Dust to Dust: Aging Wisely in an Anti-Aging World

In This Biblical Meditation, Jen Wilkin Offers Christians a Compelling and Hopeful Perspective on Aging and the Aged

The world tells us at every turn that aging is a steep descent into irrelevance, one to be avoided at all cost. This false story diminishes not only us but our elders and the time God gives us. But Scripture reveals a markedly different pattern of life, one of increasing value, that calls us to embrace our age and number our days rightly.

In this extended exploration of aging, Jen Wilkin draws poetic parallels between the first half of life and the second. Exploring the changing realities of caregiving, abilities, and potentiality, she helps us to trace God’s give-and-take design at every stage. Wilkin offers practical insights on body image, honoring the elderly, the essential value of family, and more. She urges us to trade an anti-aging mindset for the pursuit of biblical wisdom, encouraging believers to lean into—not fight—their place in the true story of the arc of life. 

• A Biblical Perspective on Aging: This book is a thought-provoking resource for those in their 20s, middle age, and beyond
• Thoughtful: Using the metaphor of a chiastic poem, Wilkin explores the symmetry of life and helps us find value in each stage
• Practical Application: Invites Christians to reject the world’s lies about age, pursue wisdom, steward their time well, and serve others as image bearers of God
• Written by Bestselling Author Jen Wilkin: Author of None Like Him; In His Image; Women of the Word; and more

“In Dust to Dust, Jen Wilkin presents a vision of aging so compelling, it makes me eager for the years ahead. So much of what we hear in culture is about hiding the visible realities of the years we have lived—but Jen offers a more biblical view: that aging is a rare gift to be honored, welcomed, and unconcealed. Yes, our days on this earth are numbered. But while the world trills about finding ways to live forever, Jen reminds us that, in Christ, we already will.”
—Laura Wifler, writer, poet, author of This Side of the Sky, and coauthor of Risen Motherhood  

“I cried while reading this book. That’s not normal for me. I won’t tell you where; you can find it for yourself. And you might cry more than once. We need this book. I did. We’re surrounded by anti-aging voices, and so familiar with their tune that we hardly give it any thought. How many of us have paused to ask, ‘What does God say about aging?’ Jen Wilkin’s insightful and distinctly Christian journey will open your eyes to the tragic restlessness around us. You won’t be able to unsee it. And that’s good.”
—David Mathis, Senior Teacher, Desiring God; Pastor, Cities Church, Saint Paul, Minnesota; author, Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus Through the Spiritual Disciplines

Format: Paperback