A Good Friend -- Jane Levitt

 

In 2003, when Severna Park Evangelical Presbyterian church sponsored fellowship dinners in each other’s homes, we got to know two couples better: Jim and Jane Levitt, and Paul and Lori Crawford.   Jane and I were acquaintances for a decade, and then dinner companions for three memorable meals. She had employed our son, and other youth group members to wash the windows, an act that began our relationship and introduced Jane Levitt as a kind and creative sister in Christ, who never missed an opportunity to invite others on her journey of faith – a rare gift in the church, and to the church.

Lori and I were among the first to hear when Jane received the news she was in fight with cancer.  And the Crawfords and the Smiths were blessed to hear how God had preserved the Levitt’s’ marriage through rocky times. Their candor and conviction were refreshing in times when too many times Christians whitewash problems, or pretend they aren’t stumbling in sin.

Jane modeled commonsense faith -- her knowledge of God, her steadfast belief and humble trust in His provision were practical and persuasive. She was the embodiment of Psalm 33, especially verse one:

Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones;

Praise is becoming to the upright. (NASU)

Early in her treatment, Jane wrote to her friends via e-mail, requesting prayer and sharing more praises as she went into battle.  Her prevailing request was to be a useful witness – no matter what; and her recurring praises described God’s answers. She did not sugarcoat her prognosis, ever. Nor did she permit the cost of her battle to outshine her purpose:  

That's why we live with such good cheer. You won't see us drooping our heads or dragging our feet! Cramped conditions here don't get us down. They only remind us of the spacious living conditions ahead.   It's what we trust in but don't yet see that keeps us going.   Do you suppose a few ruts in the road or rocks in the path are going to stop us? When the time comes, we'll be plenty ready to exchange exile for homecoming.

 But neither exile nor homecoming is the main thing. Cheerfully pleasing God is the main thing, and that's what we aim to do, regardless of our conditions.  Sooner or later we'll all have to face God, regardless of our conditions. We will appear before Christ and take what's coming to us as a result of our actions, either good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:6-10 from THE MESSAGE)

Early in her treatment, Jane wrote to her friends via e-mail, requesting prayer and sharing more praises as she went into battle.  Her prevailing request was to be a useful witness – no matter what; and her recurring praises described God’s answers.    

Her last email of December 12 was typical:  

Dear Friends & Family,
I have good news from my doctor's visit today. The tumors in my lungs have remained the same. They have neither increased nor decreased in size so we will continue with the same chemo this coming Thursday, Dec. 15th. Also, my visit to Concentra was encouraging.  The doctor who evaluates whether or not to grant my leave bank has decided to give me two more months to improve my health. God is good! It's great to be able to share this good news. Of course we have the great news of Jesus' birth coming up very soon! Hope you are all preparing to accept this good news!!
Love,
Jane  

Christ came, and He changed Jane Levitt into a powerful teacher,  gentle friend and a stalwart witness. She showed me how to walk through valleys, in His company, without fear or self-pity, even the scariest one. (Psalm 23:4 )

Charm can be deceptive and beauty doesn't last, but a woman who fears and reverences God shall be greatly praised.  Praise her for the many fine things she does. These good deeds of hers shall bring her honor and recognition from people of importance. (Proverbs 31:30-31 TLB)

So long, for a while dear Jane -- my deepest sympathy to Jim her husband, and Dan and Liz.
Jane's FACEBOOK page