The Spiritual Fitness Checkup for the 50-Something Woman: Ten Steps Toward Midlife Spiritual Health

by Sharon V. King
(Atlanta, GA USA)

What inspired you to write this book?

Turning 50 reminded me of how much living I had already experienced, and, since living to 100 is now possible for many of us, I realized that I could be at this "life" business for yet another 50 years.

I want to use the book as a way of assessing my spiritual journey through the first 50 years to help me get ready for the next 50 and help other women do the same.

Tell me how your faith journey played a part in the process.

I went to Washington, DC to celebrate my 50th birthday by doing some genealogy research to learn more about my grandfather's family--searching out my "roots."

I met cousins I didn't know I had, and they even had pictures of my grandfather I had never seen. It was a great trip, except for one thing--the trip put me in Washington, DC on September 11, 2001.

I was there when the Pentagon was attacked. I scrambled out of the area in a massive traffic jam in a rented car that I drove all the way home to Atlanta, since no planes were allowed to fly.

On the way, I prayed that God would help me value my years (how ever many I have left) and strengthen my faith because our lives could end and bring us to meet God face to face in a matter of seconds. That's when I started working on the book.

What is the one message that you’re trying to get across?

Don't take your spirituality or your relationship with God for granted (however long you have known Him). A spiritual "checkup" is important at every stage of life, but especially in our later years.

Life events, circumstances, illnesses, losses, challenges, and even just daily irritations can influence our Christian walk. We may not be as spiritually "fit" as we think. We can refresh and nourish our walk with God if we take a little time to sit with Him by the side of the road and do our midlife "checkup."

Are you planning any more books?

Since completing this book, I have turned 60, so I'm no longer a 50-womething woman! I am now working on a book for 60+ year-olds. The title pretty much tells it all: "Grits, Green Smoothies, and God: The Survival Kit for 60 and Beyond".

Buy "The Spiritual Fitness Checkup for the 50-Something Woman"

Author: Sharon V. King, Ph.D. is a sociologist and gerontologist who specializes in religion and aging research. She also is a Christian author, conference speaker, and editor. You can contact Sharon at svk@kingsransomediting.com.