Even though I have never been called to the same acts of service and sacrifice, I have related to the challenges David has faced, and I have shed tears and felt hope in their outcome. This book is an intimate and very honest expression. Once I started listening to it, I couldn’t stop. Its clear message of hope and hope in Christ is heart-wrenching and wonderful. The insight into the sacrifices our Service men and women make was eye-opening for me. Thanks to all who serve others in rescue, protection, and armed service. This book can help us heal and find hope.

Lindy Lee

Built by Fire is a rare kind of memoir—one that tells the truth without ego and honors the burden of service without complaint. David Burnell’s journey through combat zones, disaster sites, and spiritual crucibles reminds us that warriors aren’t just forged in fire… they’re refined by it. A must-read for anyone who has served—or loved someone who has.

Lt. Col. James W. (USAF, Ret.)

I picked this book up expecting stories of military bravado. What I found instead was a deeply human account of service, grief, faith, and quiet courage. David writes with clarity and purpose, but it’s his humility and honesty that moved me the most. This book changed how I think about sacrifice and calling.

Megan L.

As someone who’s worked in recovery operations, this book hit me hard. David doesn't sugarcoat the realities of the job—the loss, the trauma, the weight you carry home—but he also shows the strength and light that can come from walking through fire. It's raw, real, and redemptive.

Carlos T.

A Powerful and Unforgettable Journey Built by Fire is more than a memoir—it's a raw, honest, and deeply moving account of a life shaped by service, struggle, and unshakable purpose. David takes you into the heart of combat zones, rescue missions, and humanitarian crises with a level of vulnerability and grit that's rare and refreshing. What sets this book apart is how it weaves together intense, real-world experiences with moments of spiritual clarity and personal redemption. It's not just about what happened—it's about why it matters. This book will speak to anyone who has worn a uniform, faced trauma, or simply asked the deeper questions about purpose and pain. It's a tribute to resilience, brotherhood, and faith in the face of the impossible. Highly recommended.

Sam G.

The way "Built by Fire" captured your journey through war zones and humanitarian rescues was unforgettable, but what stuck with me most was your transparency about scars turning into purpose. The mix of service, loss, and hope is so rare in podcasting, and your reflections on how faith helped anchor you were truly compelling.

Lyndon Gases

An engaging read that kept the pages turning.

Bevan B.

What an extraordinary life.  Very interesting and good read.

Lezlee E.

Your recent episode about "The Boy Named Red" from your book Built by Fire genuinely stuck with me, especially the way you described shaping your mindset amid the violence in Lawndale during your childhood. That constant readiness to confront tough realities is a powerful theme...

Eve Bailey

The book is so captivating. The real-life stories make you think about life, humanity, and those who have the call to offer it to all. David is a true hero, and hearing his experiences makes me appreciate all those brave men who, every day, sacrifice their lives to protect us all. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll think, and you’ll find gratitude. A good read!

Diane Rush

David has a special way of speaking that is captivating, relatable, and easy to learn from. He has so much wisdom and life experience that he is willing to share and I’m so glad that I’ve been able to learn from him.

Candace Greninger

Really pointed and purposeful read with great insights into effective, no-nonsense leadership. I’m a small business owner, and I often get stuck in the habit of doing things just to do them and to busy myself, which sometimes ends up just being sideways energy. One of my main takeaways from this book was the point that said, “If you don’t know what to do, do nothing, until you do.” It has given me more drive to make conscious, thoughtful decisions in my business that move me towards my goal. Would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of leadership and become a calmer, more confident leader.

Josh Adams

Dear David Burnell, I hope this message finds you well. My name is Alessandra Balzer, and I work in an editorial capacity with Macmillan Publishers. I recently had the opportunity to learn more about your remarkable journey and your book Gravity and Grace: Hearing God in Uncertain Times, and I felt compelled to reach out. Your life and work are a testament to extraordinary courage, commitment, and faith. From your decade of service in the United States Air Force, including intelligence, combat communications, and close air support, to your humanitarian missions across the globe from Thailand and Burma to Haiti and Japan you’ve consistently demonstrated leadership under pressure and a dedication to protecting and guiding others. Beyond the battlefield and the rescue zones, your creation of the Urban Warfare Center and the Combat Stress Program illustrates a rare blend of strategic insight, compassion, and practical impact. These programs, credited with saving lives and reducing casualties, reflect your deep understanding of human behavior under stress and your ability to provide actionable solutions for both military personnel and civilians. Your book Gravity and Grace is an inspiring extension of this life experience. Drawing on your personal encounters in high-pressure environments, you explore the critical art of listening to God, finding clarity in uncertainty, and making wise decisions under pressure. The message of “seek, hear, do, and share” resonates profoundly in today’s fast-paced and often overwhelming world. Through your narratives, you invite readers not only youth and young adults but anyone seeking guidance to pause, listen, and move forward with intentionality, faith, and peace. I am deeply impressed by the seamless way you blend your spiritual insights with real-life experiences. Your approach grounded in scripture, informed by lived experience, and reinforced by practical strategies for resilience offers readers a rare and essential perspective

Alessandra Balzer

Gravity and Grace is a book about learning to hear God clearly when life feels heavy and the way forward is uncertain. Drawing from real-life experiences in military service, rescue operations, humanitarian missions, and moments of quiet spiritual intervention, David Burnell explores how wise decisions are made—not through force, fear, or noise, but through alignment with God. This book is not about having all the answers. It is about learning how to listen when clarity is scarce and pressure is high. At the heart of Gravity and Grace is a simple, enduring seek, hear, do, and share. Through deeply personal stories—including moments of failure, restraint, obedience, and grace—Burnell shows how revelation often comes when the senses fail, how identity can distort judgment, and how peace is possible even in uncertain times. Written especially for youth and young adults—but resonant for readers of any age—this book addresses overwhelm, fear, and decision-making in a loud and demanding world. It offers a steady, faith-centered approach to resilience rooted in scripture, lived experience, and personal revelation. This is not a call to move faster or try harder. It is an invitation to slow down, listen carefully, and move forward in peace.

Zariah Zayden

I really loved what you wrote. It made me reflect on my own situation and the constant revelation I need. Your story about the guys in Japan was inspiring. And your dream. I’d love to hear more about that sometime. The way you said what you said, breaking down all the ways to hear the spirit, was inspired. I’ve never heard it put quite like that. I loved it. Drawing from real-life experiences in military service, rescue operations, humanitarian missions, and moments of quiet spiritual intervention, David Burnell explores how wise decisions are made—not through force, fear, or noise, but through alignment with God. This book is not about having all the answers. It is about learning how to listen when clarity is scarce and pressure is high. At the heart of Gravity and Grace is a simple, enduring seek, hear, do, and share. Through deeply personal stories—including moments of failure, restraint, obedience, and grace—Burnell shows how revelation often comes when the senses fail, how identity can distort judgment, and how peace is possible even in uncertain times. Written especially for youth and young adults—but resonant for readers of any age—this book addresses overwhelm, fear, and decision-making in a loud and demanding world. It offers a steady, faith-centered approach to resilience rooted in scripture, lived experience, and personal revelation. This is not a call to move faster or try harder. It is an invitation to slow down, listen carefully, and move forward in peace.

Jeffrey Denning

Gravity and Grace: I cannot even believe what I just heard. It was perfectly on point. I’m going to listen to it over and over again. It was so beautiful. I learned so much. I’m restarting it now.Drawing from real-life experiences in military service, rescue operations, humanitarian missions, and moments of quiet spiritual intervention, David Burnell explores how wise decisions are made—not through force, fear, or noise, but through alignment with God. This book is not about having all the answers. It is about learning how to listen when clarity is scarce and pressure is high. At the heart of Gravity and Grace is a simple, enduring seek, hear, do, and share. Through deeply personal stories—including moments of failure, restraint, obedience, and grace—Burnell shows how revelation often comes when the senses fail, how identity can distort judgment, and how peace is possible even in uncertain times. Written especially for youth and young adults—but resonant for readers of any age—this book addresses overwhelm, fear, and decision-making in a loud and demanding world. It offers a steady, faith-centered approach to resilience rooted in scripture, lived experience, and personal revelation. This is not a call to move faster or try harder. It is an invitation to slow down, listen carefully, and move forward in peace.

Lori Hoopes

I just listened to 25 minutes of your book. BRILLIANT !!!! This is your best work yet. And you’re inspired—inspired to send it to me too. I just sent it to a first responder who told me he is suicidal this morning. That guy needs to hear your words. The ice rescue is written in an amazing way. I love it. Chapter two is the same. This is off to a great start! At the heart of Gravity and Grace is a simple, enduring seek, hear, do, and share. Through deeply personal stories—including moments of failure, restraint, obedience, and grace—Burnell shows how revelation often comes when the senses fail, how identity can distort judgment, and how peace is possible even in uncertain times. Written especially for youth and young adults—but resonant for readers of any age—this book addresses overwhelm, fear, and decision-making in a loud and demanding world. It offers a steady, faith-centered approach to resilience rooted in scripture, lived experience, and personal revelation. This is not a call to move faster or try harder. It is an invitation to slow down, listen carefully, and move forward in peace.

Jeffrey Denning

Incredible how much this piece captures the tension between what logic says and what the spirit knows. When Burnell talks about that moment of choosing to hold on despite sinking, it gets at something rarely discussed in rescue work: the convergence of precision timing and inner prompting. Worked on a similar mountain SAR team years back, and the hardest calls were always when protocol said one thing but something deeper said another. The way this story shows obedience isn't reckless bravery but, rather, the most calculated trust, which really shifts the whole conversationAt the heart of Gravity and Grace is a simple, enduring seek, hear, do, and share. Through deeply personal stories—including moments of failure, restraint, obedience, and grace—Burnell shows how revelation often comes when the senses fail, how identity can distort judgment, and how peace is possible even in uncertain times. Written especially for youth and young adults—but resonant for readers of any age—this book addresses overwhelm, fear, and decision-making in a loud and demanding world. It offers a steady, faith-centered approach to resilience rooted in scripture, lived experience, and personal revelation. This is not a call to move faster or try harder. It is an invitation to slow down, listen carefully, and move forward in peace.

Neutral Foundry

Gravity and Grace is a meaningful reminder that God is present in the small, often overlooked details of our lives. I especially appreciated the personal stories David shares, which add depth and authenticity to the message. Rather than reading like a typical self-help book, this work invites deeper reflection and honest self-examination. The message is grounded in the reality that a life rooted in Christ is not always easy or comfortable. It acknowledges the struggles, surrender, and humility required, while showing that setting pride aside and trusting God leads to the most fulfilling way to live Written especially for youth and young adults—but resonant for readers of any age—this book addresses overwhelm, fear, and decision-making in a loud and demanding world. It offers a steady, faith-centered approach to resilience rooted in scripture, lived experience, and personal revelation. This is not a call to move faster or try harder. It is an invitation to slow down, listen carefully, and move forward in peace.

Lexi Morrison

His knowledge and calm confidence are amazing!

Loren Gilley

Very knowledgeable! I believe his life experience through the military and through running several successful businesses really shine through in the messages that he brings and conveys. You are sure to glean loads of useful information and practical advice that is applicable to your field of interest no matter what his topic is.

Josh Adams

I am usually an aware person. However, this instruction was invaluable to me. It showed how to be aware without being paranoid. I would highly recommend that any man protect themselves or their loved ones and keep them out of harm's way. I also recommend this to any Women or children who want to have a heightened sense of awareness around them without feeling overwhelmed.

Andre G.

David has spent his life in leadership roles, serving his country and fellow citizens. He has a wealth of knowledge and skill in personal defense and weapons. Really enjoyed the great firearms discussion he hosted last week. All of his experience and positive attitude, combined with his faith, make him an excellent inspirational and motivational speaker. He is a natural teacher and leader.

Tracy Grant

I have worked with David several times. He is patient, calm, and very good at explaining the why behind what he does. I am grateful I have been able to work with him to expand my knowledge and skills. I would not be able to shoot as I do without the knowledge and skills I have gained from shooting with him.

Miranda Herbert

Really pointed and purposeful read with great insights into effective, no-nonsense leadership. I’m a small business owner, and I often get stuck in the habit of doing things just to do them and to busy myself, which sometimes ends up just being sideways energy. One of my main takeaways from this book was the point that said, “If you don’t know what to do, do nothing, until you do.” It has given me more drive to make conscious, thoughtful decisions in my business that move me towards my goal. Would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of leadership and become a calmer, more confident leader.

Josh Adams