On October 20, 2006, a middle-aged auto mechanic, Jeff Markin, walked into the emergency room at the Palm Beach Gardens Hospital and collapsed from a massive heart attack. Forty minutes later he was declared dead. After filling out his final report, the supervising cardiologist, Dr. Chauncey Crandall, started out of the room. "Before I crossed its threshold, however, I sensed God was telling me to turn around and pray for the patient," Crandall explained.With that prayer and Dr. Crandall's instruction to give the man what seemed one more useless shock from the defibrillator, Jeff Markin came back to life--and remains alive and well today.
But how did a Yale-educated cardiologist whose Palm Beach practice includes some of the most powerful people in American society, including several billionaires, come to believe in supernatural healing?
The answers to these questions compose a story and a spiritual journey that transformed Chauncey Crandall.
My Take: I'm going to be honest. I didn't love this book. In mulling it over, however, I decided it is totally a personal taste. Dr. Crandall is an evangelical Christian. He attends and presides over revivals where miracles occur and demonic purges in persons are performed. In my own conservative Christian church, I feel uncomfortable with miracles being performed so openly. I do believe in miracles, however, I also believe that faith precedes the miracle (which Dr. Crandall does not dispute) and that faith is a hope of things not seen. I also had a hard time swallowing a one time being saved. Again, this is my personal belief system in play which is that I am only saved through Him and after my good works which are still in progress.
Dr. Crandall does, however, have many of my own beliefs which are tantamount to Christianity. I simply prefer a quieter version of Christ's power, as I have witnessed. Which brings me to the most compelling portion of this book, in my opinion. Although the book is being marketed by the incredible miracle Dr. Crandall witnessed and was instrumental in bringing forth through his faith and obedience, the real story is Dr. Crandall's journey toward God in the face of adversity.
After having a difficult time conceiving, Deborah Crandall gave birth to twin boys. At the age of 11, one of the sons developed a strain of leukemia. The next 4 years test the Crandall's faith and willingness to accept God's will. After a particularly difficult experience, Deborah and Christian (the other twin) feel a peaceful spirit about and within them. To me, that is the ultimate payout in faith.
Dr. Crandall's belief that religion is irrelevant to accepting Christ and becoming a follower resonates deeply within me. On that same vein, I do not wish to disparage his work nor his way of practicing his beliefs. This book is solid reading material. It will speak volumes to some readers and bring some (hopefully many) to Christ. I've read other works that have touched me more.
3 Stars
But how did a Yale-educated cardiologist whose Palm Beach practice includes some of the most powerful people in American society, including several billionaires, come to believe in supernatural healing?
The answers to these questions compose a story and a spiritual journey that transformed Chauncey Crandall.
My Take: I'm going to be honest. I didn't love this book. In mulling it over, however, I decided it is totally a personal taste. Dr. Crandall is an evangelical Christian. He attends and presides over revivals where miracles occur and demonic purges in persons are performed. In my own conservative Christian church, I feel uncomfortable with miracles being performed so openly. I do believe in miracles, however, I also believe that faith precedes the miracle (which Dr. Crandall does not dispute) and that faith is a hope of things not seen. I also had a hard time swallowing a one time being saved. Again, this is my personal belief system in play which is that I am only saved through Him and after my good works which are still in progress.
Dr. Crandall does, however, have many of my own beliefs which are tantamount to Christianity. I simply prefer a quieter version of Christ's power, as I have witnessed. Which brings me to the most compelling portion of this book, in my opinion. Although the book is being marketed by the incredible miracle Dr. Crandall witnessed and was instrumental in bringing forth through his faith and obedience, the real story is Dr. Crandall's journey toward God in the face of adversity.
After having a difficult time conceiving, Deborah Crandall gave birth to twin boys. At the age of 11, one of the sons developed a strain of leukemia. The next 4 years test the Crandall's faith and willingness to accept God's will. After a particularly difficult experience, Deborah and Christian (the other twin) feel a peaceful spirit about and within them. To me, that is the ultimate payout in faith.
Dr. Crandall's belief that religion is irrelevant to accepting Christ and becoming a follower resonates deeply within me. On that same vein, I do not wish to disparage his work nor his way of practicing his beliefs. This book is solid reading material. It will speak volumes to some readers and bring some (hopefully many) to Christ. I've read other works that have touched me more.
3 Stars
Thanks to Hatchette Book Groups, I have two copies to offer to you! Fill out the form below.
U.S. and Canada only.
No P.O. Boxes
One copy per household
Ends October 21st
3 comments:
I filled out the form.
I come from a conservative Christian background as well, but I am always intrigued when God speaks to us. I'd love to read at least that part of the book.
Thanks for the giveaway and for sharing your thoughts.
what an amazing set of circumstances for the Dr. Wow!
y
Post a Comment