May 10 Update - Day 37

Don't worry about anything, instead pray about everything. Phil. 4:6

I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon, I cry out in distress and He hears my voice. Psalm 55: 16-17

God really does answer prayer, if we ask of Him specifically. So I encourage you today to PRAY without ceasing. Pray specifically that Jodie will continue to become more responsive and that she will start to talk and/or communicate in some way with the medical staff and us.

On that note, I am elated and happy to report to you that this morning Mama called to tell me that in Jodie's morning therapy with her PT (Margaret - truly an angel from God), Margaret told Jodie to give her a thumbs up AND SHE DID IT!!!! This is the first time that she's been able to do that and we've been asking her to do that for weeks. Truly God is great and wonderful. Just this morning, I prayed specifically that God would let Jodie give a thumbs up because we've been asking her to do this for so long and He answered. I know there are many others of you out there who are praying specifically for Jodie to do these things so I know that I was not the only one who has been asking this of the Great Physician and I'm so glad that He heard us.

I'm so proud of Jodie. Margaret also asked Jodie to raise 2 fingers, and she did that too! That's another thing that she's been having real trouble doing but had at least somewhat done it. BUT the thumbs up was completely a new accomplishment today! Please rejoice and THANK GOD this moment for Him giving Jodie the strength to perform that task. And I ask that you feel more grateful for the things that we so often take for granted and count your blessings today.

Wow! God is good. God is marvelous. Now, let's continue to pray specifically that Jodie will continue to improve and give us many more miracles and joys everyday. And that this week she'll become more responsive, communicating and actually speaking!

If you ask in My name, I will answer, says the Lord.

Some have emailed me to ask if they can send videos to Jodie - and the answer is YES, of course. She has access to a VCR and I'm sure this would do her great good to view whatever you all have in mind that have asked. Any positive stimulation is welcome. Also, feel free to send her pictures and words of encouragement. Don't forget to go onto the Shepherd website (www.shepherd.org; Contact us; Send a message to a patient) to send a message to Jodie that will be delivered directly to her room. Mama said they have been receiving these every day and it brings such joy to her. Also, all replies and emails to me, Beth, Bubby or Mama, I print and put them in a "book" that we've compiled for Jodie. We read them to her and have them so that she can read through them herself one day.

Again, the address is: Shepherd Center, C/o ABI Nurses Station, Jodie Tharp rm. 221, 2020 Peachtree Rd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30309. The number to her room is 404/350-7501. If you don't get an answer, try back. Mama is usually at the hospital most of the day.

Also, I want to take the opportunity to let you all know that there will be a benefit in Jodie's honor on May 22nd in Winona. I don't really know the specifics of it just yet, just that is the date and it will probably be a fish fry and such. The Moore Memorial United Methodist Church is going to sponsor it and First Baptist Church (both in Winona) is going to help also. I'll give you more information when I know it and the number for the contact person.
The Winona Crossroads Lions Club will also be sponsoring a raffle for Jodie. They are raffling off a Viking product (I don't know what yet, but I'll let you know asap). The tickets will start being passed around sometime the end of this week/first of next week. This drawing will not take place until July, but raffle tickets will be available at the benefit.

I would like to say that me and my entire family are so completely humbled and were brought to tears by the announcement of these 2 events for Jodie. We're are so completely thankful for all the outpour of support and love from so many people in so many places. Jodie will be so thrilled and honored to hear of the support that she is receiving by so many of God's people. I'd like to take the opportunity to thank all of you who are working on these events. Words cannot express our feelings of gratitude. For once in my life, I'm almost speechless.
But like I said "almost"! So in the name of the Lord - THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to all for all your expressions of generosity, encouragement, prayers, support and love.

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING. And do this for all the needs in your life. And I ask specifically that you remember Jodie when you speak to the Lord today and throughout this week. Pray that she will awake completely from her coma, that she will be more responsive and that she'll TALK. Feel free to make specific prayers of your own! The power of prayer is truly amazing and Jodie is living proof of God miracles being performed daily in our lives.

Take care. Be strong and couragous. His eye is on the sparrow and He's watching over us.

Have a blessed week,
Jennifer