When Your Doctor Has Bad News: Simple Steps to Strength, Healing, and Hope

This book is laid out in 18 easy to read and somewhat brief chapters. The author weaves beautifully the personal stories, anecdotes from his own medical practice, mission work and personal life throughout to engage the reader and provide examples of how people from very different walks of life have dealt with a life-altering medical diagnosis. In this, I believe that the reader will perhaps see a little of himself or herself in the pages of the book. Another great feature of this book is the open ended questions for the reader to consider, providing a spring board for self-reflection and discussion. Dr. Weir provides some very practical advice such as the discussion in Chapter 3, "Choose the Best Science," and in a section of Chapter 5 sub-titled "Face the Future with Understanding," where he lays out some very practical questions and steps to take with your medical care team. More guidance like this can be found in Chapter 7, "Choose the Right Battle Plan." Beyond the practical advice I am very glad to see that Dr. Weir references and directs the reader to Scripture, pointing beyond human wisdom to that of our Divine Creator. I am also very glad to see that he addresses some difficult issues and does not shy away from discussing sin in our life that adversely affects us and causes one, if they are honest with themselves, to reflect on their standing with God. Overall, I think that this book is a good resource and may prove to be helpful to those facing a life-altering diagnosis from a doctor, and for their loved ones. I do, however, have a few significant concerns with some of the material presented and would like to raise those concerns here: 1. While prayer is indeed powerful and an important aspect of the Christian life, I firmly believe that obedience to God's Word and understanding Scripture in its proper context is paramount over prayer. Dr. Weir, perhaps not intentionally, encourages the reader to pray THEN to seek out Scripture. Instead, our foundation for prayer and for life as Christians ought to be solidly on God's Word first. 2. Dr. Weir encourages one to rest in God, to rest in silence and stillness, which undoubtedly comes from contemplative spiritual practices devised by man rather than directed by God in His Word, so I would caution the reader in this regard. (Note that these practices are sometimes called mystical practices or popularized today in seminaries and Bible studies as Spiritual Disciplines.) 3. Another concerning point throughout the book is the mention every so often about "hearing God's voice" or "listening for the voice of God," which is an increasingly popular theme in Christian circles. The author even includes a "practical" step in the Chapter titled "Choose Mission" to direct the reader to "Listen for the Whisper [of God]." Recently a close loved one of mine was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and I came across this book at a local Christian book store. While I still have som

This book is full of encouraging information for all readers who have had some distressing news or simply discouraged with life's challenges. It is very easy to read and is captivating. Dr. Weir has sprinkled the book with personal examples giving us a glimpse into his personal life and his passionate love for Jesus. I'm a physician and I have given this book to patients in distress. I encourage even healthy individuals to read it in order to be better prepared for crisis.....J.E.Maniscalco, M.D.

This book is a great step by step guide to spiritually dealing with cancer, but can relate to any bad news. The author is very sincere and shares real life experiences with the reader. At the end of the book I felt strong and not alone. I wish their were more doctors with Dr. Weir's faith and compassion.