First Fruits Friday - Control
It has been almost a year since we met her on the sidewalk, very abortion determined. Her boss had brought Jane* to the abortion clinic but a sidewalk advocate offered a free ultrasound, which she accepted. Even after the care she received at the mobile unit, she decided to have the abortion. She did speak with our case manager and was adamant about not wanting anything to do with the father of the baby. Jane had been trying to leave him. Over time bought on that fateful day, the story would become more clear.
Jane ended up missing that abortion appointment, but she was still set on having an abortion. Over the next month, our case manager kept reaching out. Jane revealed that her sister had died of an overdose. She was not handling it well. She had not made any progress nor taken any steps toward her goal to leave a controlling and abusive situation. It was as if she were frozen in place. She was barely hanging on. Yet, despite her incredibly trying circumstances, Jane was still pregnant.
As the months wore on, the manipulative behavior of the father became more and more evident. He sold her car without her knowledge, bought a new car in his name and “gave” it to her at the baby shower. She was under his control as never before. She received an eviction notice and was in real peril as she realized there was a chance she could lose custody of her three-year-old daughter. She also confirmed to us that the father of the baby was using drugs. Valiantly, Jane carried on at her job, continued with the pregnancy, and unceasingly strove to protect her daughter.
When asked if she believed in God, she related that she does believe, but is not a practicing Christian. Her father had been an alcoholic pastor and drug user. He died from complications of his addictions. Her mother was also an alcoholic.
When asked how we should pray for her, Jane responded:
1) For God to help her make a decision
2) That she “do right”
3) For the protection of her daughter
All the prayer warriors stormed the heavens. Our prayers were focused on her requests. We prayed fervently for God to give her a definite sign to choose life in this late stage of pregnancy, and to protect Jane and her daughter.
Little by little this client began to make positive changes. She was becoming more empowered through Seneca’s life coaching and accountability sessions. Jane began CNA classes at Goodwill and just graduated this week!
While in the office during a life coaching session, Jane learned that she won an at-home job at almost double the pay she earns at CNA! The Seneca staff jumped up and down with her, and hugged her, sharing in her joy. She will continue to work CNA night shifts twice a week and try to build savings.
She has started to work out and quit smoking. When asked what kept her going, she responded, "They do (pointing at the kids). I want to thank y'all so much for supporting and encouraging me. My little boy would not be here if it weren't for you."
Jane’s struggles to leave the controlling boyfriend are still real. However, she now has three plans of action should things get worse and she is applying for public housing. She still makes some excuses for him, but is quickly becoming more empowered to leave him as she will have the money to do so. Importantly, his hold over her regarding transportation will significantly diminish as she begins to work from home. She plans to use her earnings and after the tax season, purchase a used car.
Her greatest immediate need is stable housing.
Jane says that she feels better about herself than she has in a very long time. She is healthy and happy. She has a beautiful smile to share with the world. She looks great!
During the holidays, please pray for God’s protection over Jane and her children. May she quickly find affordable and stable housing, away from her abuser.
*Name changed for privacy purposes