Life lessons from Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story
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As parents, we strive to do our best to help our children succeed in life. We do what we can to give them the best.
Life, though, doesn’t always provide open doors and the red carpet to success and Ben Carson’s life story is the perfect testimony to that. His life is such a great example not just for our children but for us too. 
Life lessons from Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story
This past weekend, I scrolled through our Netflix list to find a movie that our family could enjoy. (Being a Netflix Stream member has been such a blessing. I love being able to customize what my family can watch via our gifted subscription. Watching quality, family entertainment minus advertisements is a win-win for any parent, any day!)
We scrolled by Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story and my husband suggested we watch the same.
Dottie supported his decision as she had read the book last year. (If you don’t have Netflix, it’s also available on DVD)
If you haven’t read the book or know anything about Ben Carson, he was the first neurosurgeon to succesfully separate conjoined twins joined at the head. (And yes, he just announced that he’s running for the US President position in 2016) But his rise to where he’s at today was not easy.
My family sat down and gleaned these life lessons from his story:
1. Your bank balance doesn’t determine how successful you can become in life.
2. “Stay away the mean kids at school. They can get you to act in ways that aren’t right.” – Little Man (5)
3.”If you want to achieve something, don’t give up, work hard and pray to God”- Dottie (9)
4. Be empathetic. ( “Be nice to people – all people – even when you don’t have to be. Everybody is important.“- Ben Carson)
5. You don’t have all the answers. Do your best and trust God to show you the rest.
Through the movie you will see what a powerful influence his Mom has on his life. And yes, I did silently pray that my life has as powerful an impact on my kids’ lives as hers did.
That sounds like a lovely movie. I definitely want to check it out.
I love your takeaways from the movie! I love Netflix and must check this out this weekend!
This is such a great movie. It shows you can become whatever you want to be with hard work and encouragement.
Sounds like a wonderful family movie! I love movies that me and the kids can watch together.
Sounds like an inspiring movie! Movies like these are perfect for our movie night.
I love Ben Carson! (Well, not literally, but I am a big fan.) I didn’t realize that there is a movie about his life. I had heard that his mother made him and his brother read and write book reports for her. The interesting thing is that they did not know that she could not read. I wonder if that is true.
What an inspiring movie and story. I’ve never heard of Ben Carson before but we have Netflix so I’ll go looking for this. Thanks for sharing your take on it.
I saw this movie and WE LOVED IT! We’re huge fans of him. My husband has the privilege to hear him speak last year. Fabulous guy.
The film sounds good and Ben Carson even more ….I am awed that the children could glean so much of truths …on their own…Spirit inspired…God bless them always xx
I have heard a few things in passing about Ben Carson, but didn ‘t know that much. He seems like he has a good head on his shoulders and would know how to run a country,
I hadn’t heard of him before, but it sounds like a compelling story. I need to keep my eyes peeled for Netflix.
I hadn’t heard of this story before, but it sounds absolutely incredible. I do have Netflix, so I’ll be adding this to my list now.
Sounds like a marvelous story – I’ll be looking for it and yes we are offered opportunities for a reason – when we look back on our lives and see those we took advantage of and those we said no to – we see our life path taking shape
Love this! so many people measure success and purpose with things that can disappear in an instant. go for the things that last
I love your number 5 – you don’t have to know all the answers… just do your best and trust God! 🙂
I sure wish he was further up the polls that what he is. We have been watching him and I would love to give him my vote for President.
My mother in law was just telling me about the book and movie. I’m going to have to check it out soon.
I read the book years ago and thought it was wonderful. I’ve watch the movie too and like it too. Sounds like your family gleaned a lot of wisdom from watching the movie. His life story is a fine example of what can happen when you follow the Lord and do your best at all times.
I read this book many years ago and it impacted me in a big way. A could years ago my daughter got her father the dvd and it reminded me all over again why I loved the book. How awesome that you wrote down the wisdom you gleaned.
We’re always looking for fun things to watch on Netflix! Thanks for the idea!
Wow, this sounds like a really interesting film that I’ll bet both my husband and I would enjoy.
Im so glad you let me know! We finally have Netflix and are always looking for something good and learning about someone running for the President is a good use of time. Thankyou!
This is such a wonderful movie with so many life lessons. This one stood out to me the most from your post. Thanks for the great reminders!
3.”If you want to achieve something, don’t give up, work hard and pray to God”- Dottie (9)
Ben Carson is so inspirational… I’ve been following him for a few years now.
Thanks for sharing this!
Marissa
I watched this movie! It was very inspiring! Awesome Post! Thanks for sharing
That sounds like a good movie. I’ll look out for it.
I wasnt aware there was a book about his life, I think I will have to visit my local library and check it out!