Jane – Part II

By Jenniffer Mann

As Phil continued to provide Jane reassurance, I texted our neighbour to come to the scene. Perhaps Jane was a friend of their daughter and that’s how she had managed to find herself on our doorstep, however, on arrival, our neighbour was just as baffled as we were.

I asked Jane, if she would like to come inside and she responded that she would. As she took in her surroundings with wide, uncertain and suspicious eyes, we offered her food and water. 

“Just water please.” 

“Jane” I asked “How old are you?” 

“I’m 16.”

My surprise must have registered on my face as Jane continued, “I know I look younger”.

I could tell Jane was starting to become a little agitated, so I asked if she would feel more comfortable if we left the front door open and opened the windows.  Jane smiled and nodded her response. In brief, this is Jane’s story.

Jane was put into a home at the age of 6. Since that time, she has gone from one home to another and run away frequently. Her father was a “gangster” and Jane clearly didn’t want to say anymore more about him than the little she had. Her grandparents lived in a nearby town and her brothers visited her frequently. Jane revealed that she was raped two weeks prior by someone she knows but was unable to get anyone to believe her situation. At one point Jane said “I have a lot of mental health issues and I self-harm really badly”.

Jane became distraught at the suggestion we ring the home to let them know she was okay indicating that the events that led to her leaving that evening were all too present in her memory. Intimating that she would much rather we call the police, I left the room to make the call.  The police arrived around an hour later and took Jane away but the experience was a very sobering one for us all. 

After Jane left, we all sat on the floor and prayed for her and took the opportunity to have a frank discussion about the stark reality of life for many children in Jane’s position. We then explored two texts.

“A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you.” (John 13:34)

And the text from Ephesians 4:32: “And be ye kind one to another, [and] tenderhearted.”

Jesus lived a life of service. As we love and serve those around us, we live both instructions. When we help God’s children we show our love for Him and by serving our family, neighbours, and others, our love for them grows. The Bible teaches us how to serve others, follow Jesus, and find happiness.

Some may view the help extended to Jane as foolish and short-sighted, given we did not know her and invited her into our home, however we saw this as an opportunity to help someone in need.  Unlike many of us, Jesus never judged others based on their circumstance. Every encounter was the chance to show His love and witness to others about the importance of being non-judgemental.

The other area we explored was Jane’s statement, “I have a lot of issues and I self- harm really badly”. Although Jane was talking about a physical act she commits on her body, you may be surprised to know that if you are living a life without Jesus, you are self-harming too! Jesus said in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 

It would be impossible for you to leave your house in the morning and journey to  your place of work in complete darkness. Imagine travelling with no street lights, signage or road markings to guide you! The pitfalls and dangers you would encounter along the way would make the chances of personal injury highly likely. Ironically, this is how many of us choose to walk through life. The absence of “light” or Jesus in our life, means we are walking in spiritual darkness, trying to navigate all the pitfalls of life without guidance or help! It’s no wonder then that we succumb to all manner of complications along life’s journey. 

In the week ahead, ask yourself if like Jane, you are a runaway – self-harming by leading your life estranged from Jesus. If the answer is yes, Jesus wants to bring you from the darkness into the light. If you already profess to follow Jesus, how many spiritually blinded people around you are helping to lead to the light? Is your family member, neighbour, friend, colleague, crying out for help and have you recognised the signal of distress?

Let’s Pray

Dear Jesus, You have said that you are the light of the world. Please let your light shine on all my flaws and inconsistencies, so I can be clear on the path I need to follow to find you. Jesus, please show me how to stop self-harming, that I can find healing and deliverance from the blood you shed for me on Calvary. Jesus, help me to see those around me in spiritual distress that I can help love them into a relationship with you. I ask all in your precious name. Amen 

This week’s song of encouragement:

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