Not surprising, given that her past was full of stories of rejection, abandonment by her parents and being left even in the foster home to her own defenses, Julie is fearful of those in positions of authority. As a single parent, she looks to her friends to provide her with emotional support and information. Julie also marvels at the openness and non-judgmental nature of the bible. Julie states, "I am starting to see a little bit with Christ beside me. He's the biggy - the main one in my life…He's the one that gives me strength to keep on going."Julie appears to be looking for guidance in her complex life and to help her come to terms with her past trauma.

Julie's reading centres around finding answers: "I read a lot about uh - well, I haven't read in awhile there but I was interested in reading like uh - different books about …God and…the bible…" Her home features various religious artifacts, including crosses, statues of Jesus and a wall hanging that reads, "Jesus said: I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me — John 14:6." Unfamiliar with the New Testament, Rev. Ronald Maund (personal communication, March 18, 2003) highlighted for me that this passage is a well-known quote from the Gospel of John. It is often read at funeral services, giving the assurance to family members that if the deceased person has believed in Jesus, there will be a place for him or her in God's eternal kingdom. It basically conveys the truth that faith, which includes commitment and belief, in God's son Jesus is the only requirement for admission to everlasting life with God. In reflecting upon this piece of the scripture and Julie's life circumstances, it could mean that Julie is looking to Jesus to show her the way to help her to keep her faith for a reward in the hereafter.