Jen Bricker - Everything Is Possible: Finding the Faith and Courage to Follow Your Dreams

2016 by Jen Bricker

Published by Baker Books

a division of Baker Publishing Group

P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287

www.bakerbooks.com

Ebook edition created 2016

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

ISBN 978-1-4934-0529-9

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

Scripture quotations labeled AMP are from the Amplified Bible, copyright 2015 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)

Scripture quotations labeled ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2011

Scripture quotations labeled GW are from G OD S W ORD . 1995 Gods Word to the Nations. Used by permission of Baker Publishing Group.

Scripture quotations labeled NASB are from the New American Standard Bible, copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)

The almost fairy-tale beauty of this powerful and hopefilled story could be anyones catalyst to reach new heights and dream bigger!

Nick Vujicic , speaker and author of Unstoppable , Life without Limits , and Love without Limits

Jen Brickers fearlessness, faith, and unflinching determination prove that anyone with passion and a sense of purpose can achieve their greatest dreams. Im inspired by herand you will be too!

Eva Longoria , actress, producer, director, activist

Everything Is Possible was a delight to read. It has stayed with me every day since I read it. Her tales of courage, adversity, inspiration, and humor make it well worth spending time with her on this incredible journey.

Pauley Perrette , actress, writer, singer

Sometimes people are born under extraordinary circumstances and go on to live fairly ordinary lives. Sometimes theyre born under ordinary circumstances and go on to live extraordinary lives. Jen is one of the precious few who was born under extraordinary circumstances and has gone on to live an extraordinary life. This is a special story about a very special woman. Im blessed to call her my friend.

Joe Mantegna , actor

Inspires in ways that only Jen Bricker can inspire. Shes a true gift. This book outlines her magical lifefrom her amazing beginnings to her current impressive successeswith honesty, wit, charm, and ease. Its life-changing and heartwarming.

Tara Strong , actress

This book is dedicated to the glory of God. May this book touch the lives of millions around the world.

And to my parents, Gerald and Sharon Bricker: this wouldnt have been possible without you guys!

Contents

Foreword

I first met Jen in September 2014 at an event in Beverly Hills. I introduced her to the audience and watched their reaction. They were instantly and completely blown away by her, just as I had been.

It was clear from that very first meeting that Jen and I had a connection. It isnt often I meet someone who shares so many of the same truths and goals: dream big; embrace what God has given you; bring light where there are shadows; spread hope, faith, love, and peace.

I love her relationship with God and how she inspires others to find Him. She does it not just through her words but through her actions. When she is face-to-face with adversity, she never lets it stand in the way of her joy and purpose. Her faith is unflappable. She is grateful not only for Gods gifts but also for the opportunities to try and fail and grow. Jen and I have talked about how we both see our disabilities as advantages. God doesnt make mistakes; neither of us is a mistake. God knew exactly what He was doing when He created both of us.

A story like hers is so rare, and Im proud of the fact that she is one of the few speakers I trust to take speaking invitations that I unfortunately cannot accept through Attitude is Altitudes speaking bureau. Im proud of her for having the courage to truly put herself out there and share her story. But I also believe this is just the beginning. God has a lot more in store for Jen Bricker. Whether shes performing her aerial act or speaking before crowds of thousands, I cant wait to see her soar.

Nick Vujicic

Acknowledgments

F irst and foremost, thank you, God. None of this, my life included, would have been possible without Himmy number one guiding force in all things!

My parents for being total rock stars and supporting every crazy thing Ive ever wanted to try or do! My brothersGreg, Bubba, and Bradfor loving on me since day one (and for not giving me a crazy name!) and teaching me how to hang with the boys and not to be afraid of getting dirty!

To my sisters Christina and Dominique, I cannot believe its been ten years since we met. Time really does fly! I look forward to seeing what God has in store for the next ten years.

A huge thank-you to my entire community in Crawford County (teachers, coaches, and peers) for supporting me my entire life. I am beyond grateful to have the roots I have and a strong value of community from being raised by such a strong community!

Krine, you are the most amazing best friend anyone could ever ask for or dream of. I honestly cant imagine my life without you. I am so grateful God put us together!

Grantyou have always been on team J Bug from the literal second we met. Thanks for pushing me, loving me, and always believing in me!

I want to give a big thanks to everyone who took a chance on me when others were afraid. To all of you angels in my life who I come across in all my travelsthank you. You know who you are. You have let me stay in your homes. You have fed me, wined and dined me, and gone completely out of your way to show me love when you didnt have to. I will never forget who all of you are and what you have done for me. I only hope to return the favor to you one dayand more!

I need to give a big shout-out to my writer, Sheryl Berk. I honestly couldnt have done this without youyou are one amazing human being. I am extremely thankful to have spent so much time with you. Thank you for fiercely being on team Jen from day one!

Many thanks to Frank Weimann at Folio Literary for helping make this book happen.

To Joshua Schreff, my partner in crime, for always fighting for me.

Nick Vujicic for joining alongside me in such joyous and solid friendship.

Thank you to everyone at Reality LA. That church (all of you) has literally changed my life and is such an answer to prayer!

All my acrobats and aerialists, all of you who believed in me from day one. To Max, an amazing aerial choreographer, friend, and aerialist for helping me put acts together and have a place to stay and train!

Thank you to the amazing Jeremy Cowart, who made this beautiful cover an absolute slam dunk. You are fantastic, my friend!

Thank you to the entire team at Baker for being so excited and supportive of me! Brian, it has been an absolute joy working with you to make this book come to life! Amy, thank you for your enthusiasm along the way. Mark, you have been an absolute blessing. I seriously cannot imagine doing this book with any other company. I am beyond humbled and thankful for each and every one of you! You have made this process a totally beautiful one. Thanks for believing so strongly and passionately in this book and in me!