I have been so blessed this week to listen to ‘Revive our Hearts’ podcast through
which Linda Barrick and her daughter Jen share their powerful, and oh so deeply
painful, yet uplifting story and testimonies.
The Barrick family were involved in an a fatal head on
collision caused by a drunk driver … in a flash, in a less than a minute,
instantly – all their lives transformed forever. The wreck left all 4 family
members with severe injuries, Jen, the daughter with horrific head injuries.
A few months earlier, Jen had prayed with abandon, “Lord,
use me …” … this beautiful teenager had a relationship with the Lord
which is very evident through her coma and subsequent, long battle to recovery.
The book Miracle for Jen tells the story of this devastating event, but more than
that miracle upon miracle her family experienced during this trying time – I
encourage you to get hold of a copy and read it.
On top of all this, a few years ago, Jen had to endure
cancer treatment … this young woman’s attitude and courage put me to shame!
Jen’s beauty, grace and dignity literally pours and shines out of every pore on
her body. We can all learn something from Jen’s ‘stubborn’ faithfulness to a God who allowed this tragedy
(and the miracles) …
- Jen UNASHAMEDLY shares her faith and
story with others …
- Jen rolls out of bed EVERY morning, straight
onto her knees in thanksgiving and prayers inviting the Lord to use her that
day …
- Jen’s Mum says of Jen that she REFUSES
to use negative talk – everything is said in a positive light, and
- She PRAYS for the young man that drover head on into their vehicle.
Listening to Jen’s story of brokenness, endurance and
miracles reminded me of Laura Story’s lyrics
from her song Blessings (who also has a powerful testimony!) – so powerful … have a read …
“Cause what if
your blessings come through raindrops
What if your
healing comes through tears …
What if trials
of this life are Your mercies in disguise?”
Jen’s slow road to recovery affirms God’s promise, “I believe that I shall look upon the
goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!”. No matter how hard our
lives become, whatever we face, God is with us to comfort us, support us and
encourage us when we rely on his strength and not our own.
Jen’s favourite praise song was and still is ‘Lord,You’re Holy’ which she had sung at Church the night of the wreck – a
powerful reminder of who this God we serve is … the image above captures some
of the lyrics from this power song.
Promise: The Lord is, and always will be, the Waymaker
… “miracle worker, promise keeper, light
in the darkness”.
Jen, thank you for being a witness to God’s glory, for
sharing your powerful story that other’s like myself can reflect on our lives
and learn from your grace, goodness and willingness to walk the path the Lord
has designated for you to walk.
Other resources:
