Interview with Jane Kirby

Do you feel stuck in a rut? Are you weighed down by anxiety?  

If so, then Jane Kirby’s new book Few Things Are Needed will help you let go of what holds you back, focus on what really matters and step into a freer, fuller life with Jesus.  

Jane, can you tell us a little bit about yourself? 

I live on the South Coast with my husband, James. We have two grown-up sons (and one who is in heaven), and a daughter-in-law. 

I love spending time with friends and family as well as Jesus, walking my dog Otto, writing, swimming, sewing and running. 

During lockdown, I founded and launched Truth magazine, which is now a charity and is distributed in half of the women's prisons across the UK and reaching women of every background.  

As well as experiencing the loss of our second son, I also went through a difficult season of crippling anxiety. God brought me through and that journey inspired the book Say Goodbye to Anxiety which I co-authored with worship artist Elle Limebear, also published by Authentic Media. 

Why have you written your new book? 

Romans 8:19 says, ‘For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.’ We've been made to stand out as God's children, to shine. But what are the things that can get in the way of this? That's what this book explores - through examples from my own life and the Bible, with a series of reflections and practical application to help us live out what we've read. 

Who is this book for?  

Anyone who wants to take some time out for themselves and look under the bonnet of their lives. It's for anyone who would like to explore how they can fully walk in God's purpose without being held back by any of the attitudes and behaviours we accumulate through life. 

Why have you called the book Few Things Are Needed? 

In Luke 10:38-42 Jesus is visiting the home of two sisters, Mary and Martha. Martha throws herself into hosting - crashing and banging about the kitchen, trying to pull together a three-course meal, growing more and more resentful that Mary is simply sitting at Jesus's feet instead of helping. Eventually Jesus turns to her and says, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed - or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’ 

Martha’s example strikes a chord in my own life, or I could say I’ve been an exaggerated version of her. When experiencing anxiety, I had to take a look at what was going on under the surface of my life and what was distracting me from what was really needed. It was James, my husband, who suggested it as a title when we were chatting about the story and its relevance. 

The story of Mary and Martha sits at the heart of the book. What has this passage taught you personally over the years?  

There are so many layers to this story. Firstly, Martha taking it upon herself to cook, when it just wasn't needed. What have I taken on that I didn't need to? Or her attitude: she's not happy that Mary isn't helping, and she's stirring the pot of resentment. Her vision is clouded and skewed by her sense of injustice. I've been there and got the T-shirt! 

What I love is that Jesus is direct with her. He's not letting her off the hook and for good reason - iIt's for her and for our good. As the Bible says, ‘He disciplines those he loves.’ If he'd let it slide, she'd have carried on overdoing it, over-stressing, and over-worrying, to name but a few traits. 

You write very honestly about anxiety, perfectionism and control. Was it difficult to share such personal experiences, and what gave you the courage to do so?  

Jesus was crucified for me and my mistakes - he did the courageous bit. I'm human, I'm broken, and he's made a way for me to be free. That takes the pressure off; I don't have to be the one holding it together. 

If we can normalise confession and repentance, that would be so helpful. Jesus has already dealt with it all on the cross. He's not shocked, he's not surprised and he already knows what we've done. We have all sinned and fallen short; that's why we need a Saviour. 

I believe heaven gets out the party poppers and cheers us on as we get into the open all that's been holding us back, and hand it over to Jesus. 

What does ‘choosing the one thing that is needed’ look like in your own life right now?  

It's using the tools I write about in the book, but most importantly it is redefining my priorities by keeping Jesus as the main thing. 

Your previous book, Say Goodbye to Anxiety, was written with Elle Limebear. How was the experience different going solo this time?  

I had so many more words to write! Writing with Elle, we split it 50/50. 

It was also a lot of fun writing with her - I loved it. She's so creative and a real treasure to be with. I missed her! But I've come to love the focus of writing and doing it alone. 

Have you learnt anything new - or been reminded afresh about God - while writing this book? 

Yes. He's not going to download 45,000 words to you! (That said, I have heard of that happening.) 

Seriously though, I found that as I wrote, ideas and examples would pop into my head - I don't know what I would have done without him. And when I got stuck, I could pray, and then I'd find a way to get unstuck. 

But the biggest thing is looking back and seeing his hand in everything - his faithfulness to me through the years. 

What was the biggest challenge you faced while writing Few Things Are Needed?  

Definitely keeping distractions at bay. Also working out what to include and what not to include. I do share a lot of my story, and it's a fine line working out what's helpful to share more widely, and what isn’t. 

Did any chapter prove particularly difficult - or particularly emotional - to write? 

I found it harder to write about the loss of Lucas, our son, even though we’ve experienced so much healing. But the biggest emotion I felt was thankfulness for all that God has done for me. 

What do you hope readers will still be thinking about long after they finish the final chapter?  

That nothing can hold them back or prevent them from being who God has made them to be.  

In one sentence, how would you describe Few Things Are Needed?  

A book to help you step fully into your identity as a son or daughter of the King of Kings. 

Is there anything we can pray for you?  

That the parts of my story I share will open the doors for others to share theirs.