Miracle for Jen

A Tragic Accident, a Mother's Desperate Prayer, and Heaven's Extraordinary Answer

By: Linda Barrick

Narrated by: Kirsten Potter

Audie Award Nominee, Inspirational Nonfiction, 2013

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.

©2012 eChristian Inc. (P)2012 eChristian, Inc.

Beautiful story

Even though I did not go through this trauma I found. This story very relatable

Beautifully written! Amen.

Excellent descriptions and account of an NDE. I've listened to her tell her story in person. She is an amazing person. I highly recommend you are whether you are Episcopal, Lutheran, Baptist, Buddhist, Hindu or Spiritual and I'll even throw Science minded... you will be moved emotionally. Thank you for taking the risk and putting pen to paper.

Very emotional

Where does Miracle for Jen rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is a book i will always remember.

What did you like best about this story?

The spirt Jen has to keep her going.

Which character – as performed by Kirsten Potter – was your favorite?

Jen and her mum

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book made me cry.

Beautiful and encouraging

I don’t suffer from a brain injury but have experienced 17 years of 24 hour pain and disability from continuous daily migraine headaches. Jen’s simple faith and her trust in God’s goodness and perfect plan are so beautiful! I also appreciated how Linda Barrett shared honestly about her own struggles with faith, discouragement, and the unfairness of all that happened to their family. It was instructive to see how she continuously spoke God’s Word, and battled for her family through prayer. One thing that might be difficult for some readers who are struggling is the amount of support this family received from their friends, church and community . On one hand, this is the way the body of Christ is supposed to function. On the other, not many of us have dozens of people lining up to stay with us, clean our house, provide meals for months, and meet our every need when we’re hit with tragic life altering circumstances.

Hope

As I recover from surgery, “Jen’s Miracle” has helped me to focus on placing all my hope and trust in God.

Heart touching

The story of Miracle for Jen was heart touching and thought provoking. The relationship she has with the Father is something we all should desire, it’s something I desire. Jen made me think that’s it’s really possible.

Courage in Suffering

Where does Miracle for Jen rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I would rate as a 4.5 out of 5.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Miracle for Jen?

The description of the injuries to each family member was hard to hear. As was the reports by physicians on Jen's extensive brain injuries. There were many moments that touched my heart. Jen has an amazing family, friends and support from the church. Acts of love and perseverance by her father & mother while recovering from their own injuries is very moving. The Dad carried coffee upstairs each morning to his wife, while walking with a crutch & dealing with chronic pain. Her mother's perseverance & selfless care and some of the emotions she shares in her journey. The amazing prayers and spiritual insight that Jen shared with others after the accident. This book amazed me by consistently praising God in the midst of so much suffering. It is a message of hope.

What does Kirsten Potter bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I thought it was Jen's mother telling the story. Enjoyed it!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Courage in the midst of suffering.

Wow

I had my own usually fatal crash/coma/rehab, (but starting on a motorcycle at 70mph) This is so close to what mine/(the memories I have of what it) was like! thank you for putting this out there Linda! Prayers Barricks!

Life-changing !

I first heard Jen and her mother speak on “Revive Our Hearts” (May 2018). I was thrilled to find this book on Audible. I couldn’t stop listening to it. When you hear how God worked in and through Jen’s life, you will never be the same. Amidst pain and loss, God’s presence and goodness could not be more evident. Such a powerful testimony!

beautiful

Beautiful testimony. You'll never be the Same after reading this. Where real life meets real faith.