Dr. Robert Liston was a 19th-century surgeon. He was arguably the worst doctor ever. In one surgery, he had a 200 percent mortality rate.
While performing a leg amputation, Liston accidentally cut off two fingers from his assistant’s hand. Both the patient and his nurse died of gangrene, likely due to the saw being unclean.
One patient. Two deaths. A 200 percent mortality rate.
But Dr. Liston turned things around. He perfected the quick surgery, saving the patient from prolonged suffering. He could successfully amputate a leg in two and a half minutes. For his successes, he was honored with a bronze bust. To this day, the Council of University College of London gives out an annual award in his name.
I love a good redemption story. Maybe that’s because I am one.
The Bible says that Jesus “gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good” (Titus 2:14).
Recovery Step: Don’t define yourself by your worst moment. Focus, instead, on what you can learn and who you can become.
