Our Terminal

Our Terminal provides resources, encouragement, and hope for individuals and families facing terminal illness. We do this through faith-based devotionals, free online resources, and through community partnerships. Our Terminal believes that each person's story matters, and that no one should walk through a terminal diagnosis alone.

When Sarah Braden's mother, Nancy Lanford, was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2015, she was quickly thrown into the role of primary caregiver and medical advocate. As her family walked beside her mom during her five-month decline, Sarah realized a void that needed to be filled. While there were many excellent medical resources available to them, there were few spiritual materials at their disposal. As Sarah wrestled with God about Nancy's illness and death, she yearned to have something tangible - a devotional or prayer journal - that dealt with the circumstances they were facing, but her search came up rather empty.

In the years since her mom died, Sarah felt God nudge her to do something about the need for more Christian resources pertaining to the end of life diagnoses. In 2018 Our Terminal became a registered 501(c)3 organization. Upon relocation to Bryan last July, Our Terminal has taken significant steps forward and we have been excited to release our first devotional book, The Terminal, in July 2020. This book takes personal journal entries written during Nancy's illness and death and links them with reflection questions and guided prayer, helping the reader to process their own emotions, doubts, and fears. Above all, it points people back to the hope we can have in Jesus, even while walking through the devastating reality of a terminal diagnosis. While our devotionals will be available for purchase through our online shop, our main desire is to partner with area hospitals, hospice agencies, churches, and community ministries so that these materials can be distributed, for free, to the families in their care.

In addition to this devotional, Our Terminal has developed a bedside book, Words of Blessing, that provides a way for you to love your friend or family member well as you sit by their bedside. Filled with a collection of Psalms and Scripture passages, these readings were carefully chosen for these precious moments. When these words are read aloud, they have the power to uplift the heart, encourage the spirit, and comfort the soul. Alongside each entry, you will find a guestbook to record thoughts and memories for the immediate family. Words of Blessing turns the sacred conversations at the bedside into a tangible keepsake for the days and years to come.

Our Terminal also offers practical resources available for instant download on our website and a newly released bedside book called Words of Blessing. Words of Blessing is filled with carefully chosen Scripture passages that enable family members or guests to speak hope over their loved one while at their bedside. Alongside each entry, there's a guestbook to record thoughts and memories for the immediate family, which will form a cherished and tangible keepsake.

At Our Terminal, we desire to help bring God's peace, hope, and comfort to this difficult and sacred last chapter of life.

Testimonials

Coming soon!