Black History Month - Wisdom Inspired by Jarena Lee
Women have always been vital to the work of the Church. They were the first witnesses to the resurrection, they have shared the gospel with friends and family, provided resources for ministry, mentored others, and were committed to prayer. One of my favorite women of Church history was the African Methodist Episcopal preacher Jarena Lee. Born into a free black family in 1783, Jarena was the first African American female preacher. Though Church discipline did not allow women to preach, she preached wherever she could find the freedom to do so (hint: not in buildings unless it was her home). When Jarena Lee was called, she wrestled with what God was doing in her and at the same time understanding she served within a system that did not allow women to preach. In her heart she wanted to see people connected to God through the saving power of the gospel and she felt compelled to fulfill what God was calling her to do. As Jarena wrestled with her thoughts and searched her heart, she came...