“Live, Love, and Let Go beautifully integrates spirituality with health care from a Christian perspective. Dr. Abshire shares reflections from his tradition that could help those who serve the seriously ill.”
—Christina M. Puchalski, MD, FACP
Director, George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health Professor
Dept of Medicine and Health Sciences George Washington University School of Medicine Professor Health Leadership and Management
“In Live, Love, and Let Go: A Doctor’s Insightful Approach to Living and Dying, James Abshire provides wise and practical guidance for finding our way through a bewildering time of life for which most of us are not prepared. Abshire is uniquely qualified to do so, drawing on the deep knowledge of the physician as well as the life experience of one who has survived cancer and has himself been a bereaved family member. Therefore his handbook can relieve some of the anxiety and instill hope and confidence for individuals and families facing the final phase of life. Having served as a hospice chaplain, I am impressed by his broad knowledge of the subject, yet how clearly and simply he provides an understanding of the process and the resources. More than just handing us medical information and good philosophy, the book causes us to reflect on our attitudes, and gives plenty of examples from life. In short, it prepares us. The good doctor has written us a most useful prescription!”
—Rev. George Matranga, B.C.C. Hospice Chaplain
“The most powerful reconciliatory and therapeutic prescription for end of life issues lies embedded in the “shalom” of God. Corresponding transformative truth enables us to live with joy and embrace the end of life with peace. Accordingly in this book, James provides the necessary optics that empowers us to live, love and let go.”
—Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, President, NHCLC
Hispanic Evangelical Association
“This book, which is both deeply spiritual and intensely practical, will be enormously helpful to many who are walking through death’s dark valley, and James Abshire’s insights are all the more cogent because he too is walking in those shoes. Throughout, he seeks common ground with Jesus, whom he clearly loves, with the result that his writing exudes faith, hope and love, refocuses priorities and brings an eternal perspective that has the power to transform.”
—Dr. Jeff Stephenson, Consultant in Palliative Medicine and Medical Director
St Luke’s Hospice, Plymouth, UK
“People of faith who are confronting life-threatening illness often seek advice. Advice from a thoughtful person is good. Advice from a thoughtful physician is better. Advice from a thoughtful Christian physician is better yet. Advice from a thoughtful Christian physician who has himself confronted the questions, the issues and the practical realities is top shelf. Dr. Abshire’s book is on the top-most top shelf.”
—Robert D. Orr, MD, CM, co-chair of the Healthcare Ethics Council and a Senior Fellow with The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity
Professor of Bioethics at The Graduate College of Union University, Professor of Medical Ethics at Loma Linda University, Professor of Bioethics at Trinity International University, Professor of Family Medicine at the University of Vermont College of Medicine, and chairs CBHD’s Advisory Board
“In this book, James Abshire shares uniquely with the reader a beautiful marriage between science and faith through his own experiences as a medical doctor and man of faith. Through the lens of optimism, medical expertise, and trust in God James addresses realities in life and death in a way that is vulnerable, sincere, and encouraging.”
—Andi Linley, Young Life Area Director
“Live, Love and Let go” is an important book for easing people’s fear of the dying process. Dr. Abshire combines good medical expertise with insights from a deep evangelical Christian faith as he offers both practical assistance and inspiration to people facing terminal illness, as well as to their loved ones. Many will find the book helpful and comforting, if not also transforming.”
—William K. Weigand, Catholic Bishop Emeritus
Sacramento, CA
“This book will help calm your mind and get you a better grip on life.”
—Spencer Levin, PGA Tour pro golfer
“Most people do not want to talk about illness, especially terminal illness. James Abshire does just that. If you are a Christian and you are going through the struggles of a terminal illness, James Abshire’s book, Live, Love, and Let Go is a wonderful guide for Christian patients and their families. It marries the Christian faith and medicine by dealing the tough and difficult issues that are faced during illness. Abshire uses scripture and medical science to explain both the disease process and spiritual growth process that are instrumental in getting through these very pivotal times.”
—Stacey R. Merlin, M.S., M.A.
“Dr. Abshire’s approach to the inevitability of death and dying in his book Live, Love and Let Go is masterfully done. As a Messianic Jewish rabbi, I have become very familiar with the subject of living and dying and therefore most heartily recommend Dr. Abshire’s sensitive, insightful and practical approach conveyed by his own medical and spiritual experience. This book will help many.”
—Rabbi Martin Waldman, Baruch HaShem Messianic Synagogue
Dallas, TX
“James Abshire boldly addresses essential areas of concern for those facing their own imminent death or the death of a loved one. Not only does he bring a unique voice as a medical professional who has helped numerous patients with these concerns, but more importantly he has faced his own death and walked through these concerns for himself.”
Kristina Kays, Psy. D. Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty Development Committee Chair
George Fox University
“Live, Love, and Let Go is a winning game plan for the late innings of life. It hits a home run.”
—Greg Vaughn, 4X MLB All Star
“Dr. Abshire’s insights are very well expressed and personal, which makes for an easy read. As I read each chapter, I could see comfort and help for those whose medical condition leads to thoughts of life and death.”
—Fr. Dino Pappademos, Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church
Elk Grove, CA
“Few people have James Abshire’s expertise as a doctor, patient, and wise Christian. This book is an excellent resource for anyone confronted with a terminal diagnosis, or anyone who cares about such a person.”
—Rob Moll, Christianity Today editor at large and author of The Art of Dying
“Internist James Abshire has encapsulated almost 30 years of medical experience and his own encounter with cancer into a remarkable and readable exposition on life’s final journey. This is not a depressing read! Dr. Abshire peppers his narrative with humor, personal anecdotes, case studies from his medical practice, and practical biblical analysis. Never overly technical, he nonetheless provides practical counsel for anyone who has ever been a patient, anyone who has ever faced loss, anyone who cares for a disabled or dying loved one, or anyone who has or will face death. In other words, he has written this book for all of us.”
—Dennis Sullivan, MD, MA (Ethics) Director, Center for Bioethics
Cedarville University