5/5 HIS 'GIFTED HANDS' WERE HIS GIFT TO THE WORLD!!
  by Loves To Read (Twin Cities, MN USA)
This is the life story of Dr. Ben Carson, chief of pediatric surgery at Johns Hopkins University and considered the world's best pediatric surgeon. The story begins with Dr. Carson being asked to consider operating on the two sons of a German couple who are joined at the abdomen and skull. No one has ever performed this surgery successfully with both children surviving. The film then flashes back to the childhood of Dr. Carson. He was raised by an illiterate but very loving and determined single mother who married at the age of 13 and was divorced soon after when she discovered her 'husband' was married at the same time to another woman with another family. She was determined that her two sons would not turn out the same way she did. It is an amazing story of this mother and her love and determination. Ben, not realizing he needed glasses, consistently performed way below the other students in class until his mother used all their savings to get him a pair. That, along with her firm hand in making the two boys read two books a week from the library (along with written reports) as well as limiting TV watching to two programs a week turned Ben into the 'student of the year' in 8th grade. Even that, however, was tainted, as a teacher at the award ceremony berated the other students for letting a 'boy of color' with serious disadvantages and a single mother outperform them. The story continues with his achievements and struggles through high school and his scholarship years at Yale and on to his residency at Johns Hopkins. The story then takes us back to the conclusion of the decision whether or not to operate on the German twins. It is an incredible story of someone who not only had the 'gifted hands' needed to be a great surgeon but also the determination, humility and faith to make a life of great service to his fellow humans against great odds. The acting is outstanding. I would encourage everyone and every family to make this a 'must watch'. I would also highly recommend Something the Lord Made, another story about a great African-American surgeon, Dr. Vivian Thomas, who was born 30 years too early to be able to have the same opportunities as Dr. Carson, but nevertheless made a great contribution to medicine that is still being used today. Enjoy!!


5/5 The best!
  by D. Drake (Jacksonville, FL United States)
I love this story and appreciate Dr. Ben sharing his life with us. There is nothing like the Faithfulness of our God. It was truly a blessing to watch this movie and to know there was and is much more to this story. God Bless you, Dr. Ben.

5/5 God's Gift
  by Elizabeth R. Rich
This is a wonderful true story of what faith,determination and commitment can do. God gives each one a gift and with His help, any body can do anything. I enjoyed the video. It's very inspiring.

5/5 Encouraging story
  by T. Gaston (Austin, Texas, USA)
What an encouraging story! With all the odds against him, Dr. Carson came out on top with his faith and the teaching and prayers of his Mom. If you are a single parent, I highly recommend this movie as a great source of inspiration. The positive impact of a parent is so dramatically displayed.

And if you are into details, be sure to watch the "extra" information on the making of the movie. It will really add to your appreciation of Dr. Carson and those who worked so hard to bring his story to life.

5/5 Gifted Hands, DVD
  by Donna L. Orme (Spokane, WA)
"Gifted Hands" has the ability to deeply inspire any child or adult as it TEACHES--The consequences of uncontolled anger...Respect for parents...Racial injustice...Overcoming learning obstacles...The value of time, and that all activity is not of equal value, so we must choose wisely...The importance of excelling in academics, as the child Ben Carson stopped wasting time watching TV and went from being the poorest student in his class to the brightest...The joy of choosing a career which enables you to serve others...Treating those around you as though they are going through a personal crisis, because most of the time you will be right...The importance of thinking through problems to find solutions...and finally, that God is not dead--and how the greatest neurosurgeon in the world prayerfully moves through each day, as an instrument in God's hand, working miracles. I also highly recommend Dr. Carson's book "Take the Risk," in which he shares a simple formula which he has used to make the best decisions which have blessed his life. Right now, the only inspirational story I love more than this is the story of "The Book of Mormon." Donna