W. Lee Warren, M.D. – I’ve Seen the End of You: A Neurosurgeon’s Look at Faith, Doubt, and the Things We Think We Know

I value the books Philip Yancey wrote on doubt, suffering, the centricity of Christ as Savior ànd man of sorrows. One of his coachees, W. Lee Warren, M.D. in I’ve Seen the End of You: A Neurosurgeon’s Look at Faith, Doubt, and the Things We Think We Know shares an in-depth memoir of his professional knowledge and experience, and how this cuts a pathway to distinguish knowing from having faith.  As a practicing brain surgeon and Christian, he not only got praised for curing patients but also deals with the almost 100% fatal Gliobastoma multiforme (GBM) cancer, Practically seeing the end of life of patients upon the initial MRI scans while praying fervently that God shows up and performs a miracle, doesn’t come easy. Doubt builds up, despite a strong faith, a listening hospital pastor, and a healthy family life back home.

As a kind of focused Oliver Sacks, Lee shares several patient cases with GBM. Some of them are Christians too struggling with God to overcome the disease and live on, others not (yet), blaming God for not taking care. The sudden death of Lee’s son Mitch throws him and Lisa in utter darkness. Grief takes time, as does the way to get to terms with doubt and keeping the faith. The medical stories, as well as Lee’s responses, are raw. I treasure the lessons that Lee learned and penned in this Yancey meets neurosurgery kind of book.

About the author
W. Lee Warren, M.D. is a brain surgeon, inventor, Iraq War veteran, and writer. His most recent book, No Place to Hide, was named to the 2015 U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff’s Recommended Reading List. Dr. Warren has appeared on The 700 Club, the CBS Evening News, and his writings have been featured in Guideposts magazine. He plays the guitar and loves to make connections between faith, science, and the realities of life. Dr. Warren lives in Wyoming with his wife, Lisa.

I received a free review copy from the publisher through Edelweiss in exchange for my personal, unbiased review upon reading.