Book Review: Miracle for Jen

Who is the author of suffering?  Is it Satan, as some would have us believe?  Or does God ordain suffering to accomplish His purposes? 

Jen Barrick was a godly 15 year old girl with talent and beauty.  She was shy when it came to sharing the Gospel, but she prayed desperately for God to equip her with boldness and desired to be used for His glory.  He answered her prayers.  A drunk driver hit her family's van head-on.  Jen experienced massive head trauma and was in a coma for 5 weeks.  Unable to respond to questions she began to express her innermost thoughts and they glorified her Heavenly Father.  Her first words were prayers and praise songs worshiping Her Father. 

Miracle for Jen is a book about the power of prayer and how God uses weakness to accomplish His purposes.  Jen's mom, Linda Barrick, authored the book (along with co-author John Perry) and she provides detailed insight into Jen's slow recovery from a brain injury.  The accident stripped Jen of her inhibitions and gave her a boldness to share her faith in public.  Jen will never physically be what she once was, but God has transformed her into a vessel He is able to use. 

I found this book difficult to put down as I was eager to learn what happened next as Jen struggled for life and then faced the challenge of learning to walk and function again.  This book will make you praise God for His goodness and thank Him for His people.  I am amazed to read of the selfless sacrifices made by those from Jen's church, Thomas Road Baptist Church.  It really reminded me how I need to be more giving when those around me are suffering from a long-term illness or injury. 

Jen's journals prior to the accident were full of prayers and praise to God.  They revealed what was hidden in her heart.  The accident caused what was in her heart to be verbalized.  Never was there any cursing or angry words, as is typical with most who suffer brain injuries. I wonder if you and I were to experience something similar, would we be embarrassed to have what is in our hearts revealed? 

I will be giving a copy of Miracle to Jen away on March 29th.  Leave a comment below to enter the giveaway.  Learn more about the book by visiting:  http://www.miracleforjen.com/



Disclaimer: Tyndale House Publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book to me. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: Enough

Have you ever been caught up in the troubled waves of dissatisfaction? Perhaps you've attempted to treat your hungry soul with addictive sinful behaviors?  There is hope for you.  Jesus Christ is enough. 

Enough is authored by former missionary Helen Roseveare.  This small volume of six chapters addresses the sufficiency of Christ for salvation, assurance and emotional support.  That is, if we allow Him to be enough.  Or do we want "Jesus plus" the added benefits of success, wealth or adulation?  Can we thank God when He removes us from a place of ministry and gives us a thankless job that prevents us from using our gifts? 

She delves into issues she faced as a missionary in the Congo:  trusting Jesus, forgiving herself when she failed, and the sufficiency of grace.  Even as a missionary she was not immune to pride's ugly grasp.  I was convicted when I read this passage about her reaction to hearing "horrific items" on the news:

"Does what I have just heard lead me into prayer - for the individuals involved, for our degenerate society?  Or am I content to be correct myself and critical of the others?  Instead of rejoicing in God's goodness to me that has defended me from that particular sin, I take pride in my own ability to avoid the wrong (oh, the subtlety of pride, spiritual pride, pride in myself) rather than giving thanks to God for his amazing grace and for how he has delivered me from falling into that particular temptation."  (pg. 50)

This book made me reflect on the meaning of the "fellowship of his sufferings."  Our suffering can lead us to a deeper knowledge of who God is.  I marveled at the strength of her faith as she documents her response after being captured and abused by rebel soldiers.  She stated it seemed as if God asked, "Can you thank me for trusting you with this, even if I never tell you why?"  Here is an excellent blog post about Helen that continues to develop this thought.

This small book would be a wonderful read during a long drive, perhaps to Grandma's house for Thanksgiving.  I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: Christian Focus Publications provided a complimentary copy of this book to me.  I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.   I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”