Publishers Weekly
09/25/2023
In this inspiring debut, pastor Hewitt delves into the faith that has fortified him since he was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. After a doctor found a tumor “the size of a Ping-Pong ball” on a scan of Hewitt’s brain in 2017, the author found a surgeon to perform the complex procedure to remove it, endured brain surgery while awake, and experienced the near-miraculous disappearance of his symptoms—only for the tumor to recur a year later. Desperate to understand “the purpose of my pain,” Hewitt recalled that when the apostle Paul sought healing from the “thorn in his flesh,” God assured him that “my grace is sufficient, and my power is best displayed in weakness.” Paul concluded, “When I am weak, then I am strong”—an attitude Hewitt adopted as his illness spurred him to become more vulnerable with his wife and daughter, to practice a renewed faith, and to compete in an Ironman competition to prove that “with God all things are possible.” Hewitt’s narrative is arrestingly candid, as when he urges himself to “practice the powerful discipline of giving thanks in light of my illness,” and elsewhere recalls how he’d decided to compete in an Ironman “to teach my daughter to go after dreams,” even though he knew he might not live “to see her achieve them.” Christians in search of spiritual succor will be moved. (Nov.)
From the Publisher
Jay Hewitt has chosen to bravely reveal intimate details of the journey he and Natalie have been on for the last several years. I'm proud of the ways God has moved, shaped, refined, and empowered them during this triathlon-sized challenge. It's impossible to read this book and not be moved to tears. As you let Jay's story soak in, you'll see that you can have the same power Jay has. He is a good man, a great husband, and a remarkable dad. In this book, he shares his amazing and powerful story of freedom, joy, and healing. Anyone facing an IRONMAN-sized challenge will love this book. Paul Alexander, Ph D, president of Hope International University
As a functional medicine practitioner, I've seen inexplicable peace and joy exude from people going through the most challenging times in their health. Jay Hewitt highlights this concept and shows us that hope can always be found. Leading with practical guidance, he explains exactly how we, too, can walk through life with an unshakable resilience, no matter what is thrown at us. Dr. Will Cole, leading functional medicine expert and author of The Inflammation Spectrum and the New York Times bestseller Intuitive Fasting
Far more than being a beautiful expression of Jay Hewitt's life, this book reveals the beauty of being human. We tend to forget that to be weakest in the flesh is to be strongest in God's Spirit. Jay's vulnerability powerfully illustrates what it looks like to lean into Jesus in the darkest of times. If you're looking to learn more about being resilient and trusting God in the dark, I highly recommend this book. It will make you laugh and cry, and it will also provide helpful tools for trusting God when you don't understand His ways. Jay's integrity and willingness to keep learning what it looks like to trust Jesus have encouraged me in my own walk with God. This book will not disappoint! Christy Wimber, author, pastor, former TV host, and current director of global church planting for Friends Southwest
Jay Hewitt is one of my heroes. At the age of thirty-seven, this amazing husband, father, and pastor was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, yet persevered with a deep faith. Jay's story touched my soul deeply. What he has learned through his journey is a powerful reminder that your circumstances may not always change, but your attitude can change—and that makes all the difference. His life story is pure inspiration. Jim Burns, Ph D, president of Home Word and author of Doing Life with Your Adult Children
When confronted with the most difficult of circumstances, Jay Hewitt answered the call of his heart to alchemize his challenges into a higher purpose—to inspire! This book will do just that—inspire you to live a more purpose-filled life. Joe Hawley, former National Football League center
