Facedown: The Donnie Foster Story

by Aletha V. Smithson

I closed my eyes and turned the other cheek against the tarmac...the heat against the asphalt sweltered...the awareness of death, spit, and stench of urine was driven through my nostrils with every breath. I would still carry out my plan to end it all.' In this harrowing tale of abuse, addiction, and ultimate redemption, Aletha Smithson chronicles the life of Donnie Foster. Donnie lived his entire life Facedown. His abusive childhood taught him to keep his head down to avoid the wrath of his violent stepfather. He found solace in the prescription drugs he stole from his mother and the very same alcohol that made his stepfather belligerent. As Donnie got older, he turned to more powerful cocaine and meth. He was soon wrapped up in the dangerous world of vicious drug lords, acting as their minion. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for them or his next hit. It was not long before Donnie found himself at Corcoran State Penitentiary, lying facedown on the asphalt and reexamining his life. God spoke to him then, and after years of running from the law and God, Donnie turned his life around to become a totally new creation through Christ, realizing that truly all things are possible with God.

304 pages, Paperback

First published March 16, 2010

Reviews

[Abbi Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was a unique experience, since I had the pleasure of meeting Donnie at the Misfits ministry he runs in Fort Wayne IN in the fall of 2020. Knowing the remade in Christ and abounding in God’s love and grace Donnie, the Donnie he is today, it was hard to believe this story was true at times.

But this book was a reminder of God’s love and steadfastness. Even in the deepest pits of despair and hopelessness, even when we have run as far away from God as we believe, even when we know we’re unworthy, even when we think we can’t be forgiven, God pulls us into His embrace and shows us His love is everlasting.

This book has made me reflect on what am I not letting God take control in my life? Why is it so hard to give our sins and struggles over to the one who is the best equipped to handle them? I hope this books ends up in the hands of sinners and addicts, and shows them just how much God can change their life.

Thanks for the great read Donnie and Althea!

[Beth Hawley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Donnie Foster, who was raised in an abusive home and battled many demons in his life: drug and alcohol abuse, anger, physical and verbal abuse towards others. His way of life offered him no hope, no peace, no love. Yet God had his hand in Donnie’s life, and was looking out for him and offering him lifelines even when Donnie wasn’t aware of Him. The best part of Donnie’s story is that God never gave up on Donnie, and Donnie came to know the amazing grace of our heavenly father. Although reading about Donnie’s abuse ( first towards him as a child and then his abuse towards himself and others as an older child and adult) and his repeated self-inflicted set backs can be difficult, it does show the power the devil has in our lives, and more importantly the even more powerful love and faithfulness of Jesus Christ.

[Darren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for you Donnie. Nice to hear positive outcomes with hard work, trust, belief, support, etc... Thank you for the book

[Jamee · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I'm a little biased because I know both the author and Donnie Foster, who this story is written about. The first half of the book is VERY hard to read. I had to stop multiple times due to a heavy heart and from crying from the sadness. However, the hope I knew that was found in the ending spurred me on to continue to read to the end. It also really opened my eyes to a lot of the drug world that I've never been exposed to. If you are having a hard time getting through the sad parts, I encourage to you keep reading. It is worth it and leaves you with with a feeling of hope.