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Beauty From Ashes: Transforming Wounds into Wisdom; Scars into Stars
Beauty From Transforming Wounds into Wisdom; Scars into Stars
An unexpected explosion in her rural home during a 4-H meeting drastically changes the lives of 10-year-old Danette, a number of her immediate family, many of her friends, and much of the small Iowa farming community in which she was raised. Nearly killed and left severely scarred, this little girl's princess-like life transforms into one of mere survival. She finds herself fighting battles to heal on several to recoup her health, recover her self-esteem, and build a tolerance for the many insults, glaring looks, and rejection from people shocked and horrified by her appearance. Her journey of resilience, determination, and faith leads her through decades of physical and emotional struggle as she attempts to navigate a world filled with surgeries, pain, cruelty, and unexpected kindness.
"Beauty From Ashes" delivers a gripping memoir, chronicling Danette's incredible endeavor to recover her true inner self and reclaim her heavily damaged spirit. From the darkest years in and out of burn centers and recovery wards to the bright lights of a competitive state beauty pageant stage, this heartfelt narrative verifies the power of inner strength, unwavering faith, and eventual self-rediscovery.
Follow the inspiring story of a young girl who, for years, tried hiding her scars out of shame – but grew to understand the power that comes from wearing them proudly instead. This tale of tragedy becomes a celebration that teaches us all that genuine beauty is neither flimsy nor superficial, but rather forged strong and shines from deep within our souls despite the various life scars we carry.
An unexpected explosion in her rural home during a 4-H meeting drastically changes the lives of 10-year-old Danette, a number of her immediate family, many of her friends, and much of the small Iowa farming community in which she was raised. Nearly killed and left severely scarred, this little girl's princess-like life transforms into one of mere survival. She finds herself fighting battles to heal on several to recoup her health, recover her self-esteem, and build a tolerance for the many insults, glaring looks, and rejection from people shocked and horrified by her appearance. Her journey of resilience, determination, and faith leads her through decades of physical and emotional struggle as she attempts to navigate a world filled with surgeries, pain, cruelty, and unexpected kindness.
"Beauty From Ashes" delivers a gripping memoir, chronicling Danette's incredible endeavor to recover her true inner self and reclaim her heavily damaged spirit. From the darkest years in and out of burn centers and recovery wards to the bright lights of a competitive state beauty pageant stage, this heartfelt narrative verifies the power of inner strength, unwavering faith, and eventual self-rediscovery.
Follow the inspiring story of a young girl who, for years, tried hiding her scars out of shame – but grew to understand the power that comes from wearing them proudly instead. This tale of tragedy becomes a celebration that teaches us all that genuine beauty is neither flimsy nor superficial, but rather forged strong and shines from deep within our souls despite the various life scars we carry.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2024
6 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 28, 2024
My beautiful niece. 💕 This is her continuing story of strength, love and faith in our God, after her devastating family home fire. This goes much deeper than visual scars, but is pertinent to any of us who may carry past life scars of any kind.
January 1, 2025
We all have scars, whether physical or emotional. This warrior author literally when through hell. The physical and emotional pain, of being in a horrific fire, scarred her for life. How she lived and overcame is remarkable!
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November 8, 2024I don't remember the last time I read an actual paper book... The whole thing. I'm more of a Kindle girl.
This one was captivating. The story of a beautiful young girl who became a victim of one of the most horrific housefires to happen in rural Iowa - - during a 4-H meeting no less. This thrust her into a cocoon for decades to heal and transform into a beautiful butterfly, inside and out, with God at her side.
I remember the night of May 11, 1981. I was 6 years old and was avoiding bedtime. I remember feeling guilty about not even being in bed as Mom entered our room, and learning that our small community had been dealt a staggering blow. I remember seeing the horrific flames coming from a house where I'd trick-or-treat and enjoy cookies and popcorn balls. We went to the church, my mother one of the many women in the community rolling up her sleeves and pulling together to do what little they could. In this case, it was to make coffee and hot food for firefighters and community members struggling to comprehend.
I grew up with the Burzlaffs being our closest neighbors. I remember how their farmstead transformed, from a big beautiful white farmhouse to a little trailer, and finally a beautiful new brick house. They were a part of my life, and I watched their courage at church. I watched Danette and Danny and their parents along with others from our church who had been caught in the inferno. I watched, and never fully appreciated the struggles they suffered. Sure, I was younger. But their family always remained pillars in our community and within our church. And throughout our county's 4-H program. And just like all the older kids at church, I looked up to them.
Danette Burzlaff Haag has remarkable strength and courage, it's no wonder she's a successful motivational speaker, one I hope to see in action some day. I encourage all my friends to learn about her story, Beauty from Ashes.
https://store.bookbaby.com/book/beaut...
This one was captivating. The story of a beautiful young girl who became a victim of one of the most horrific housefires to happen in rural Iowa - - during a 4-H meeting no less. This thrust her into a cocoon for decades to heal and transform into a beautiful butterfly, inside and out, with God at her side.
I remember the night of May 11, 1981. I was 6 years old and was avoiding bedtime. I remember feeling guilty about not even being in bed as Mom entered our room, and learning that our small community had been dealt a staggering blow. I remember seeing the horrific flames coming from a house where I'd trick-or-treat and enjoy cookies and popcorn balls. We went to the church, my mother one of the many women in the community rolling up her sleeves and pulling together to do what little they could. In this case, it was to make coffee and hot food for firefighters and community members struggling to comprehend.
I grew up with the Burzlaffs being our closest neighbors. I remember how their farmstead transformed, from a big beautiful white farmhouse to a little trailer, and finally a beautiful new brick house. They were a part of my life, and I watched their courage at church. I watched Danette and Danny and their parents along with others from our church who had been caught in the inferno. I watched, and never fully appreciated the struggles they suffered. Sure, I was younger. But their family always remained pillars in our community and within our church. And throughout our county's 4-H program. And just like all the older kids at church, I looked up to them.
Danette Burzlaff Haag has remarkable strength and courage, it's no wonder she's a successful motivational speaker, one I hope to see in action some day. I encourage all my friends to learn about her story, Beauty from Ashes.
https://store.bookbaby.com/book/beaut...
December 20, 2024
Do yourself a favor and read this book. I tried my hardest to not be biased in reading this--Danette is my cousin. This is an extremely well-written memoir (there are a lot out there that aren't!) and carries many lessons for all.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews