Where Faith, Service, and Healing Meet
REFINED BY FIRE
(Released August 15, 2026)
An Army chaplain's memoir of ministry, leadership, and faith during deployment in Iraq.
"This is a vivid and candid account by a veteran who espoused faith and patriotism in his service as an Army chaplain... Pennington’s compassion and humility are evident on every page of his fine memoir." ~Booklist
James Y. Pennington
Author • Retired U.S. Army Chaplain • Licensed Professional Counselor
Across my writing, I explore the intersection of faith, military service, trauma, and the enduring power of hope. Whether through historical fiction, professional counseling resources, or personal memoir, my goal is to help readers understand the human experience in the midst of conflict and discover meaning through resilience, reflection, and faith.
Drawing on decades of service as an Army chaplain and licensed professional counselor, I write about the realities of war, the challenges of trauma, and the journey toward healing. My books invite readers to see that even in life's most difficult moments, stories have the power to restore purpose, strengthen faith, and inspire courage.
From the battlefields of Mosul to the counseling office and the personal reflections of Refined by Fire, my writing is rooted in a simple conviction: hope can emerge from suffering, healing begins when stories are told, and faith provides a foundation for enduring life's greatest trials.
