Sojourner Truth, born as Isabella Baumfree in 1797 in Swartekill, New York, experienced the harsh realities of slavery from a young age. Sold multiple times, she endured physical abuse and forced separations from her family. Yet, it was her profound faith in Jesus that guided her journey to freedom and became the cornerstone of her life's mission.
Jesus Helped Escape Slavery
In 1826, Isabella took a bold step toward freedom. With her infant daughter, she escaped from her owner's broken promise of emancipation. As she later recounted, "I did not run off, for I thought that wicked, but I walked off, believing that to be all right." Her steps led her to the home of Isaac and Maria Van Wagenen in New Paltz, New York, who purchased her services for $20, thus granting her protection and a new beginning.
Divine Vision Changed My Name
Isabella's faith deepened as she won a legal battle to recover her son, Peter, making history as one of the first Black women to successfully challenge a white man in court. In 1843, she experienced a spiritual awakening that transformed her identity and purpose. Following a divine vision, she adopted the name Sojourner Truth, explaining, "The Lord gave me 'Sojourner,' because I was to travel up an' down the land, showin' the people their sins an' bein' a sign unto them," and "Truth, because I was to declare the Truth to the people."
God Called Me to Preach
With a newfound calling, Sojourner Truth became an itinerant preacher and a dynamic voice against slavery and for women's rights. Her faith imbued her words with power, as seen in her famous 1851 speech, "Ain't I a Woman?" at the Ohio Women's Rights Convention, where she declared, "When I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me!" Her advocacy continued through the Civil War, where she recruited Black men for the Union Army and met President Abraham Lincoln.
Throughout her life, Sojourner Truth credited her courage and protection to Jesus. She felt safe among enemies, remarking, "I carry no weapon; the Lord will preserve me without weapons. I feel safe in the midst of my enemies; for the truth is powerful and will prevail." Her unwavering dedication to justice and equality was fueled by her relationship with God, leaving a legacy of faith and resilience that continues to inspire.
