Sojourner Truth: 'When I preaches, I has just one text to preach from, an' I always preaches from this one. My text is, 'When I found Jesus.''

When I preaches, I has just one text to preach from, an' I always preaches from this one. My text is, 'When I found Jesus.'

Summary:Sojourner Truth, a renowned advocate for women's rights and abolition, once said, "When I preaches, I has just one text to preach from, an' I always preaches from this one. My text is, 'When I found Jesus.'" This quote captures Truth's unwavering devotion to her faith and her conviction in spreading her message. It highlights the central role that Jesus played in her life and the powerful influence that finding him had on her beliefs and actions. Truth's emphasis on this transformative personal experience serves as a rallying cry for others to seek their own profound moments of self-discovery and spiritual growth.Introducing an Unexpected Philosophy:While Truth focused on her personal encounter with Jesus as the foundation for her preaching, her approach can also be examined through the lens of the philosophical concept of existentialism. Existentialism explores the individual's search for meaning and purpose in life, emphasizing personal freedom and responsibility. By comparing and contrasting Truth's quote with existentialist philosophy, we can gain a deeper understanding of the significance of her words and their universal relevance.At its core, Truth's quote speaks to the transformative nature of finding Jesus in her life. It denotes a pivotal moment of self-discovery and spiritual awakening that shaped her worldview and mission. In existentialism, a similar emphasis is placed on the individual's responsibility to find their own meaning and purpose. Existentialists argue that human existence precedes essence, meaning that individuals are not born with a predetermined purpose but instead must actively create and define their own existence.In aligning her preaching with the text, "When I found Jesus," Truth showcases her commitment to a singular focus and message. This dedicated path mirrors the existentialist concept of authenticity, which encourages individuals to live in alignment with their deepest convictions and values. For both Truth and existentialists, this unwavering commitment allows for a more meaningful and purposeful existence.However, a contrast arises in the source of truth and purpose. While Truth derives her meaning from finding Jesus, existentialism rejects the notion of an external source of meaning, placing the responsibility solely on the individual. Existentialists argue that relying on external factors, such as religion or societal expectations, can lead to inauthenticity and a lack of personal fulfillment. They advocate for individuals to take ownership of their lives and find personal meaning through introspection, self-reflection, and acknowledging their freedom of choice.Nevertheless, Truth's quote provides an intriguing perspective on the intersection of faith and self-discovery. It challenges existentialists to consider the potential significance of encountering an external force, such as Jesus, in the formation of meaning and purpose. While existentialism may reject the notion of external truths, Truth's experience suggests that encountering something greater than oneself can be a powerful catalyst for personal transformation.In conclusion, Sojourner Truth's quote, "When I preaches, I has just one text to preach from, an' I always preaches from this one. My text is, 'When I found Jesus,'" encapsulates her unwavering dedication to her faith and the transformative nature of her encounter with Jesus. This quote serves as a reminder of the importance of personal self-discovery and the potential impact of encountering something greater than oneself. By exploring this quote through the lens of existentialism, we can gain new insights into the concepts of authenticity, personal responsibility, and self-generated meaning. Truth's words invite us to reflect on our own sources of inspiration, purpose, and personal growth.