Jane Manning James
Jane Manning James was one of the first Black Latter‑day Saint women. She walked more than 800 miles to join the Saints in Nauvoo. Despite facing prejudice and very real hardships, she remained steadfast in her faith, believing deeply in the gospel and in God’s care for her.
Words from Jane:
On her journey: “We walked until our shoes were worn out, and our feet became sore and cracked open and bled … We stopped and united in prayer … we asked God the Eternal Father to heal our feet … our prayers were answered … our feet were healed forthwith.”
During trials: “We went on our way rejoicing, singing hymns, and thanking God for His infinite goodness and mercy to us, in blessing us … protecting us … and healing our feet.”
On arriving in Nauvoo and being welcomed by Joseph and Emma Smith: she recalled, “God bless you … you are among friends; now you will be protected.”
Reflecting on her lifelong faith: “My faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints is as strong today – nay, if it is possible, stronger – than it was the day I was first baptized … I try in my feeble way to set a good example to all.”
Jane’s life shows us what it means to belong to God, no matter what others might say or do. She did not have an easy path: she was rejected, she walked through literal pain, and she carried deep burdens. But she never let that stop her from choosing the gospel. Her faith wasn’t just for good times – it was tested, and it shone brightest precisely in times of trial.
Her journey wasn’t just physical, but spiritual: she asked God for healing, she gave thanks, and she leaned into community when she finally arrived in Nauvoo. When Joseph Smith himself welcomed her, he said, “you are among friends; now you will be protected,” giving her a powerful affirmation of belonging.
Even late in life, when she was weak and nearly blind, she declared her faith stronger than ever. That is someone who knows her identity in God. She wasn’t defined by her race, by what other people thought of her, or by the hardships she endured — she was defined by her covenant, her devotion, and her unshakeable belief that she belonged to God.
Reflection Questions
What in Jane’s story resonates with you most — her courage, her faith, her perseverance?
Are there times when you feel “outside” or not fully accepted by others? How does Jane’s example challenge that?
How can you “choose belonging” to God like Jane did, especially when it’s hard?
Closing Thought
Jane Manning James teaches us that true belonging comes from God’s recognition of our worth, not from earthly acceptance. The Mirror reminds us to see ourselves as God sees us: courageous, valued, and capable of stepping forward in faith, even when the world overlooks us. Like Jane, when we look into the Mirror, we can remember that our divine identity is stronger than any barrier, and that our place in God’s family is permanent. The Mirror reflects not only who we are, but who we can become when we trust in God and live with faith.
“My faith … is stronger … than it was the day I was first baptized … I try in my feeble way to set a good example to all.”