Beauty Beyond the Ashes: Choosing Hope After Crisis

by Cheryl McGuiness, Lois Rabey

On the morning of September 11, 2001, Cheryl McGuinness kissed her husband good-bye as he headed off to work.

She never saw him again.

Tom McGuinness was the co-pilot of American Airlines Flight 11 -- the first airplane to crash into the World Trade Center. On that day, Cheryl's world fell apart.

But since that day, Cheryl McGuinness has learned how to hope again. Through her powerful story, the rest of us can find our way to hope as well. Cheryl's message of renewal, recovery, and faith is a message that resonates with every aching heart.

As you read through this intimate look at heartbreak and joy, you will discover an incredible sense of the good that is yet to be, and you will find in yourself a growing conviction that with God's help, you can face any sorrow or pain.

Genres: Christian, Biography

256 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2004

Reviews

[Jocelyn Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Beauty Beyond the Ashes, Cheryl McGuinness shares her story in the first part of each chapter, but devotes the second half of each chapter to drawing out the principle that any reader can apply to his or her own life. I have never seen a memoir structured this way, and I absolutely fell in love with it. Clearly, Cheryl does not want to hog the attention because of what happened to her life. She could if she wanted to, because it's that dramatic. Instead, she shows the rest of us how we can learn something from what God did in her life. And she shows us God's gentle hand throughout. For example, Chapter Five is called "God's Hands and Feet," and the Principle is " God wants you to experience His love through the loving care of His people." In this chapter, she shares how her community rallied around her family after the tragic loss of her husband. But then she pulls out the principle and applies it to us by expanding on these four points:

God can use anyone.
We need to accept the help of others.
We need to be sensitive to the needs of others.
Ministry to others can be accomplished in the simplest ways.
Chapter Six discusses her husband's legacy. The principle she emphasizes is "God designed your life to have an impact on eternity." The points she makes for us are these:

1. We determine what our legacy will be.
2. We are being watched.
3. Sometimes we need healing from past hurts in order to leave a positive legacy.
4. We can begin today to build a legacy.

I can't tell you how refreshing it was for me to read this book, especially after reading so many other accounts of Sept. 11, 2001. I lived in Washington, D.C., during the terrorist attacks myself, so these stories always strike a nerve with me because of my own memories. Researching for my own book, I read another memoir of a woman whose firefighter husband died in the WTC. Correction: I stopped reading it- this couple had no faith in God at all, and could only turn to alcohol and drugs to help them cope. The excruciating void of hope evident in her book caused me to put the book down before finishing it. The difference between that book and Beauty Beyond the Ashes is as dramatic as night and day. Jesus in your life makes all the difference in the world. Thank you, Cheryl McGguinness, for so beautifully sharing your own story of Beauty Beyond the Ashes: Choosing Hope After Crisis. I give this book five stars, and highly recommend it to those who are desperate for hope, and for the rest of us--for if we haven't been there yet, we all will be at one point or another. I leave you with this quote from page 237:

"On September 11, 2001, the day my nightmare began, I knew God, but I didn't have the ability to trust him completely. I loved him, but I couldn't bring myself to turn over every aspect of my life to him. In the months that followed, however, God slowly turned my disbelief into belief. I have learned that God is my refuge and strength. I have learned that he does truly love me. And I have come to see that I can trust him in all things. I couldn't see that on September 11--not like I see it today. But over these passing months and now years, my Prince of Peace has brought me peace and given me hope."

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Content was not conducive for a non-faith based reading club discussion. I certainly appreciate the spiritual nature and intent of Cheryl’s writing. I found myself skimming over portions of the more religious text, yet my interest was sparked regarding faith topics, as well as ways we could all become better “friends” in times of pain and devastation. Some of my takeaways:
- Sometimes we mistake religious activity for spiritual life
- A busy life is not a frantic life
- Accepting help can be difficult. Do not be hampered by pride or a streak of independence
- God promises his presence, not a trouble-free existence
- Accept God’s ability to help carry you through difficult times
- When people share pain, they can also share comfort and hope
- Let go of the false belief that we are in control of our lives!
- We don’t always need to know WHY. Stop asking WHY did this happen. Start asking God what to do in “your situation”. If we remain stuck in our grief, immobilized by pain, the pain will not decrease. If we don’t take steps, we die while we are still alive.
- Forgive, for they do not know what they are doing. We can forgive without forgetting. Its true!
- Forgiveness does not mean people go without punishment. It only removes us from their judgment
- What we dwell on, determines our attitudes!

[Margaret Fraleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally read this book in 2004, but reread it again.

Cheryl McGuinness is the wife of Tom McGuinness, who was a Former Lt. Commander.

Tom was a polite and was flying one of the planes that crashed into one The World Centre on
September 11.

This is Cheryl's story of how her life changed, as well as the lives of her children - Jennifer and Tommy.

Her faith in God, her trust in God and the compassion of her community, friends and family
helped her navigate through the grief of that day.

[Crystal Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful book by Cheryl McGuiness, widow of one of the copilots killed on 9/11. She tells her story of grief and faith but also offers counsel and encouragement to readers in practical principals with Bible verses and anecdotes. An inspiring read.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cheryl's views on forgiveness are admirable. While I did not lose anyone on 9/11, this book has helped me process the sudden loss of my brother. Thankful I read this book.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following Cheryl McGuinness through the tragedy of losing her husband who was co-pilot of the flight that hit the Twin Towers on 9/11 to her growth as a Christian because of this loss is a story that instills hope in all who believe in Jesus Christ as our savior. Principles to guide all of us when we walk through any crisis.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because Tom McGuinness, a co-pilot, was one of my husband's coworkers at American Airlines.