The Day Janice Came Home

1 John 1:1-10

Her bedroom had been empty for three years. She thought little of it, because her mind had been in a state of shock. In 1999, Bob ripped her violently and forced her into undesirable positions. He heard her cry for an end to the misery, but kept Janice in pain until his pleasures were done.

Beating her into silence, he dared her to breathe a word to anyone about the exploitation of her private honor, dignity, and body. He was a man her father thought he knew and her Mother tolerated. A man Janice once called: "Uncle Bob." Who would believe her, since she, herself, could not believe what had happened?

Uncle Bob had come to live with his brother, while looking for a job in the hometown his brother never left. In fact, Bob's only separation from the beloved town was to serve several years in prison. Bob had been accused and convicted of date rape. Janice's father welcomed Bob into the family home. It was the least he could do, since Bob, his twin brother, served time for his crime. And, the beat goes on and on.

Some of you know at least one story, similar to the above. You may have lived it or had a love one to experience such. Too often the experiences of rape, incest, domestic violence occur and leaves a "ghost in the bedroom." Like little Janice, many children switch rooms or residence, when they can. Some seek shelter away from home to keep it from happening again. Too many spend years being pounded by a relative or family friend or some character seeking favors at their expense.

At Monday night's Prayer Therapy gathering, someone asked in response to the reading of Scriptures from Ephesians 2 and 1 John 1: "Are we really saved?" Some would think it is more of a question of safety, others know it to be a question of the behavior of so-called Christians. Ghost come out of the bedroom as preachers, teachers, lawyers, other professionals, as well as, former prisoners, molesters, alcoholics, and other abusers. One thing is sure, the victims are victims of uncles, cousins, fathers, mothers, friends (male and female), and need more than Sunday come to church directives. People need people.

Janice left home in 1999, and her loving parents thought it was because she wanted the experience of boarding school. At the age of eleven, Janice came home for the funeral and burial of Uncle Bob. Three years and Bob had stayed relatively silent in the house of his twin brother. Her bedroom had been empty, until the day Janice came home. In church she heard the minister say: "Bob attended church Sunday after Sunday. He was faithful to sharing his tithe of finances, talent, service, and time. Yet, he was uneasy dying for cancer and asked me to be sure to tell Janice, his niece that he lived with sorrow for having hurt her, and was sorry for taking up her space at home. Thus, he was leaving all of his savings to her, in case she wants a new home." All eyes turned to Janice that day of repentance and resurrection. Repentance, because Janice let go and released her uncle to God. She did not want his money or a new home. So, she prayed for God to hold the soul of Uncle Bob in peace with justifying grace. Resurrection, because it is the hoped by many that there is sanctifying grace for a repentant sinner, even in death. Salvation or safety? You choose.

Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us and heal our souls. Amen.