Faith That Transcends Barriers: The Story of Jarena Lee

Article Highlights:

• Faith That Overcomes Obstacles: The inspiring story of Jarena Lee, the first African-American woman preacher in the AME Church, who defied societal norms and fought for her divine calling despite rejection.

• Perseverance in the Face of "No": Jarena’s unshakable faith led her to continue preaching even when the doors were closed, showcasing the power of belief and determination.

• A Bold Step for Women in Ministry: Jarena’s story is a testament to the courage needed for women to break barriers in religious leadership and pursue their calling without waiting for permission.

• Transformational Faith: Learn how Jarena Lee’s faith transcended cultural norms and inspired a lifetime of preaching, spreading the message of empowerment and hope.

• Invitation to Reflect on Your Own Faith Journey: Explore how Jarena’s perseverance can inspire you to push through obstacles and trust in your own purpose and potential.

Have you ever wanted to do something when everyone around you said no?

Maybe it was a parent

Or a Teacher

Or your Friends

Maybe it was the person you thought you needed permission to do what you were meant to be.

Imagine you are in the early 19th century, a woman — especially Black women.

Attempting to do something that was unheard of.

You wanted to be a preacher.

Not only did you want to be a preacher.. It was your calling. All Call you received from God.

That was Jarena Lee.  She was a black woman in the early 19th century that was called to preach.   Just in case we are talking in the 1800’s.  

To add a little more context slavery was abolished in the U.S. in 1865.

Now Jarena, (pronounced Juh-REE-nuh) was born free in New Jersey in 1783. Not only wanted to preach about faith, she had it. She approached Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, asking to be allowed to preach. The response was loud and clear… No!.

You see women do not belong in the pulpit. At least back then.  It has without a doubt changed. My mother was a preacher.

That did not stop Jarena. It did not take away her faith. Jarena faith was like a river breaking through a dam.

She embodied what Henry Ford quoted much later. 

 “Whether you believe you can or you can’t your probably right”

Well Ms. Lee had the faith that could move mountains. Jarena knew deep in her heart that this calling wasn’t just her desire — it was her divine purpose. 

She waited, prepared, trusted and maintained her faith. It took Eight years after her first request for her dream to become a reality. 

Allen witnessed her powerful preaching and authorized her as the first African-American woman preacher in the AME Church.

There was something hidden in that last sentence.  Did you catch it?

“Allen witnessed Jarena's preaching.”  

The only way he could have witnessed her preaching… is Jarena had to be preaching. 

Image Courtesy of Wikipedia

She didn’t have official permission but that did not stop her from preaching.  Her Faith was not dead because she was working.

Her waiting was not sitting on the couch.  Waiting for a knock on the door.

Her waiting was not complaining to whoever would listen, that if they would “only give me a chance” I could do something.

Her waiting was not her hoping that someone would change.

She was preaching… Where and when she could.

Faith as a Driving Force

Jarena Lee's story shows us what’s possible when we believe in something greater than ourselves. Faith carried her when societal norms told her "No." Faith gave her the courage to speak when her voice was dismissed. And faith enabled her to keep going, even when the road was long and uncertain.

We may not all stand at a pulpit, but we each face our own challenges. Whether it's a career shift, a relationship struggle, or simply finding the courage to pursue a dream — faith can be the bridge between where we are and where we want to be.

What About Your Faith Journey?

Have you been holding back from stepping into your calling because fear, doubt, or societal norms have told you "No"? Like Jarena Lee, your path may require perseverance and bold belief. But remember: obstacles are often just stepping stones to growth.

To help you navigate your journey, I’d like to invite you to explore The Four F Guide — a resource designed to help you create the transformation and align your goals with your purpose.

👉 [Access the Four F Guide here].

Let Jarena’s story be a reminder that when you walk in faith, impossible becomes possible. Keep believing, keep moving, and keep trusting that the path you're meant to walk will unfold before you.

Until Next Time...
Major

P.S. Her faith didn't stop at receiving permission to preach. Jarena Lee went on to travel thousands of miles, delivering sermons to congregations across the country. Her autobiography, The Life and Religious Experiences of Jarena Lee, chronicles her journey of unwavering belief despite obstacles and hardships.