LyricsWell, you began your story as a black servant girl. You dreamed of freedom from your desp'rate world. You went to the creek to drown the life God gave. A still small voice kept you from your grave. (And you were saved.) And then your soul-search led you to seek God's love, and Rev'rend Allen spoke the words you sought. You heard him preach that your heart's not right. And then the Spirit lifted you to claim your prize. (Opened your eyes.) Jarena Lee, woh, how far can you go? Jarena Lee, woh, only Jesus knows. And while you kept your calling buried deep inside, God said, "Preach the Gospel, girl, far and wide." "But no one will listen to someone like me." "I'll give you the words if you'll trust in me. (Just wait and see)." Meanwhile you married a preacher, raised a family. The day he died, God woke you from your sleep. Now men are mortal, but dreams live on: You found your voice, you sang redemption's song. (Your time had come.) Jarena Lee, woh, how far can you go? Jarena Lee, woh, only Jesus knows. So like reluctant Jonah who spoke out in the end, God burst your chains and turned critics to friends. You preached the Word with God's power and might, And black and white, they all received their sight. (Your heart was right.) Though they had told you preaching was for men alone, Through your words God brought the lost ones home. We have no sign of what became of you. You live on in the story of a dream come true. (Come true in you.) Jarena Lee, woh, look how far you've gone! Jarena Lee, woh, your mem'ry will live on! |
InspirationOriginally written to fulfill a requirement for an American Christianity history class in seminary, this song tells the story of Jarena Lee, a 19th-century African-American woman who God called to preach. Her courage to follow her dreams despite widespread criticism should inspire us all to do the same.
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Last Updated: Friday March 20, 2009
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