Hymns for Pastors and People (1862)

Written with rare perception, In Fields of Grass is a remarkable book for Americans facing daily life-and-death challenges. Our stressful commercial culture means life is not valued, and work and wealth are overvalued. Many die while they are still alive. The greatest loss in our time is not the loss of life but the loss of love and purpose. Our daily struggles to survive in a commercial world are not sufficiently honored. When we lose loved ones at middle age and before, we must take time to celebrate small accomplishments, the loves and lives we share, and all will be reconciled. In Fields of Grass helps those who live in times of constant wars and economic uncertainty. It will help the living survive the dying process, to celebrate new life when we are left behind and need new directions. Our purpose is to live, love, share life and continue to hope. All people and faiths create a meaningful mosaic, a beautiful present and future. Our lives are for sharing in one unending creative celebration. In Fields of Grass reminds us that we are born to die, but also that we are renewed and reborn again and again in a never-ending cycle of reconciliation that life and love are for eternity.