What does it truly mean to live a long and meaningful life? For many people, longevity is measured simply by years, but for others it is defined by faith, resilience, wisdom, and the ability to endure life’s many challenges with grace. In the inspiring book How To Live Well Past 100 Years, readers are introduced to the remarkable life of Mother Lucille D. Shazier, a woman whose 107-year journey stands as a powerful testament to perseverance, faith, and strength.
Throughout history, mature women have often been pillars of wisdom within families and communities. Their experiences reflect a lifetime of trials, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way. Author Mary L. Beal captures this truth beautifully by sharing the extraordinary story of Mother Shazier, a woman whose life mirrors the powerful words of Maya Angelou: “Still I rise.”
Mother Shazier’s life story is one that spans over a century of American history. Born into a world that looked very different from today, she witnessed monumental changes that shaped both the nation and the African American experience. She lived through pandemics, social injustice, and significant cultural transformations. Long before modern technology and convenience became a part of everyday life, she learned to survive and thrive in a world filled with uncertainty.
One of the most striking elements of Mother Shazier’s story is the adversity she faced from an early age. She never knew her birth mother and grew up without knowing what happened to her oldest sister. Yet despite these painful beginnings, she refused to allow bitterness or despair to define her life.
Her story reflects the words of poet Langston Hughes, who once wrote, “Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.” Mother Shazier experienced hardships that could have easily led to discouragement. Instead, she chose resilience.
By the age of seven, she had already witnessed significant moments in American history, including the era surrounding the women’s suffrage movement. However, like many African American women of that time, she was excluded from the rights and opportunities being fought for by others. Despite these societal barriers, Mother Shazier continued to persevere with dignity and strength.
What sustained her through decades of challenges was her unwavering faith. Over the course of 107 years, she developed a deep and abiding relationship with God. Her spiritual foundation became her source of guidance, comfort, and strength during difficult times.
Through wars, pandemics—including the devastating Spanish Flu—and the many social changes that unfolded throughout the 20th century, her faith remained her compass. She often described her relationship with the Lord as the “thermometer” that helped her measure life’s challenges and maintain perspective.
Mother Shazier’s powerful declaration captures the heart of her journey: “I walk by faith, not by sight.”
How To Live Well Past 100 Years is more than a story about longevity. It is a reflection on faith, endurance, and the wisdom gained through a life fully lived. For readers seeking inspiration, this book serves as a reminder that strength, faith, and perseverance can carry us through even the darkest seasons of life.
Get your copy:
Kindle: https://a.co/d/iREb9Gt
Paperback: https://a.co/d/1PSvQTk
