Josh Smith and The Sixth Digit

I would like to introduce you to a special man with an inspirational story, one that you will want to be apart of as it is being written. I first heard about Joshua Smith's story six months ago from a dear co-worker, who had known him since he was a young boy. At our morning meeting, where we would share praise reports and prayer requests, Karrie asked us to pray for Josh, a Virginia Tech Mechanical Engineering Graduate, who thankfully survived a life threatening diving accident. However, he sustained a serious and devastating C-5 spinal cord injury that left him with the unwanted role of a quadriplegic.

As our group met during the weeks and months, we went before the Lord and asked for Joshua's continual healing, progress, strength, encouragement and for his family. We were excited to hear of his progress and continued to pray, especially when we heard of setbacks and frustrations, that come with new beginnings.

Just last week we were updated that Josh was introducing a new invention, a ring stylus, that he designed because he realized the great need for the quadriplegic community to have a better way to use keyboards, touchscreens, buttons, etc. Our Special Events Team is thrilled to see what God is doing in Joshua's life and how his background in engineering is being used to help so many people face these challenges with a newly developed tool. When I first reached out to Josh about featuring him in this post, he responded, "I can only give all my glory to God!"

Our team picture below is for Joshua to know he has our support and continued prayers for all that God has in store for his future. "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

The following is from Josh.

My name is Josh Smith and I am a mechanical engineer. On August 23, 2014, my life changed forever when I dove into a wave and hit a sandbar causing me to instantly becoming a quadriplegic. One of the impairments of being a quadriplegic is limited or no use of our fingers. This presents a challenge when typing on the computer, using a touchscreen enabled device, or simply pressing a button on a microwave, stove, etc. That is why I designed the Sixth Digit. Currently, one of the primary ways quadriplegics type on the computer is through voice recognition software. This software can only be used when no other background noise (i.e. conversation, television, or music) is present as it interferes with the program. There are also bendable styluses that can be wrapped around a user's hand, but they are difficult to take off and on and can get in the way of other daily activities. The Sixth Digit is unique as it is stylish and sleek and gives the user freedom to perform other tasks while wearing it. It is designed to also allow the user to push their manual wheelchair without removing it. I plan to primarily use the funds to obtain a patent and to manufacture this product. Life as a quadriplegic is hard but with the Sixth Digit it can be a little easier.    

Visit Josh's Kickstarter page for more videos to see the amazing Sixth Digit in use! Please also stop by his helpHOPElive page to find out how you can do even more to help Josh and his family with the huge financial responsibilities that can overwhelm without the support, prayers and generosity of others. Click on Hanizap to like and share his facebook page and let others know about The Sixth Digit! You may also contact Josh Smith at 721 E 4th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23224.

Thanks again for taking the time to read this part of Josh's story. Something tells me it is just the beginning!

Update September 30, 2015, click here to see how the Sixth Digit has now gone global!

With love and encouragement,

Christina

Stay humble and be BOLD!