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Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story

Where to watch.

Watch Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story with a subscription on Netflix, rent on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, or buy on Fandango at Home, Prime Video.

Critics Reviews

Audience reviews, cast & crew.

Thomas Carter

Cuba Gooding Jr.

Kimberly Elise

Sonya Carson

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Jaishon Fisher

Gus Hoffman

Teen Bennie

GIFTED HANDS: THE BEN CARSON STORY

"using god’s gifts".

What You Need To Know:

(CCC, BBB, Cap, V, M) Very strong Christian worldview where children are encouraged to apply the gifts God has given them, and with God’s help overcome anger and prejudice, plus some pro-capitalist content; no offensive language; two brief scenes of violence, one is an attempted stabbing, deeply repented of, plus some scenes of medical procedures may be disturbing to children; no sex; no nudity; no alcohol; no smoking; and, teenage rebellion is dealt with and overcome.

More Detail:

GIFTED HANDS: THE BEN CARSON STORY is one of the best made-for-television movies ever produced. It is the true story of a black child raised by a single mother who constantly encouraged him to use his God-given gifts. He grows from being a poor student to the top of his class and then to become a world-famous neurosurgeon. It would be hard not to be inspired by this movie.

As the story begins, Ben (played by Cuba Gooding, Jr.) is asked to attempt a surgery to separate German twins conjoined at the head. The movie then flashes back to show when Ben (as a child played by Jaishon Fisher) was such a poor student he failed to get a single answer right on a test. He is unmercifully ridiculed by his white classmates, one of whom he hits in the mouth. His mother (Kiberly Elise) is called to the principal’s office.

Ben’s mother responds by insisting to Ben and his brother that they are not stupid and that they have gifts given to them by God that they need to nurture. She also limits their television viewing and requires them to read. Ben’s grades gradually rise until he becomes the best student in his school. At an awards ceremony, his success is recognized, but a teacher berates his white classmates for letting a black child from a broken home do better than them.

Ben’s mother moves to a school district where Ben is among more black students. Ben begins to rebel. In a fit of anger, he tries to stab his best friend, but the blade to his knife breaks on the boy’s belt buckle. Ben comes home and cries out to God for help in overcoming his temper.

Ben hears the story of a missionary doctor and decides to pursue a career in medicine. Repeatedly, Ben has to overcome prejudice to be able to let the gifts God has given him blossom. The message of this movie is that by focusing on God’s will for your life you can become the very best you can be and will become God’s agent in ministering to others.

Rather than settling in to a life believing he was inferior, underprivileged and discriminated against, Ben looked to God for help and became an astounding example, not just for black children, but also for everyone. The people who made this movie are to be commended for so clearly showing that God has the cure for both self-doubt and prejudice.

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Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story

Dove review.

Here’s the good news: this movie brings you to the edge of your seat at times and you will want to see what happens next. The bad news is that it contains strong language outside of Dove’s recommendation. Based on the true story of a world renown Pediatric Neurosurgeon, this story tells how one young man overcomes many obstacles to prove that with faith and encouragement anything is possible. Raised in a time when prejudices were voiced at every turn, this young man shows that you can get beyond any challenge if you want to, though hard work.

This is a very encouraging movie promoting believing in miracles, yourself and in others. There are many wonderful faith-based messages in this movie. Due to a profanity it has been awarded the Dove “Faith Based” Seal with a caution for language. See content chart below.

Dove Rating Details

Kids making fun of boy; boy punches another, boy calls his brother dummy; mother discusses thoughts of suicide, boy buys knife, boy fights with mother and threatens her with hammer, boy loses temper; boy tries to stab another with knife, bloody sheets on a bed.

Couple kiss, married couple in bed.

"Go To H"-1; References to God all done with reverence.

Boy with cigarette behind ear; hospital scenes.

Mother lies to sons as to where she is going; woman makes a racial statement; boy is disrespectful toward mother; doctor makes racial slur to young doctor; scenes of operation room with blood and internal body parts.

More Information

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Gifted hands: the ben carson story — tv review.

TNT's "Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story" is one of those longform projects that has Emmy written all over it.

By Ray Richmond , The Associated Press February 4, 2009 6:06pm

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TNT’s “Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story” is one of those longform projects that has Emmy written all over it. It boasts near-flawless direction from Thomas Carter, a vivid teleplay adaptation by John Pielmeier and uniformly magnificent performances, particularly from star Cuba Gooding Jr., who puts himself back onto the Hollywood map in a way he hasn’t since his Oscar-winning turn in 1996’s “Jerry Maguire.”

Gooding portrays real-life world-renowned brain surgeon Benjamin Carson, director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center and author of a best-selling 1990 autobiography. It’s taken nearly two decades to get Carson’s inspiring story to the screen, but Gooding does him more than proud with a portrayal at once sensitively wrought and quietly moving. In lesser hands (if you’ll pardon the pun), this biopic could easily have drifted into maudlin sap, but Gooding keeps the character of Carson centered and human and the film honoring him wise and surprisingly graphic. (The surgical procedures are showcased in all of their bloody glory, but not so much as to cross the line into gratuitousness.)

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Affixed with the “Johnson & Johnson Spotlight” imprint a la the classic 2002 multiple Emmy winner “Door to Door” (and produced by members of the same team), “Hands” follows Carson’s inspirational tale from his childhood as a pudgy and angry kid struggling in Detroit’s inner-city projects through his rise to the top of the medical profession. Early on, we see Carson as a kid wracked with self-doubt and confusion in a household with a mother whose education stalled in third grade and a father who chose narcotics over the family. But his mother, Sonya (a terrific rendering from Kimberly Elise), is shown early on to have been a proud, devoted and tireless dispenser of tough love to her two boys, repeatedly drilling home the point that there was nothing they couldn’t achieve if they used their brains. We see that her own brain, however, turned on her, resulting in bouts of clinical depression she struggled to control.

The film is framed by what proved to be Carson’s most challenging and celebrated case during the early years of his career in the mid-1980s: the separation of conjoined twins attached at the back of the head. The dramatization of that first successful operation, in which both infants survived, is moving yet commendably understated. The music doesn’t crest to a climax so much as sustain what is shown to be a modern medical miracle, one of many Carson would cultivate.

If there is a criticism one can level at “Gifted Hands,” it’s the utter sainthood that envelops the surgeon as he goes about his daily heroics during the film’s final third. A modest and unassuming portrait this is not, despite Gooding’s efforts to bring the character back down to Earth. Of course, a guy who is entrusted with pulling off regular feats of wonder with small children had better possess a healthy ego, or he’s not going to get too far in the world of delicate pediatric neurosurgery, so the lack of authentic humility is perhaps inevitable for a doctor who’s received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. But the film is so good that a little immodesty is not only acceptable but understandable. And after years of struggling to cash in artistically on his Academy Award notoriety, Gooding is back in the ballgame. Show him the money!

Airdate: 8-10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 (TNT) Production: Sony Pictures Studios Executive producers: Margaret Loesch, Dan Angel, Bruce Stein, Thomas Carter Co-executive producers: Lester Parris, Lennox Parris Producer: David Rosemont Director: Thomas Carter Writer: John Pielmeier Director of photography: John Aronson Production designer: Warren Young Costume designer: Karyn Wagner Editor: Peter Berger Music: Martin Davich Casting: Denise Chamian Casting Cast: Cuba Gooding Jr., Kimberly Elise, Aunjanue Ellis, Gus Hoffman, Jaishon Fisher

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Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story

Where to Watch

Cuba Gooding Jr. (Ben Carson) Kimberly Elise (Sonya Carson) Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (Candy) Alora Adams (Alexa Courtney) Harron Atkins (Teen Carl) Ele Bardha (Dr. Long) Loren Bass (Yale Professor) Geoffrey Beauchamp (Dr. Freeman) Tajh Bellow (Curtis - Child) Lesley Bevan (Miss Williamson)

Thomas Carter

Biography of Ben Carson who grew up to be Dr. Ben Carson, a world famous neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins.

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Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story Parent Guide

Gifted hands is inspiring from start to finish, proving it isn't where you begin, but the direction you pursue, that determines where you end up..

This made-for-TV movie dramatizes the real life and career of Dr. Ben Carson, a neurosurgeon who, despite his humble beginnings, uses his Gifted Hands to bless the lives of children suffering from brain disorders.

Release date February 7, 2009

Run Time: 86 minutes

Get Content Details

The guide to our grades, parent movie review by donna gustafson.

Ben Carson (Cuba Gooding Jr.) is a neurosurgeon with Gifted Hands . Yet, the prospect of performing a challenging operation where he will attempt to separate a pair of twins who are attached at the head (which comes with a high risk of losing one of the babies), has him pondering the path that led him to this place in his life.

Who could have guessed a young black boy growing up in an impoverished neighborhood would one day be a world-class doctor? Not even his mother—although she deserves most of the credit for his achievement.

But Ben still faces another obstacle. Quick-tempered, the teen wants friends and is soon battling with peer pressure and an invitation to become involved with a rough crowd. When confronted by a concerned Mrs. Carson about his poor choices, an ugly argument erupts. Later, his hot head leads to a violent incident at school that nearly costs him all hopes for his future. (These depictions, which include physical scuffling and an attempted knifing, constitute the violent content in the film.)

Afraid of what he might become, Ben turns to God for help managing his anger. And thanks to the supportive love of his family and a beautiful fellow university student he meets at Yale (Aunjanue Ellis), the young man is able to chart a new course one that eventually leads to the Johns Hopkins Medical Institution.

Now the talented doctor finds himself reflecting on a road that has been strewn with racial prejudice, personal and professional challenges, along with numerous blessings. As the responsibility of life and death decisions weigh on his mind, Ben searches to find the best treatment plan for the conjoined twins, as well as all the children placed in his care.

Based on the real life story of Dr. Ben Carson, this made-for-TV movie demonstrates the amazing results that can be achieved through hard work and vision. While the production includes portrayals of medical procedures and surgery, these scenes are not overly graphic (some blood is shown and verbal references are made to death). The script also contains a few mild profanities. Still, Gifted Hands is inspiring from start to finish, proving it isn’t where you begin, but the direction you pursue, that determines where you end up.

About author

Donna Gustafson

Gifted hands: the ben carson story rating & content info.

Why is Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story rated Not Rated? Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story is rated Not Rated by the MPAA

As Gifted Hands unfolds the story of Ben Carson, surgical procedures are shown that include the depiction of blood and organs. Life threatening medical conditions are portrayed and discussed, along with death and a miscarriage/stillbirth. A mother suffers from depression. Abandonment and adultery are mentioned. African Americans experience racial prejudice. A domestic argument involves angry words, pushing and shoving. During an altercation at school a knife is pulled and a stabbing is attempted. A few mild profanities are used in the script. Characters emphasize the importance of attending church, praying and asking God for help.

Page last updated July 21, 2016

Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story Parents' Guide

What is Ben’s mother willing to give for her children? Why do her boys not always appreciate what she is trying to do? How does time affect the way they see her efforts? In what ways is she rewarded for her sacrifices?

What things does Ben have to do for himself? Who does he turn to for support? How hard does he have to work?

Click here to learn more about the real Ben Carson and his life and career .

The most recent home video release of Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story movie is September 8, 2009. Here are some details…

Release Date: 8 September 2009

Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story releases to DVD with two featurettes :

- Behind the Scenes of Gifted Hands

- Triumph and Inspiration: The Journey of Dr. Ben Carson

Related home video titles:

Medical advancements and racial prejudice are also themes in Something the Lord Made . After a crippling accident, another determined family helps their daughter achieve amazing academic accomplishments in The Brooke Ellingson Story . Both of these made-for-TV movie s are based on true stories.

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Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story Film Reviewed by Kam Williams

Bio-Pic about Brilliant Black Brain Surgeon Set to Air on TNT

Rated: TV-PG Running time: 90 minutes Studio: Sony Pictures

Film Review by Kam Williams Excellent (4 stars)

World-renowned Dr. Ben Carson has long been considered by his colleagues as the best pediatric neurosurgeon around, so it’s no surprise that he remains in such great demand. Besides being stationed at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore where he performs over 300 operations on children each year, the peripatetic physician also crisscrosses the entire planet to share his miraculous talents with less fortunate folks in developing countries who might not otherwise be able to afford his services.

Dr. Carson is particularly famous for his seminal work separating Siamese twins joined at the head, such as the 50-member medical team he led during a 28-hour operation on a couple of nine month-old Zambian babies in 1997. Despite being the recipient of countless accolades including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, the humble doctor has never let his success go to his head. Instead, this devoted family man and devout Christian is quick to credit the Lord for his bounty of blessings.

Unless you’ve read his autobiography, Gifted Hands, you probably have no idea how many hardships Dr. Carson encountered en route to reaching the pinnacle of his profession. For he and his brother, Curtis (Tajh Bellow) were raised in the slums of Detroit by an overwhelmed, divorced single-mom (Kimberly Elise) who juggled numerous jobs as a housekeeper and babysitter just to keep a roof over their heads.

Furthermore, because she couldn’t read, Sonya Carson wasn’t able to help her sons with their homework. Still, she emphasized both religion and education, sensing that that combination offered their best chance of avoiding the pitfalls of the ghetto.

Yet, Bennie fell far behind in grammar school where he was being mercilessly teased and regarded as bordering on mentally-retarded. His fortunes began to change soon after his mother recognized that he needed eyeglasses. Then, relying on a combination of faith in God and a dedication to hard work, the youngster rededicated himself to academics, determined to show those who had labeled him dumb that he could set his sights high and become a doctor.

Now, thanks to corporate sponsor Johnson & Johnson, Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story has been adapted into a movie starring Cuba Gooding, Jr. in his best role in years. This inspirational bio-pic recounts all of the above and much more and is set to premiere on TNT on Saturday, February 7th at 8 PM (ET/PT).

A moving tribute to a real African-American role model with a powerful message for impressionable young minds that they can overcome any obstacles standing in the way of their dreams.

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‘Gifted Hands’: Revisiting the Made-for-TV Ben Carson Biopic

By David Ehrlich

David Ehrlich

A t the end of last night’s Republican presidential debate, Dr. Ben Carson was granted one last opportunity to appeal to voters before the Super Tuesday primaries inevitably force him to suspend his undead campaign. The retired neurosurgeon, whose personal charisma could generously be likened to that of a hung-over DMV agent , was determined not to throw away his shot. He raised both of his arms in front of him, turned his palms to the country, and unleashed his signature drawl: 

“Several years ago, a movie was made about these hands. These hands, by the grace of God, have saved many lives and healed many families.”

Immaculate showman that he is, Carson naturally neglected to provide the title of the film —  Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story — or to inform people as to where they might be able to watch it, i.e. YouTube, where someone has graciously ripped the video from a bootlegged Russian DVD. Of course, it’s possible that Carson was deliberately attempting to obscure the fact that the movie is a made-for-TV hagiography starring a post- Radio Cuba Gooding, Jr. (In this fevered Lynchian nightmare of an election cycle, you really can’t rule anything out.) On the other hand, we’re talking about a man who’s used his national media attention to repeatedly brag about stabbing someone, so the odds that there was anything remotely self-aware about Carson’s sign-off are slim.

It was a strange moment for him to remind the American people that his life story was the stuff of a basic-cable movie, particularly when the movies about rival candidates Marco Rubio ( Election ), Donald Trump ( A Clockwork Orange ) and Ted Cruz ( Zodiac ) have all been so good. But Carson is the guy who said that he would look at the “fruit salad” of someone’s life when considering them for a job, and Gifted Hands is nothing if not the fruit salad of his own.

Directed by Thomas Carter ( Swing Kids ) and shot with all the panache of a corporate-mandated sexual harassment video, Gifted Hands premiered on TNT on February 7th, 2009. The movie was a modest success, its 4.23 million viewers making it the 11th-most watched cable program of its week — it outperformed a Lakers game, but couldn’t quite compete with iCarly , Burn Notice , or three separate episodes of NCIS . Adapted from the good doctor’s 1996 memoir of the same name, this  Sunday-school version of The Knick is a lot like his presidential campaign: both nauseatingly safe and profoundly absurd. The Hollywood Reporter remarked that the film “had Emmy written all over it.” The Hollywood Reporter was wrong. 

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It opens on the fateful 1987 day when Carson (a heavily sedated Gooding) was asked to examine a pair of German babies — conjoined twins — in the hopes that he might be able to separate them in a way that would allow each of the young boys to live a reasonably normal life and function autonomously. “I wanted to kill myself when I learned the truth,” their mother says, “but then I realized I would be killing two other beings, too.” Don’t worry, clumsily shoehorned mouthpiece for the religious right, Dr. Carson will take care of all the killing for you. But first, a dramatically inert tour of his life.

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Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story Movie Review

Gifted Hands was a made for television movie that aired in 2009. For years, I’ve heard about it and how good it was, but last night was the first time we actually took the time to watch it. I hate that we waited so long. It’s an amazing movie.

First, I’d like to talk about the movie itself. It was nominated for four Primetime Emmys and a long list of awards. It won two Movieguide, three Image, and one NAMIC Vision award. In my opinion, it should have won more.  I was immediately drawn into the movie by.the beautiful juxtopositioning of classical music and surgery footage.

From beginning to end, every shot is beautiful and the editing together is a work of art. The writing, the acting, the music, everything is top notch. I would have never dreamed it possible to take a story about a brain surgeon and make it a cinematic work of art, and yet, that is exactly what director Thomas Carter did.

Second, while the movie stands alone as a great story well told, we can’t ignore the fact that the subject of the movie is now a Presidential candidate. For that reason, anyone who is trying to make a decision between candidates should watch Gifted Hands to get a better appreciation of who Ben Carson is and what he’s already accomplished.

I had no idea that he grew up poor, raised by a single mom who couldn’t read but who was determined that her boys would make something of themselves. I was inspired by her commitment to push them to excel despite the many obstacles in their way.

I love that learning didn’t come naturally for Ben, but that he just worked all the harder because of it. I love the fact that he was willing to take a risk and perform a dangerous surgery when he was just an intern because there was no one else to do it. Most of all, i love that he prayed with each of his patients and looked to God for help rather than seeing himself as God.

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The Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story Film Essay (Movie Review)

Ben Carson once said, “Through hard work, perseverance and a faith in God, you can live your dreams” (Goodreads, n.d.). Despite being a renowned neurosurgeon and later head of a federal agency, Carson came from humble beginnings, raised by a single mother in the inner city of Detroit. His story is shown in the 2009 film Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story, directed by Thomas Carter. The leading roles are played by Cuba Gooding Jr. as Dr. Carson, Kimberly Elise as his mother Sonya, and Aunjanue Ellis as his wife Candy (Carter, 2009). This movie was chosen for its portrayal of a tremendous story of perseverance through hardship and societal glass ceilings. As an African American from an illiterate family, Carson found his passion and studied for years to become a leading neurosurgeon, performing successful surgeries, and earning accolades that few in his field have been able to achieve. He has done this while struggling with his internal mental health and family challenges.

In the film, Dr. Carson is shown to push the boundaries of neurosurgery to help the families and people that he empathized with, even if could have cost him his career. He is a kind man, humble, and determined to be an excellent surgeon. His life was truly extraordinary given the obstacles he faced early on with his studies, issues with his temper, and the socio-economic barriers of being African American in a white-dominated field of prestigious academia and highly revolutionary surgery. In all these aspects, Dr. Carson could be viewed as a pioneer. While Dr. Ben Carson may be a controversial figure in modernity, his biographical life, as shown in Gifted Hands, is one of struggle, respect, and admiration as a man who overcame hardship and took risks to help others in need.

Carter, T. (Director). (2009). Gifted hands: The Ben Carson story! [Film]. TNT.

Goodreads. (n.d.). Benjamin Carson . Web.

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IvyPanda. (2023, March 23). The Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story Film. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-gifted-hands-the-ben-carson-story-film/

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IvyPanda . 2023. "The Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story Film." March 23, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-gifted-hands-the-ben-carson-story-film/.

1. IvyPanda . "The Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story Film." March 23, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-gifted-hands-the-ben-carson-story-film/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story Film." March 23, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-gifted-hands-the-ben-carson-story-film/.

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Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story Mass Market Paperback – December 8, 1996

Ben Carson, M.D., works medical miracles. Today, he's one of the most celebrated neurosurgeons in the world. In Gifted Hands, he tells of his inspiring odyssey from his childhood in inner-city Detroit to his position as director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital at age 33. Ben Carson is a role model for anyone who attempts the seemingly impossible as he takes you into the operating room where he has saved countless lives. Filled with fascinating case histories, this is the dramatic and intimate story of Ben Carson's struggle to beat the odds -- and of the faith and genius that make him one of the greatest life-givers of the century.

• Print length 224 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Zondervan
• Publication date December 8, 1996
• Dimensions 4.17 x 0.63 x 6.81 inches
• ISBN-10 0310214696
• ISBN-13 978-0310214694
• Lexile measure 950L
• See all details

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From the back cover, about the author.

Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., M.D., became the chief of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in 1984 at the age of 33, making him the youngest major division director in the hospital's history. He has written and published nine books, four of which were co-authored with Candy, his wife of 40 years. Dr. Carson was the recipient of the 2006 Spingarn Medal. In June 2008, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. U.S. News Media Group and Harvard's Center for Public Leadership recognized Dr. Carson as one of "America's Best Leaders" in 2008. In 2014, the Gallup Organization, in their annual survey, named Dr. Carson as one of the 10 Most Admired Men in the World.

Dr. Carson and his wife are co-founders of the Carson Scholars Fund, which recognizes young people of all backgrounds for exceptional academic and humanitarian accomplishments. In addition, Dr. Carson is now the Honorary National Chairman of the My Faith Votes campaign and continues to work tirelessly for the cause of the American people.

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Zondervan; 1st edition (December 8, 1996)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0310214696
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0310214694
• Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 950L
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 4.1 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.17 x 0.63 x 6.81 inches
• #650 in Medical Professional Biographies
• #1,395 in Religious Leader Biographies
• #8,820 in Memoirs (Books)

About the authors

Cecil b. murphey.

Hello! My name is Cecil Murphey, but everyone just calls me 'Cec.'

I've written dozens of books on a variety of topics with an emphasis on Spiritual Growth, Christian Living, Caregiving, and Recovery. In these books, I share my personal experiences as I strive to be closer to God and to seek his will for me.

My passion is to stimulate people's minds and nourish their souls. Since 1984, I've used my writing to help me accomplish those goals. My first book came off the press in 1975. To date I've published more than 135 books and hundreds of articles.

When I write, I have the opportunity to share my faith and my spiritual growth with others. My nonfiction books are based on my personal experiences, experiences that have been enhanced and developed by meeting people just like you.

As a ghostwriter, I sometimes take other people's materials and write books for them. Some carried my name and others did not. (Ghostwriters are often noted with the word 'with' below the author's name.) Why do I ghostwrite? It's rewarding for me to help others tell their stories of inspiration and growth. For example, when I see and hear from readers of 90 Minutes in Heaven and they describe the peace they now have after losing a loved one, I'm gratified to be a part of telling that story.

I've had the opportunity to be a caregiver and work with a number of other caregivers for their loved ones. It's a difficult, but rewarding commitment. When you're dealing with challenges of Alzheimer's Disease, depression, or substance abuse in your family, it can be a time that stretches you personally and tries your faith.

Stop by my web site. Drop me an e-mail. I'd love to hear from you.

Cecil Murphey

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Dr. Benjamin Carson is a professor of neurosurgery, plastic surgery, oncology, and pediatrics, and the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. He is also the author of three other bestselling books--Gifted Hands, Think Big, and The Big Picture. He serves on the corporate boards of the Kellogg Company, Costco Wholesale Corp., and American's Promise, among others, and is an Emeritus Fellow of the Yale Corporation. He and his wife, Candy, are the parents of three grown sons and live in Baltimore County, Maryland.

Ben Carson M.D.

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Annointed for greatness, he gives and he can take away, gifted hands: the ben carson story review, the ben carson story review.

Many argue that the movie, Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story , is one of the most transparent and brilliant movies. It portrays a story of a world-famous neurosurgeon. One follows his path from childhood to adulthood, portraying his struggles and obstacles tackled. Moreover, this story is based on a true one. Ben Carson is a retired neurosurgeon. He also is a politician, serving for four years as the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

The story follows his trajectory through his career, and the movie is based on his autobiography. However, it took two decades to finally direct the movie. In this article, we provide the ultimate review of the whole story. It’ll give you insight about the movie, the morals of the story, and whether it’s a truly inspirational one.

​Summary of the Story

As an african american, Ben Carson overcomes prejudice continously. The whole story focuses on how, as a kid, his violent side shone through. Gifted Hands movie portrays how he struggled during school. He was portrayed as a violent kid who could not control his temper. To fully comprehend the gravity of the story, read through Gifted Hands summary to fully understand the struggles he went through as a kid. The summary of Gifted Hands allows you to peek into the Ben’s life as a kid, living with a single mother. However, despite the prejudice and complications, the single mom is seen supporting her kids through it all.

Having originally been a black student amongst white ones, Ben had fits of anger. He punches a classmate in the mouth, but his mother’s reaction was not the typical one. Instead of deeming him stupid or ungrateful, she insisted that he’s gifted. However, she also believed that those gifts must be nurtured. Eventually, they moved to a school district with more black classmates. Ben, in another fit, rebels in anger and attempts stabing his best friend. He later resorts to God, and finds inspiration by hearing a story about a missionary doctor.

Belief & Religion

Ben Carson was born into a Christian family. It seems like his mom was the main source that instilled faith into him. Through the hardships, discrimination, anger, and inferiority, his mom shone through. She constantly reminds him of the gifts God gave him. Moreover, she emphasizes the need to connect with God. Hence, the overall message of the movie is to focus on God’s will. For instance, through the summary of Gifted Hands , one understands the true moral of the story. It emphasizes that believing one is inferior and undeserving is not the way to pursue your life.

Hence, we see Ben Carson, an angry teenager, resort to his mom for comfort. His mom focuses on the religious aspect of life, taking him to church and urging him to believe in a greater purpose. Overcoming prejudice is a recurring theme throughout the movie. Hence, one learns that settling for what you have is not the way. Instead, focusing on what you can do, improving your skills, and believing in a greater purpose can lead you to a brighter future.

Strong Family Relations

Coming from a broken home, one would assume that Ben Carson wouldn’t have the support. However, his mother was nothing less than supportive. She insisted that Ben follows a path different from hers. Hence, she portrayed examples of how he can excel, and she insisted that he follows paths and opportunities she never had. When reading some Gifted Hands discussion questions, some argue that his mother was the tipping point in his life. She emphasized working on creativity, knowledge, and creativity. She kept attempting to provide better opportunities for him, as she saw the potential to excel.

Surgical Capabilities

You might have stumbled upon a research paper or a blog post about the wonders of Ben Carson’s surgical abilities. John Hopkins, where Ben Carson used to work, published a paper in 2004, explaining the wonders of the surgery. He’s well-known for this surgery, as he worked on separating two German twins who were connected together. These babies were joined through a blood vessel at the back of their heads. The reason this news was spread worldwide is because he was the first doctor to attempt such a surgery.

Hidden Surgical Complications

Ben Carson, as a neurologist, was then known for attempting much riskier surgeries that other doctors would never agree to. In total, he took part in the separation of five conjoined twins. However, the movie and his book lack to portray the effects of what happens post surgeries. For instance, those initial German twins did not go on to lead normal lives. There were numerous complications, which were details left out by Ben Carson himself. Even a summary of the Gifted Hands chapter summary about the surgery, there was a lack of details in any post-surgery mishaps.

True Nature of Ben Carson

However, his story portrays him as a hero-like figure. Many describe him as calm and collected, even in the face of furious families. Throughout his story, one witnesses his miraculous surgeries. However, you also witness him simply looking after kids, handling situations, and being part of more complicated operations. Hence, it doesn’t simply highlight the toughest part. Rather, it portrays Ben Carson’s ability to balance all aspects of being a neurosurgeon.

Bottom Line: A Review of the Ben Carson Gifted Hands Story

This story is aimed to touch lives and inspire those who struggle in the face of adversity. The summary provides a surface-level intel on what happens throughout the whole story. However, to fully comprehend the emotional gravity of it, one must watch the movie.

However, keep in mind that it shines a light on miracles. Many of the events that take place center about God and the power one has when believing in him. Hence, one might believe it is an overexaggeration of how things truly are in life. Regardless, the Ben Carson story, Gifted Hands, teaches people that fighting through struggles has the potential to create beautiful outcomes. Hence, one must be resilient and strive for more instead of settling for what they have.

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25 beatles lyrics: your go-to guide for every situation, the best lines from the fab four.

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The End- Abbey Road, 1969

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Dear Prudence- The White Album, 1968

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

Because- Abbey Road, 1969

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

All You Need Is Love, 1967

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

We Can Work It Out- Rubber Soul, 1965

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Come Together- Abbey Road, 1969

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

I Wanna Hold Your Hand- Meet The Beatles!, 1964

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band-1967

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Strawberry Fields Forever- Magical Mystery Tour, 1967

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Rain- Paperback Writer "B" side, 1966

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

Here Comes The Sun- Abbey Road, 1969

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

Saw Her Standing There- Please Please Me, 1963

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

Michelle- Rubber Soul, 1965

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

Revolution- The Beatles, 1968

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Eleanor Rigby- Revolver, 1966

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

With A Little Help From My Friends- Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Hey Jude, 1968

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

Yesterday- Help!, 1965

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

Let It Be- Let It Be, 1970

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all i got to give if you say you'll love me too. i may not have a lot to give but what i got i'll give to you. i don't care too much for money. money can't buy me love.

Can't Buy Me Love- A Hard Day's Night, 1964

All you need is love, love is all you need

All You Need Is Love- Magical Mystery Tour, 1967

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly. all your life, you were only waiting for this moment to arise.

Blackbird- The White Album, 1968

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

In My Life- Rubber Soul, 1965

While these are my 25 favorites, there are quite literally 1000s that could have been included. The Beatles' body of work is massive and there is something for everyone. If you have been living under a rock and haven't discovered the Fab Four, you have to get musically educated. Stream them on Spotify, find them on iTunes or even buy a CD or record (Yes, those still exist!). I would suggest starting with 1, which is a collection of most of their #1 songs, or the 1968 White Album. Give them chance and you'll never look back.

14 Invisible Activities: Unleash Your Inner Ghost!

Obviously the best superpower..

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

1. "Haunt" your friends.

Follow them into their house and cause a ruckus.

2. Sneak into movie theaters.

Going to the cinema alone is good for your mental health , says science

Considering that the monthly cost of subscribing to a media-streaming service like Netflix is oft...

Free movies...what else to I have to say?

3. Sneak into the pantry and grab a snack without judgment.

Late night snacks all you want? Duh.

4. Reenact "Hollow Man" and play Kevin Bacon.

America's favorite son? And feel what it's like to be in a MTV Movie Award nominated film? Sign me up.

5. Wear a mask and pretend to be a floating head.

Just another way to spook your friends in case you wanted to.

6. Hold objects so they'll "float."

"Oh no! A floating jar of peanut butter."

7. Win every game of hide-and-seek.

Just stand out in the open and you'll win.

8. Eat some food as people will watch it disappear.

Even everyday activities can be funny.

9. Go around pantsing your friends.

Even pranks can be done; not everything can be good.

10. Not have perfect attendance.

You'll say here, but they won't see you...

11. Avoid anyone you don't want to see.

Whether it's an ex or someone you hate, just use your invisibility to slip out of the situation.

12. Avoid responsibilities.

Chores? Invisible. People asking about social life? Invisible. Family being rude? Boom, invisible.

13. Be an expert on ding-dong-ditch.

Never get caught and have the adrenaline rush? I'm down.

14. Brag about being invisible.

Be the envy of the town.

But don't, I repeat, don't go in a locker room. Don't be a pervert with your power. No one likes a Peeping Tom.

Good luck, folks.

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned..

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

1. The importance of traditions.

Sometimes traditions seem like a silly thing, but the fact of it is that it's part of who you are. You grew up this way and, more than likely, so did your parents. It is something that is part of your family history and that is more important than anything.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

No matter how many times they get on your nerves or make you mad, they are the ones who will always be there and you should never take that for granted.

3. How to give back.

When tragedy strikes in a small town, everyone feels obligated to help out because, whether directly or indirectly, it affects you too. It is easy in a bigger city to be able to disconnect from certain problems. But in a small town those problems affect everyone.

4. What the word "community" really means.

Along the same lines as #3, everyone is always ready and willing to lend a helping hand when you need one in a small town and to me that is the true meaning of community. It's working together to build a better atmosphere, being there to raise each other up, build each other up, and pick each other up when someone is in need. A small town community is full of endless support whether it be after a tragedy or at a hometown sports game. Everyone shows up to show their support.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

People say this to others all the time, but it takes on a whole new meaning in a small town. It is true that life is about the journey, but when you're from a small town, you know it's about the journey because the journey probably takes longer than you spend at the destination. Everything is so far away that it is totally normal to spend a couple hours in the car on your way to some form of entertainment. And most of the time, you're gonna have as many, if not more, memories and laughs on the journey than at the destination.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

Word travels fast in a small town, so don't think you're gonna get away with anything. In fact, your parents probably know what you did before you even have a chance to get home and tell them. And forget about being scared of what your teacher, principle, or other authority figure is going to do, you're more afraid of what your parents are gonna do when you get home.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

Everyone deserves a chance. Most people don't have ill-intentions and you can't live your life guarding against every one else just because a few people in your life have betrayed your trust.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

While small towns are not always extremely diverse, they do contain people with a lot of different stories, struggle, and backgrounds. In a small town, it is pretty hard to exclude anyone because of who they are or what they come from because there aren't many people to choose from. A small town teaches you that just because someone isn't the same as you, doesn't mean you can't be great friends.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

In a small town, you learn that it's okay to be who you are and do your own thing. You learn that confidence isn't how beautiful you are or how much money you have, it's who you are on the inside.

10. How to work for what I want.

Nothing comes easy in life. They always say "gardens don't grow overnight" and if you're from a small town you know this both figuratively and literally. You certainly know gardens don't grow overnight because you've worked in a garden or two. But you also know that to get to the place you want to be in life it takes work and effort. It doesn't just happen because you want it to.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

If you're from a small town, you know that you will probably only meet a handful of people in your life who ACTUALLY know where your town is. And forget about the people who accidentally enter into your town because of google maps. You've gotten really good at giving them directions right back to the interstate.

12. How to be humble .

My small town has definitely taught me how to be humble. It isn't always about you, and anyone who grows up in a small town knows that. Everyone gets their moment in the spotlight, and since there's so few of us, we're probably best friends with everyone so we are as excited when they get their moment of fame as we are when we get ours.

13. To be well-rounded.

Going to a small town high school definitely made me well-rounded. There isn't enough kids in the school to fill up all the clubs and sports teams individually so be ready to be a part of them all.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

In a small town, good luck holding a grudge. In a bigger city you can just avoid a person you don't like or who you've had problems with. But not in a small town. You better resolve the issue fast because you're bound to see them at least 5 times a week.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

One of my favorite things about growing up in a rural area was being able to go outside and go exploring and not have to worry about being in danger. There is nothing more exciting then finding a new place somewhere in town or in the woods and just spending time there enjoying the natural beauty around you.

16. To be prepared for anything.

You never know what may happen. If you get a flat tire, you better know how to change it yourself because you never know if you will be able to get ahold of someone else to come fix it. Mechanics might be too busy , or more than likely you won't even have enough cell service to call one.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

It's okay to ask for help. One thing I realized when I moved away from my town for college, was how much my town has taught me that I could ask for help is I needed it. I got into a couple situations outside of my town where I couldn't find anyone to help me and found myself thinking, if I was in my town there would be tons of people ready to help me. And even though I couldn't find anyone to help, you better believe I wasn't afraid to ask.

18. How to be creative.

When you're at least an hour away from normal forms of entertainment such as movie theaters and malls, you learn to get real creative in entertaining yourself. Whether it be a night looking at the stars in the bed of a pickup truck or having a movie marathon in a blanket fort at home, you know how to make your own good time.

19. To brush off gossip.

It's all about knowing the person you are and not letting others influence your opinion of yourself. In small towns, there is plenty of gossip. But as long as you know who you really are, it will always blow over.

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you..

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

You have taught me that you don't always have to strong. You are allowed to break down as long as you pick yourself back up and keep moving forward. When life had you at your worst moments, you allowed your friends to be there for you and to help you. You let them in and they helped pick you up. Even in your darkest hour you showed so much strength. I know that you don't believe in yourself as much as you should but you are unbelievably strong and capable of anything you set your mind to.

Your passion to make a difference in the world is unbelievable. You put your heart and soul into your endeavors and surpass any personal goal you could have set. Watching you do what you love and watching you make a difference in the lives of others is an incredible experience. The way your face lights up when you finally realize what you have accomplished is breathtaking and I hope that one day I can have just as much passion you have.

SEE MORE: A Letter To My Best Friend On Her Birthday

The love you have for your family is outstanding. Watching you interact with loved ones just makes me smile . You are so comfortable and you are yourself. I see the way you smile when you are around family and I wish I could see you smile like this everyday. You love with all your heart and this quality is something I wished I possessed.

You inspire me to be the best version of myself. I look up to you. I feel that more people should strive to have the strength and passion that you exemplify in everyday life.You may be stubborn at points but when you really need help you let others in, which shows strength in itself. I have never been more proud to know someone and to call someone my role model. You have taught me so many things and I want to thank you. Thank you for inspiring me in life. Thank you for making me want to be a better person.

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life..

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Don't freak out

This is a rule you should continue to follow no matter what you do in life, but is especially helpful in this situation.

Email the professor

Around this time, professors are getting flooded with requests from students wanting to get into full classes. This doesn't mean you shouldn't burden them with your email; it means they are expecting interested students to email them. Send a short, concise message telling them that you are interested in the class and ask if there would be any chance for you to get in.

Attend the first class

Often, the advice professors will give you when they reply to your email is to attend the first class. The first class isn't the most important class in terms of what will be taught. However, attending the first class means you are serious about taking the course and aren't going to give up on it.

Keep attending class

Every student is in the same position as you are. They registered for more classes than they want to take and are "shopping." For the first couple of weeks, you can drop or add classes as you please, which means that classes that were once full will have spaces. If you keep attending class and keep up with assignments, odds are that you will have priority. Professors give preference to people who need the class for a major and then from higher to lower class year (senior to freshman).

Have a backup plan

For two weeks, or until I find out whether I get into my waitlisted class, I will be attending more than the usual number of classes. This is so that if I don't get into my waitlisted class, I won't have a credit shortage and I won't have to fall back in my backup class. Chances are that enough people will drop the class, especially if it is very difficult like computer science, and you will have a chance. In popular classes like art and psychology, odds are you probably won't get in, so prepare for that.

Remember that everything works out at the end

Life is full of surprises. So what if you didn't get into the class you wanted? Your life obviously has something else in store for you. It's your job to make sure you make the best out of what you have.

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Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (2009 TV Movie)

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