With an Open Heart: A True Story of Faith, Love, and Courage

by Lisa Murphy, Marilyn Murray Willison (With)

"I am moved by With an Open Heart , and honored to recommend this inspiring story of adversity, courage, hope and love. When Daniel traveled from China to become part of the Murphy family, no one knew how serious his heart condition was--nor could anyone have guessed that in just four short months he would have such a profound impact on so many lives."
--Beth Smith, Holt International Children's Services

This memoir is the story of Daniel, Lisa and Jim Murphy's adopted son from China. Born as Weifeng Hong in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, Daniel suffered from congenital heart disease and was abandoned at seven months of age. He was placed into institutional care and lived in an orphanage until the Murphy family felt divinely led to adopt him as their son, knowing that his only chance of survival depended upon corrective open-heart surgery. At two years of age, Daniel traveled across the world to experience the love of a family, and ultimately touched thousands of lives. This true story takes you along on an adoption journey, and makes you feel as if you were right beside the Murphy family as they love Daniel unconditionally, and choose to see rainbows in the midst of life's storms.

270 pages, Paperback

First published July 31, 2012

About the author

LISA MURPHY is a Christian writer, blogger, school and parish volunteer, independent sales distributor for Juice Plus+® products, and adoption advocate, but her most valued post is being a stay-at home mom to her three beautiful children. Lisa resides in Delray Beach, Florida with her husband, Jim, and their children, Madi, Charlie, and Joseph. One of Lisa’s passions in life is to make a difference in their son Daniel’s memory, and to keep him alive by sharing his inspiring story with others.

Reviews

[Spring Transleau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful story. This book was hard for me to put down. Yet, I found myself having to do it several times as I was overcome with emotion. It is the story of an American family who decides to adopt children from China. They first adopt a little girl. Then their hearts, which are mighty big, open up to take in another beautiful child. This child has some heart issues. This story takes you through the journey of a beautiful American family to and from China, and into the battle for the life of a beautiful and precious child. It is a story of great compassion and love and great joy and sadness. If you choose to read this book, you will come away profoundly and deeply touched, and in such a beautiful way. I highly recommend it.