Forged through Fire
A Reconstructive Surgeonís Story of Survival, Faith, and Healing
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4.7 • 3 Ratings
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
When Mark McDonough was a teen, a catastrophic fire claimed the lives of his mother and younger brother. It also left Mark with burns on over 65 percent of his body. During a long and painful recovery, his faltering faith in God was strengthened by a remarkable near-death experience. Inspired to pursue a career as a plastic surgeon to help those who suffer as he has, McDonough has overcome numerous other adversities on his journey, including addiction and a stroke. Now he shares his incredible true story of survival and perseverance to bring hope and healing to those dealing with great physical and emotional pain.
Anyone who has suffered or watched a loved one suffer from a personal trauma, disease, or loss that has tested or stolen their faith and exhausted their emotional resources will find real hope in this redemptive story.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In his gripping debut, surgeon McDonough parses the mental and physical trauma from being badly burned, as well as the death of his mother and younger brother, during a house fire when he was 16 years old. McDonough explains how, on Aug. 3, 1976, he awakened to loud crackling and intense heat; he frantically called to his four younger brothers and mother before plunging into the burning hallway to find them. Firefighters found him barely alive and badly burned next to a door to the garage. In McDonough's intense account of tragic loss and arduous recovery from burns covering nearly 70% of his body he writes openly of his fears and doubts, and recounts his own near-death experience during a surgical operation that changed his understanding of God and his own purpose. "I may not know what the future holds, but I know who holds it," he writes. "Like the phoenix, my goal in reconstructive surgery has been to return my patients to as close to their original versions as possible, if not better, through the restoration of body, mind, and spirit." McDonough's powerful memoir will challenge and inspire readers to persevere through even the worst.
Customer Reviews
Perservance Through Trials
Wow, what a story of redemption, love and forgiveness. “Forged through Fire” is the raw and unvarnished story of a man searching for meaning and answers in the midst of great trials.” Jesus certainly does not promise His followers a life free from trials or pain, but the author’s faith is not in any shape perfect, he spent time away from God, but through his trials and pain he learned that God is always with him. When he was 16, Mark was in a catastrophic house fire that claimed the lives of his mother and youngest brother. Suffering burns over 65% of his body, his first thoughts turned to death being better than the suffering he was in.
If you or a loved one has suffered from personal trauma, disease or loss that has tested or stolen your faith and exhausted your emotional resources, you’ll find real hope in his redemptive story. I went through a dark time as a care giver for my grandmother who passed away from dementia. To say it was easy would be an understatement. Believing in God and trusting in Him does not mean our lives will be easy or we won’t face struggles. Romans 8:28- And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called to his purpose. Mark shared his near-death experience which made his faith stronger in the end. With each reconstructive surgery after the other his faith was tested. Still, he became a physical therapist, physician, and later a plastic reconstructive surgeon.
I highly recommend “Forged through Fire.” If Mark preserved through all his trials and pain there is no reason why we can’t.
I received a copy of the book from Revell/Baker Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion.
Forged through Fire
This book makes one remember the important things in life, this one of those can’t put down books, loved it