Dr Orlando Thomas launches inspiring new book
Published:Friday | January 2, 2026 | 12:06 AMKeisha Hill/Senior Gleaner Writer
Physician, wellness advocate, and motivational speaker Dr Orlando Thomas has officially launched his latest book, Growing in the Desert, a deeply personal and faith-centred work that explores resilience, purpose, and personal growth in the face of adversity.
Drawing from his life experiences, professional journey, and spiritual grounding, Thomas offers readers practical wisdom and encouragement to thrive, even during life’s most challenging seasons.
Growing in the Desert is packaged as a road map for individuals seeking strength, clarity, and fulfilment despite hardship. Through reflective storytelling and actionable lessons, Thomas shares how trials can become opportunities for transformation.
“This book is for anyone who has ever felt stuck, discouraged, or uncertain. The desert seasons of life can still produce growth, purpose, and impact.” Thomas shared at the launch.
The publication speaks directly to readers who feel overwhelmed by hardship, using the metaphor of a desert – dry, difficult, and unforgiving – to show that growth is still possible, even in the most unlikely circumstances.
“Life does not always give us the easiest path, and sometimes it feels like we are growing in a desert. But even in the hardest places, life can grow,” Thomas said.
UNWAVERING BELIEF IN FAITH
At the heart of Growing in the Desert is Thomas’ unwavering belief in faith and prayer as anchors during life’s storms. From financial struggles to long nights of intense study, he shares how prayer sustained him through moments when giving up felt easier than pressing on.
This theme is powerfully explored in Chapter 1, ‘The Power of Prayer and Faith’, setting the foundation for a book that is as spiritual as it is practical. “Every time I faced a challenge, I found strength in my faith. That is something I want to share with you,” he said.
The book’s structure mirrors Thomas’ life journey, offering lessons that resonate across generations. Through chapters such as ‘Hard Work and Persistence’, ‘The Art of Goal Setting’, and ‘Failures and Mis-Steps’, he speaks candidly about the discipline required to succeed and the importance of learning from setbacks, rather than being defeated by them.
Thomas emphasises the transformative power of writing down goals and committing to them with intention, an approach that helped shape his academic, professional, and personal achievements.
In Chapter 4, ‘A Heart for Service: My Love for People’, Thomas traces his calling to medicine back to his upbringing, faith community, and the influence of those who poured into his life. His passion for people, he explains, did not emerge overnight but was nurtured through family values, church involvement, and lived experiences.
Health and wellness also feature prominently in Chapter 5, ‘Fitness and Healthy Eating: A Lifelong Passion’, where he shares how observing older family members who maintained healthy lifestyles inspired his own commitment to physical fitness and longevity.
MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS
The book does not shy away from pain. In Chapter 6, ‘Coping with Loss: Lessons from Grief’, Thomas opens up about loss and how it reshaped his perspective on life, empathy, and gratitude. Equally moving is Chapter 7, ‘The Impact of Kindness: How Others Helped Me’, which underscores the importance of community and meaningful relationships.
“I could not have done any of this alone. Building good relationships has made a huge difference in my journey. No one grows alone. This book honours the people who helped me along the way,” Thomas said.
The latter chapters, including ‘Building Confidence and Public Speaking Skills’, focus on personal development and self-belief; tools Thomas believes are essential for anyone striving to lead, inspire, or simply find their voice.
The book concludes with a powerful reminder that starting point does not determine destiny.
“No matter where you start, you can keep moving forward. Even if it feels like you are growing in a desert, there is always a way to find what you need to succeed. If you remain rooted in faith, disciplined in action, and open to learning, you will grow. This book is proof that difficult seasons do not define your destination,” Thomas said.
Growing in the Desert is more than a memoir; it is a guide for students, professionals, faith leaders, and anyone navigating adversity – through faith, discipline, service, and self-care.
The book is poised to resonate with readers navigating grief, career uncertainty, health challenges, or spiritual renewal. Its launch at The RoofTop in Old Harbour drew medical professionals, community leaders, and residents, all celebrating a story rooted in perseverance and purpose. Growing in the Desert is now available at select book stores and online, with Dr Thomas planning book signings, wellness talks, and faith-based workshops in the months ahead.