Jarena Lee: Called, Bold, and Spirit-Led

The Call That Wasn’t Welcomed

In 1807, Jarena went to her pastor, Richard Allen, the founder of the AME Church, and shared what she believed the Lord was calling her to do. But his answer was swift and clear: no. Women were not permitted to preach.

Can you imagine carrying a calling from God, but being told by the church to bury it? For twelve long years, Jarena wrestled with that tension. She prayed, she doubted, she struggled with depression. And yet she still believed God had called her.

Her reasoning was beautifully simple and deeply true:

“If the man may preach, because the Savior died for him, why not the woman, seeing He died for her also?”

The Moment Everything Changed

In 1819, Jarena’s life took a remarkable turn. One Sunday morning, the preacher unexpectedly lost his words mid-sermon. The sanctuary fell completely silent, the congregation holding its breath. And in that sacred, still moment, the Spirit of God moved Jarena to her feet. She began to preach, her voice ringing out with courage, conviction, and boldness. The people were stunned, captivated by the undeniable power of the Word flowing through her.

Richard Allen, who had once denied her call, now looked on with awe and affirmation: “I believe the Lord has called her to preach.”

And with those life-changing words, Jarena Lee became the first Black woman authorized to preach in the AME Church, stepping fully into the calling God had placed on her life.

Her Legacy in Our Everyday Lives

Now, you and I may not be called to travel across the countryside preaching in pulpits and fields. But like Jarena, we each carry a calling. And our callings, while ordinary to the world, are extraordinary to God.

• Think of the mother who kneels by her child’s bedside, whispering prayers into the night. The world may never hear her sermons, but Heaven does. She is shaping the future.

• Think of the teacher who opens her Bible during her lunch break, asking the Lord for wisdom before facing another classroom full of children. She may not preach in a pulpit, but she preaches every day with her patience, love, and integrity.

• Think of the young woman who gathers her friends in her living room for a weekly Bible study, even when she feels unqualified. She is pouring into souls, one page of Scripture at a time.

• Think of the nurse who prays over each patient quietly in her heart, asking God to bring healing beyond what medicine can do. Her obedience is unseen but powerful.

• Think of the friend who chooses forgiveness instead of bitterness. Her life becomes a living sermon of grace.

These women may never publish a book or have their names written in history, but they are daughters of God, carrying the same Spirit that empowered Jarena Lee.

A Final Word, Sister to Sister

If you and I were sitting across from each other right now, maybe with a cup of coffee in hand and a Bible open between us, I would lean in close and remind you of this: God has placed something inside of you that no one else can carry.

It might not look like Jarena Lee’s calling. Maybe you will never preach to a crowd of hundreds or travel the miles she did on weary feet. But your obedience, right where you are, is just as precious to God.

Your “yes” to Him might look like teaching your children the stories of Jesus at bedtime, even on nights when you feel exhausted. It might look like showing up at work with integrity when no one thanks you. It might look like forgiving that person who wounded you deeply, trusting God to heal your heart as you release the hurt. It might even look like writing that story, leading that Bible study, or sharing your testimony—even if your voice shakes when you begin.

Sister, the world may not clap for you. People may misunderstand you. Some may even tell you “no” like they told Jarena. But if God has whispered “yes,” then the most faithful thing you can do is take the next step forward.

Remember, you are not walking alone. The same Spirit that stirred in Jarena’s heart and gave her courage to rise is the same Spirit who lives inside of you. He will equip you. He will strengthen you. He will go before you and stand behind you.

Paul’s words in Philippians 1:6 are for you too:

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

So let this be your encouragement today: you don’t have to wait for permission. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You don’t even have to feel brave. You only have to be willing to say yes.

And just like Jarena, your obedience—whether it feels small or mighty—will ripple into eternity.

Reflection Questions: Walking Boldly Like Jarena Lee

1. What calling or prompting from God have you been hesitant to follow? What fear or doubt has held you back?

2. In what ways has the world or people around you said “no” to your gifts, your voice, or your ideas? How can you still say “yes” to God despite that?

3. Jarena waited twelve years before she was finally authorized to preach. How do you handle waiting on God? Are you patient, trusting, and persistent, or do you grow discouraged?

4. Who in your life could be encouraged, guided, or inspired by your faith if you stepped forward in obedience?

5. Are there small, everyday ways you can follow God’s call right where you are—at home, at work, in your friendships? What might those “small” acts of obedience look like?

6. Reflect on Philippians 1:6: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” How does this promise strengthen your courage to say yes to God today?

7. How can you support other women (or men) in their callings and gifts, just as Jarena’s life paved the way for others?

8. Finally, take a moment to pray and ask God to show you the next step He is calling you to take, no matter how small or bold it may be.