5 minutes with Jane

Tell us a little about you.

I live in a coastal village in the north of the Illawarra with my husband of 40 years, David. We dearly love our two adult children and daughter in law. I’m a counselling psychologist, spiritual director, and clinical and pastoral supervisor. I regularly consult on complex pastoral matters having worked previously as a contact person with the Diocese of Sydney’s ODSM, and currently occasionally with the Churches of Christ PSU. I completed an MA in Theological Studies through St Mark’s National Theological Centre in Canberra. I’m a member of Austinmer Anglican church, where I am part of the preaching team, and also lead services.

Do you have a favourite Bible passage? If so, what is it and why?

He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.

2 Samuel 22:20

This passage was given to me by a wonderful friend and mentor, just prior to beginning Spiritual Direction training back in 2008. It is both the truth, and also an aspiration to live and pray into. I am rescued; the essential foundation of humility. The verse itself brings me into the spacious place of God’s delight; a wonder which is never endingly life giving.

How do you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?

I very regularly pray with others. I read and listen to things which bring life. I read and contemplate and pray through the Bible. I pay attention to the created world around me, and to all that Christ loves. I pay attention to the people who come into my life, and to those who are wounded and grieving and anxious. In paying attention to all of this, I notice the utter goodness and faithfulness of God, and listen for his invitation to me.

What would you like the next generation of Christian women to know?

We are made in the image of the God who loves us and leads us into freedom. The Holy Spirit is not constrained by human systems and institutions. Don’t listen to voices which demean and limit the life and the calling of women.

Take courage and follow Jesus into your calling. Allow God to pour into you His life and creativity. Your openness to being transformed by God will enable many to be blessed by you.

What’s one thing that you love about your local church?

My local church, Austinmer Anglican, is kind and safe, and filled with amazing people who live generous, inspiring lives for God. Our motto is ‘life changing love’ and this really does sum up the truth of Jesus, and the hope he brings for life to the full and for transformation.

What did you learn about God during a time in your life that you found hard?

My father died when I was 34 years old. I adored him. I fell silent about my faith for many years, as God very slowly and patiently built a new faith language in me, one that could somehow sustain grief and suffering. This new language and understanding remains a work in progress. It centres on God’s profound and trustworthy goodness, and includes God’s deep compassion and presence in suffering, my times of confusion and unknowing, the paradox of uncertainty and faith, and love of joy and silence.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about inviting people to live into the freedom of God. This involves a radical letting go and surrender – which of course can be as terrifying as it is releasing. Just the other day I read from CS Lewis – Until you have given up yourself to him, you will not have a real self… Nothing in you that has not died will ever be raised from the dead.

Freedom in God can be confronting!

What do you enjoy doing when you rest?

When I rest I love gazing out my windows at the lizards (water dragons) and the birds. There are great conversations to be had with the creatures who share our land. I love reading and writing. I love walking. I love spending time with David, revelling in the joy and beauty of art, theatre, and music, and a great night out. I love being with my family and dear friends.