why have I not seen any of your writing on this site?!
Jennifer
How many times at 58 has the enemy told me that I am all washed up and there is nothing left that I can offer to another? How many times has the enemy told any of us this? Too many! And he will continue to do so if we are willing to listen. But the voice of our God is never full of such condemnation. In God, regardless of age, as you have shown us John, there is always a future and a hope. I love Psalm 92:14-15 which says, ‘In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap, showing that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.’
May you continue to flourish like a palm tree, John, as you remain planted in the house of the Lord!
Thank you, Jennifer, for the reminder of that verse in Psalm 92. A big thanks to all of you for your inspiring comments.
YOUR LIFE STORY RESONATES A BIT WIT MINE
KEEP SEEKING GOD BRO