On the night of November 5, 2006, the Barrick family was driving home from church when their van was struck by a drunk driver. Fifteen-year-old Jen suffered multiple skull fractures and severe brain trauma and was not expected to survive the night. But against all odds, she did. As she lingered in a coma, doctors warned that if Jen ever woke up, she would be cursing and screaming in confusion due to her brain injuries. Instead, after five weeks she opened her eyes and began praying and praising God. Jen didn’t remember her middle name, recognize her parents, or recall that she had a little brother—but she remembered Jesus and every word to every praise song and scripture she had hidden in her heart before the accident. As any loving mother would, Jen’s mother Linda wanted God to heal Jen—make her like she was before. Normal. But a loving God had something else in mind—instead of making her normal, God is making Jennifer—and the whole Barrick family—extraordinary, miraculous. Miracle for Jen is the remarkable true story of a family who overcame tragedy and learned to trust God's plan for their lives in a whole new way. ~ Tyndale book description
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Jennifer Barrick had no idea how God would use her life for His glory. At 15, she had been keeping prayer journals / letters to God asking Him to "use her life" and make her a bold witness for Him. Little did she know, He was about to answer her prayers in a very real way.
Miracle for Jen is a living memoir of the tragic accident and ongoing recovery of Jennifer Barrick and her family. How would you react if your whole family suffered serious injuries due to a drunk driver? Would you find the hope and strength to live or would you surrender to the pain and injuries? With the body of Christ upholding them in prayer and in service, the Barricks, especially Jennifer, was kept before the throne of God. So much so, that Jen spent intimate and personal time with God during her earthly coma. Because of her time with God, she has become the bold witness she had prayed for before the accident.
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This book will have you searching your own faith and dependence on God. Are you living for yourself, or are you living to glorify God and bring Him thanksgiving and praise? Do you roll out of bed and drop to your knees thanking God, praising Him, dedicating the day to serving Him, asking Him to fill you with His strength to do what you can never do on your own? And, do you pray at the end of the day, "Lord, did I meet all of Your expectations today? Did I fulfill all that You had for me today?" (miracle for Jen, p. 162, 203)
I have been eternally changed by Jennifer's testimony of God working in and through her. As a mom I can relate to Linda's prayers for healing and wholeness for her daughter. This isn't only about living your faith out loud, but also a reminder for "embracing life one day at a time, letting go of past regrets and leaving tomorrow's problems for tomorrow. It's the story of giving up the dreams I had for the reality I have. It's the story of celebrating the overflowing blessings God has given me rather than mourning what I've lost. It's the story of resting in the Lord and finding contentment in my life today." (Linda Barrick, miracle for Jen, p. 203)
The encouragement I received from the book is amazing. I want my life to be a witness for God in all I do and say. This book will become an intimate friend for years to come.
The encouragement I received from the book is amazing. I want my life to be a witness for God in all I do and say. This book will become an intimate friend for years to come.
Now onto the Miracle for Jen book giveaway!
Tyndale has sent me a certificate for a free copy of miracle for Jen to share with one of my readers. Please leave a comment on this post. This giveaway will end on March 18, 2012, at 12 midnight EST. The winner will be chosen by random number generator at random.org. Good luck!
I received a complimentary copy of Miracle for Jen from Tyndale Publishers for my honest review.
Posted at Hip Homeschool Moms Giveaway!
Blessings,
Ellen
Oh this looks like it will be so good! Fixing to click on Chapter one! Thanks for posting. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteWow, what an amazing story. So glad to be entering this giveaway.
ReplyDeletewow, what a testimony!! would love to read this book, thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteGod bless~
mountainmamablog@yahoo.com
Sounds very moving and has elements in it that we moms can relate to. It would be interesting to read and then add to our church library.
ReplyDeleteSounds lovely. P.S> It's giveaway time at Katherines Corner come on over :-)
ReplyDeleteI would love to be entered into this giveaway! Sounds like an amazing book!
ReplyDeleteacgoad at comcast dot net
I would love to be entered in this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteCan I enter, even though I left a comment on the other post! lol
ReplyDeleteEllen, thanks for linking this in to Your favourite Biographies. A nice little collection of links is now building! Cheers
ReplyDelete