Foreword to Sudden Death: God’s Overtime
Read his own personal story of how Jacob Bembry went into sudden cardiac death at work, was revived by EMS and how he hovered near death in the hospital and read about the miracle from God that kept him here.
I don’t deserve the kind words that Bryant Thigpen wrote as the foreword to my book “Sudden Death: God’s Overtime,” which deals with my experience with sudden cardiac death and the miracle from God, which led to my recovery, but I am so grateful for them, and for Bryant. Bryant has been a true friend and he was there with my family members, my pastor, and other friends at the hospital, praying for me and pulling for me. Those prayers mean a lot. I would like to share another excerpt from my book with my readers.
When people use the word hero, it’s often used to describe someone who rescues a man from a burning fire, or a singer who performs in front of thousands of people. It’s even been used to describe characters in a movie or television series that never existed. However, most heroes aren’t found in a uniform or in a make-believe story plot. You can find real heroes at work, the grocery store, or walking in the park. They can look like an average person, but it is their heart and character that sets them apart.
According to Webster’s Dictionary, a hero is defined as a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities; or a person who is greatly admired.
I would like to introduce to you a real hero, Jacob Bembry. I could not think of any better word or definition to describe his heart or the story of his life.
Growing up in a small rural county in north Florida, I’ve known Jacob for as long as I can remember. After I graduated from high school, I had the opportunity to work with Jacob for several years. Jacob and I had lunch together almost every day, and this allowed me the wonderful privilege of getting to know him on a personal basis.
Jacob is definitely a “what you see is what you get” type person. His small-town personality will make you feel like you’ve known him forever. He has served as a news reporter/editor for Madison County newspapers for nearly two decades and is widely known for his weekly column, “Jacob’s Ladder.” He graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication, and has received numerous prestigious awards in the newspaper industry.
It’s not his accomplishments or accolades that define him, but rather his faithfulness and dedication to God and his family. His passion and love for Jesus Christ is obvious from the moment you first meet him. Rare is the occasion his pew is empty for a worship service. Jacob’s writing of this book is a testament that he loves to use his God-given writing ability to encourage, inspire and shine the light of Christ to all. Every aspect of his life reflects the God he serves.
At the center of Jacob’s heart is his family. He is the primary caregiver for his Dad, Bobby; his brother, Danny; and his sister, Abbie. Jacob’s pride and joy is Abbie. Although she is mentally challenged, this doesn’t stop her from loving life and making those around her smile. Jacob’s sister, Debbie, lives away from home but is a vital part of the family.
But there’s so much more to Jacob than just that. His character is what makes him a real hero. Great or brave acts. Jacob has done something very few people would do; set aside his own needs and desires to put his family first. He doesn’t spend much time vacationing in the mountains, visiting the sunny beaches or traveling to see the sights of the world. His time off is spent caring for his family and making sure they get to their doctors’ appointments and all the stuff that comes with daily living. He gives of himself day-in and day-out to put his family’s needs first and Jacob second. Check. Fine qualities. Jacob is a man of great integrity. He stands firmly for the things he believes to be true. His strong moral principles are based on Scriptures and he strives to live a life that would be pleasing to God. Jacob is a man you can be depend on. He loves people. I don’t ever recall a time going somewhere with Jacob that he didn’t know somebody or spend a few minutes talking with people. He has never met a stranger. When his family or friends are in need, I’ve seen him go out of his way to help them countless times. Check. A person who is greatly admired. Just spend a few minutes talking to his family and friends and you’ll realize he is a person who is greatly admired. Phrases like “that man really loves his family,” or “he is a true genuine person,” are synonymous with his name. There’s no doubt he has the respect of those who know him. Check. Check. Check. The Miracle
On December 8, 2011, my heart was saddened to hear the news that Jacob was in a Tallahassee hospital in critical condition. Just the day before, Jacob and I met at O’Neals for lunch (If you know Jacob, you know that’s where he will be every day at 11 a.m.!) and it appeared to be a typical day.
Around 10 a.m. the next morning, it happened. Jacob literally died sitting in his chair at work. Thankfully, with the help of God and the paramedics, they were able to revive him and transport him to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital for further treatment.
Jacob was no longer able to communicate. He lay in the hospital bed for days with very little chance of walking out alive. Spending days at the intensive care center, pacing the floor knowing there was nothing I or anyone else could do was a helpless feeling.
As I prayed by my bed one night, I begged God to heal Jacob’s body. The doctors were doing all they could for him, and although he has a multitude of family and friends, there was nothing anyone could do to rescue this hero. It was beyond our control.
I have taught many Bible classes over the past few years as a youth pastor. To simplify the meaning of a miracle for the children, I described it as an act performed that can’t be done or explained by humans. During the time Christ walked the earth, He performed works that could not be reasoned by man. With His touch, blinded eyes could see, the crippled could walk, and deaf ears could hear. With His words, Jesus raised Lazarus from death. Now, it was Jacob’s time. Only God could bring Jacob back from death, and only God could restore his health.
In prayer, I told God, “I need a miracle from You; I’ve done all I can do.” Just moments later I grabbed a pen and paper and jotted that line down on the back of an envelope.
Having spent my life on the road playing gospel music, I’ve always expressed my feelings through songs, just like a writer through poetry or a book. On December 31, my friend Ethan Brooks and I sat down and penned a song titled “Miracle” that was inspired by Jacob’s miracle.
You see, Jacob didn’t stay down very long. After weeks and several treatments in intensive care, he began to make significant improvements. Soon, Jacob was communicating with the doctors and eventually came back to his normal self. Today, Jacob is back at work and going on with life as usual
God performed a miracle in his life. Although the paramedics assisted in reviving Jacob back to life, without Jesus Christ touching him, it wouldn’t have happened. And had God chose not to reach down and heal him, there wouldn’t have been enough medical treatments on the planet to save him. God took a situation that looked hopeless and turned it around. Jacob is an example of a miracle.
The song Ethan and I were blessed to write has inspired and touched many lives, just like Jacob has. By the end of this book, you’ll see that every now and then even heroes need a miracle, too. Bryant Thigpen
View Sudden Death: God’s Overtime and other books I have available for purchase
The post Foreword to Sudden Death: God’s Overtime appeared first on Jacob Bembry.
