What I have tried to do is to bring you both the new and old treasures of my knowledge and experience. From my own wrestling with religious issues and my fundamentalist background I bring both old and new understanding of our relationship with God. All the “new” knowledge gained by the scientific world is made possible by the grace of God who gives us gifted people to search out the riches of the universe. Researchers, doctors, nurses, nutritionists, pharmacists, physical therapists, psychologists, social workers, educators, and clients and patients. (Have I left out anyone? ( perhaps politicians?) If so, count yourselves “IN.”) All are part of God’s provision for our health, wholeness, and salvation. We would be foolish to ignore what they have learned or to despise their services.

More and more, health professionals are learning that physical health, the mind, emotions, and spiritual health are all interwoven.

In addition, we are becoming more and more convinced that finances are basic to health…if you can’t afford good food, office visits or medications needed, your health will suffer. If you do not have good community support, your health suffers. Therefore I have added some thoughts on finance and on community in this 2nd edition of At Eden’s Gate: Whole Health and Well-being.

The tapestry of our health needs to be examined from all sides, front and back, top and bottom, warp and woof, with the whole picture in mind.

My hope is that health professionals also will grow as whole persons and better be able to work with the whole picture of their clients and patients as a result of this manuscript. Likewise, I hope that clients and patients will work with their whole picture as they grow as whole persons and as they assist in the education and training of the professionals with whom they work.

Perhaps we, the patients, the public, and the professionals, will also realize that preventive measures are less costly in every way than curative measures, and that our finances are related to all of health. When we face the fact that economics and economic justice affect health, then we really are getting to the nitty-gritty of the kingdom of God, what’s good for all. We need to demand insurance health coverage for preventive care and for whole health care for all.

As you have journeyed through this book and applied its truths to the heights and depths of your own life, I hope you have found lilies along the way that enrich and beautify your life. I hope you will share them, giving hope and joy to others also.

Of this I am convinced, that He, who has begun a good work in you, will bring it to completion until the Day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1 : 6 NRSV

AMEN.