Beauty Beyond the Ashes: Choosing Hope After Crisis

by Cheryl McGinnis, Cheryl McGuinness, Cheryl McGuiness, et al.

On the morning of September 11, 2001, Cheryl McGuinness kissed her husband goodbye . . . and never saw him again. Tom McGuinness was the copilot of American Airlines Flight 11, the first to crash into the World Trade Center. On that day Cheryl's world fell apart. But looking back on her life, she could see that God had prepared her step-by-step to face her loss and put things back together. The faith she shared with Tom gave her a solid foundation,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1582293899
• ISBN13: 9781582293899
• Release Date: June 2004
• Publisher: Howard Books
• Length: 244 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.1" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Superb true story about a loss and the way back to normal life again

I was shocked, as the rest of the world about the horrible terror attack on September 11. To read this biography about this family who lost a husband and a father and by the strenght of God they moved on, that is so amazing. It was easily written, and I think I could have read it from page 1 until the in in one go, I did not want to stop reading it. I recommened it with all my heart! Elizabeth Anderson

Inspirational and realistic

My faith in God has increased by reading this book. This book is well-written, honest, and one that many readers can relate their own lives to. The religious parts of this book are not "pushed" onto the reader. I recommend this book for people of all Christian faiths. This book reminds us all that many valuable things can come from horrible tragedies... even 9/11.

deeply inspirational!

Rebeccasreads highly recommends BEAUTY BEYOND THE ASHES as a profoundly moving personal journey of this woman's American Dream which curdled on 9/11 into a nightmare when her beloved husband, Former Lt. Commander Tom McGuinness, Co-pilot of American Airlines Flight 11, never came home. Always a searching Christian, gladdened when Tom was called to Christ, Cheryl's spiritual life is transformed when she dedicates herself, now alone, to God's ministry knowing that that is exactly what Tom would have wanted. In that dedication, fraught with despair & succour, she experiences the trauma of sacrifice & the healing of forgiveness. In addition to revealing her touching personal story, Cheryl McGuinness also shares twelve powerful Biblical principles that guide her through her loss & her life's journey. & as every life will contain sadness & loss, her suffering, devotion & surrender to God's love & purpose through Jesus Christ, is both inspirational & healing.

There Is A Tomorrow!

I was truly honored when asked to give my humble review on this work. My heart ached as I picked up the book and gazed upon the cover picture of a family that continues on after being touched by hell itself. Cheryl McGuinness is the widow of Lt Commander Tom McGuinness, Co-pilot of American Airlines Flight 11. The pain of the memory of that day seared through my mind as I prepared myself for what words I may find written from this woman's heart. I have to tell you from the onset that after reading her book, I have a deep love and respect for her. Mrs. McGuinness shares with the reader the events that happened on September 11th and all that followed, but she doesn't stop there. Instead of dwelling on the deep grief and pain that she and her family suffered; she shares the sweet story of her life with her husband before the tragedy hit and the victory she is determined to have now. In reading her words you find deep commitment to a loving God, deep commitment to a grieving family, deep commitment to a supportive nation and unfaltering faith in her God for a bright future, not only for her and her family, but for the country she loves. That is a lot to come out of such a traumatic event. She unashamedly shares her faith in God and tells how she clung to Him in each and every circumstance that she has had to deal with. The author shares insights for the reader that may be hurting, to help them overcome their crisis and bring encouragement. I could never put into words in a short review what is inside this book. I believe what impressed me more than anything was the fact that the author does not just dwell on her loss, although you are well aware of the pain she has suffered, but understands everyday that someone, somewhere is experiencing pain and heartache; and because of that, she opens her heart to them, reaching out to help heal their sorrows. It is said, you cannot truly understand pain unless you have felt it. Mrs. McGuinness understands the pain and through her words sooths the soul. This book is more than a story of September 11th, it is a hand reaching out to those who hurt and saying, there is hope for tomorrow and we must never lose sight of that. A must read! Thank you Mrs. McGuinness for your faith in God and in the future. Shirley Johnson/Senior Reviewer Denise's Pieces MidWest Book Review

Beauty Beyond the Ashes

Beauty Beyond the Ashes is a great book with a powerful message..."with God there is always a way through even the most difficult circumstances." There are so many wonderful principles in this book that will challenge you to depend more on God and less on yourself. I admire Cheryl for the way she has allowed God to use this tragedy to help others who have also been victims of violence. This is a wonderful book to read. I was both inspired and encouraged, knowing that God's love is evident even in the most difficult of circumstances.